Graves' and swollen lymph nodes behind ear

[hey_wave]

I've been sick for about 1 year, and about 3 months ago was diagnosed w/ Graves' Disease. I've been closely monitored during the last 3 months of treatment (lots of blood tests), and I'm on 40mg Methimazole per day and a little Atenolol.

I've developed a couple of hard swollen bumps behind my right ear (lymph nodes?), and I was wondering if lymph nodes swell w/ GD. I have no signs of ear, throat or any other infection. My scalp doesn't itch or have any sores.

The bumps behind the ear are new...noticed by my wife this week, and I've not shown them to my PCP or endo dr yet, and was just wondering if swollen nodes in this area were common w/ GD.

Just to cover other abnormalities: Since Dec 2009, my liver enzymes have been found to be mildly elevated -- alt, ast and alk phosphatase. ALT was a little elevated before starting ATDs, and the alk phosphatase has only increased w/ each of 3 tests. This wk I'm going to see a GI on my PCP's orders due to the liver enzymes.

Thanks again!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

Lymph nodes around the thyroid are common in Graves (and Hashimoto's), but near the ear is more difficult to make a direct connection.  Would point this out to your doctor for evalution.

The increase in liver tests before methimazole is likely due to hyperthyroidism, but GI evaluation is reasonable as there are other potential causes as well.

[alex32]

I had exactly the same problems cause of Graves. I gas a TT and I am Ok now