Swollen Lymph Nodes in Neck

[robbb0]

I am 43yo male, and recently had US and CT scan of the neck to investigate two swollen lymph nodes which were present for longer than a year in my left neck. Several nodes were found on the jugular(mid) chain, many sub-centimeter and 5 >= 1 CM the largest ones were 2.26, 1.65 and 1.55 CM. They are on both sides of the neck and under my chin as well. Nothing else was found in CTs of abdomen and groin. I have a biopsy scheduled for next month, but have read myself into anxiety attacks. I have read that anything above 1 CM is abnormal. I have no pain in the nodes themselves but have developed pain in the neck which seems like a stiff neck, and pain exists with any pressure from straining or lifting, also movement related pain in neck, chest and spine in the same region. No signs of infection at all, but do have extreme fatigue, back pain, some weight loss, among other varied symptoms. My Primary Dr said since no other enlarged nodes were found in other regions, he is not concerned about lymphoma.

Are there other conditions that could cause lymph nodes to be swollen for this length of time? Should I be as concerned as I feel about this, or is it more likely not related to something  serious? Is it possible to have lymphoma without nodes in other regions showing signs? Are biopsies only done when cancer is suspected? Any other info or suggestions are welcomed, I am not usually one to worry about such things, but for whatever reason this has me having some anxiety waiting for the biopsy.

[flsun1]

Hello, everyone. It started in 2003 where I kept feeling like I had some lumps under my chin.  I could not actually feel them with my hands, but kind of felt like there were some lumps there like when I would turn my head sometimes, or lift my head up.  I didn't really know if maybe it was my imagination.  I went to my Primary care physician, and told him my concern.  He felt my neck and referred me to get checked, mainly to ease my concern about it as he said he could barely feel them himself.  In December of 2003, I ended up having a CAT scan done of my lymph nodes in my neck and under my chin.  I was told that one of them was just over 1 cm, and that was a need for concern, so the radiologist had recommended I get a needle biopsy done of the largest lymph node.  

However, a few weeks later, when I went to the surgeon for the biopsy, the surgeon would not do the biopsy after looking at my CAT scan x-rays.  He said that I had several enlarged lymph nodes and he would not know which one to biopsy.  Being that several were larger than normal, he suspected that I could be one of those people that just happen to have larger lymph nodes.  He wanted me to wait 6 months and get another CAT scan, and then compare the two to see if there was any changes.  Well, because I am so nervous about all the radiation from a doing a CAT scan again, and the fact that my nodes were not bothering me, I never followed through.  Now, here it is 6 years later.  I really do not have any of the symptoms for lymphoma or cancer, but I know there sometimes is no symptoms.  I mean, I have woken up a few times with being very sweaty, but I think it was just because the air conditioner was off and the room became warm. My back might have been wet, but my whole body wasn't drenched.  I definately do not have a weight loss problem or loss of appetite.  And really none of the other symptoms.  I do have an itchy back that really itches sometimes, but it is not like chronic all day long type itching.

Over the 6 years, every year I went to my Gynecologist and primary care doctor for regular check-ups, blood tests, urine tests and no mention when they felt my neck that something was wrong.  Anyway, today I went to the Gynecologist, and I was talking about the lymph nodes from years ago, and when she felt my neck, she said that she felt an enlarged lymph node on my neck, just under my chin area.  She thinks it is reason for concern and now I have an appt. to see my primary doctor to check it, and possibly refer me to a surgeon to look at it or for another CAT scan to be done.  I personally feel that if it was lymphoma or another type of cancer causing the lymph nodes to be enlarged in 2003, that over 6 years time I would have some symptoms, the cancer would have spread, lymph nodes would have become larger, or something.  However, my gynecologist disagreed and said I don't know for sure until I have it checked out.  I guess it could be possible for it to be a very slow progressing cancer, where I would still have no symptoms, but I am wondering how common that is?  Wouldn't the cancer or lymphoma be much worse after 6 years?  Does anyone know about this?  Do you think I have reason to be worried about having lymphoma?    

  

[JMC1996]

Okay i have 1 swollen lymph node of back of my neck ... i went to the dermotlogist and she check it out and she said it appears to be alittle swollen so yeah ... anyway she said does it hurt ? and i said no and she was like okay then  i'd just leave it alone ... anyway what could this be ? its been swollen for like 1 month it doesnt even hurt but i crack my neck alot and stuff like tht could it be because of tht ? do i have cancer ? HIV or something like tht ... its just kind of weird ... oh yeah and like i have bad acne well had bad acne and im on antibiotics and Vitiamn C could like the antibiotics like cause the lypmh node to like inflame or whatever it doesnt even hurt when i touch it ... WHAT is this ? plz and she just said leave it alone oh and also like acouple months ago i had like a really bad head injurie could this be from tht ?

[supercross]

I don't mean to scare you but I think yours needs to be looked at thoroughly given the pains you are having on some areas of your body and your family history of cancer. Whatever it is let's just hope it's not as serious as cancer. My doctor said some nodes don't shrink back after it swells but that theory doesn't make me feel better. I will see another doctor who will do a thorough laboratory check and not just by feeling my nodes with a hand. I've read CT scans will reveal other nodes that have swelled that are not visible from the outside. Also biopsies on the nodes are almost very certain ways to figure out if the nodes are malignant or not. These tests are very costly though if your insurance doesn't cover it but it's a pretty sure way to answer your questions. To worry more or no more, depends on the outcome of the tests but these awareness are the first steps to survival if indeed it is worse.
Like you, it is somewhat a relief to hear from a doctor that there is nothing to worry about but pains and lumps suggest that there is something wrong elsewhere. I suggest you go for a second opinion like what I am planning. I know you're also worried but keeping a positive outlook over these things would help take away your stress and a bit of worries. Good luck

I hope this helps

[CharlieVZ]

Hi I'm 29 year old female. Ive been experiencing a lot of similar symptoms. They include:

Extreme Fatigue
Dizziness/Vertigo
Nausea
Back Pain
Gastrointestinal problems.
Spontaneous vomiting/sudden nausea.
Ive had 2 small enlarged movable lymph nodes on the left side of my neck for about three years. Sometimes they got a little bigger but shrunk back (but still litlle enlarged). About 3 month ago i found 2 enlarged movable lymph nodes on the side of my body next to my right brest. I had an US done and they said there was nothing to worry about. But i'm scared. My whole right side of my body hurts. Pte pain goes to my right shoulder and arm, also my upper and right side of the back (feels like a pinched nerve there). My ribbs are tender to touch and my chest and abdomen hurts.
My questions are: does it make any difference when theyre movable asnd smooth? Woe accurate is US? I dont want to panic and have them removed, but the pain is bothering me and my mom has a brest cancer so im worried i could have it too. Also the nodes are not going away (but not growing either). Is that possible that perfectly fine nodes would never shrink back? Im really worried. Any reply would be appreciated.
Ch.

[supercross]

Hi,

Blood test came and everything is normal including kidney. I'm happy to know but still want answers lymph node never shrinked back. I'm planning to have it looked by an ENT doc, I may insist biopsy this time and have it removed the best way.

Thanks

[ahhh803]

i have had swollen lymph through my body for 3 years now. i had one removed to check it about 1 1/2 yrs ago and they said it was reactive but not cancer. i have had weight loss  over the 3 years i went from 125 to 110-113, i have night sweats bad but not quite every night, sometimes nausea and in the last  month i have noticed lots of hair loss. i have been tested for hiv and hep. my white cell count is elevated but they dont feel its enough to give antibiotics... and ideas?