Pain after drinking alcohol

[ItsmeMelS]

I have a few swollen lymph nodes on my neck and one right above my left collarbone. I have had one swollen node on my neck for years. I had it checked out by a doctor a few years ago and he said he wasn't concerned because of the size. He didn't check my blood or run any tests. I didn't question him. For the past few weeks I have felt unwell. While rubbing my shoulders one night after work I felt the swollen lymph node above my collarbone which prompted me to check the rest of my body. The previous one on the front of my neck feels like it has grown into another swollen lymph node right above it. I also have another one on the back of my neck on the right side. I have no idea how long they have been there. The other night after work I decided to take a shot of whiskey and almost immediately I felt a throb in the places where they are swollen.  It also hurt in my right shoulder as well as my left shoulder. It felt like I needed to massage my shoulders to help the pain. I have had some night sweats but nothing too severe. And when I'm in bed at night it seems like my lower legs want to itch. I have a doctors appointment Tuesday. I really don't know what to think. I am a 35 year old woman. This is the first time I have felt ill in a very long time. Am I just being paranoid?

[google_eyes]

You should definitely have an ultrasound done as mentioned above.  If that comes up suspicious then they might do a needle biopsy or a CT scan.  I would advise for a full excisional biopsy instead of the needle biopsy because lymphoma is sometimes missed with a needle biopsy.

Definitely look into it.  Some of the symptoms sound like Hodgkins, but it is extremely treatable.  Try to not freak out, but of course you are on this forum so you must have some type of worries.

[Ken_PA]

Hi, you're not being paranoid. I'd want one of the nodes sonogrammed, probably the largest one.

What you have is probably some strange inflammatory process, because cancer wouldn't spread from Virchow's node (left collarbone) to the neck like that. A sonogram can give very strong indication that a node is benign (like having a 'fatty hilum'). So the scan can set your mind at ease - but then you'll still very much want to find out what is going wrong anyway. I wouldn't just ignore those symptoms, of course.

How large is the largest node?

Try this thread: http://www.medhelp.org/posts/Leukemia--Lymphoma-/Swollen-Lymph-Nodes-after-alcohol-consumption/show/385680

It's not always caused by cancer, as you'll see.