lymph node troubles

[moon1967]

     I have concerns about a lymph node on the right side of my neck that I have had for almost 20 years.  Recently (several months ago) after a serious sinus infection and 2 antibiotics it remains painful, feels a bit firmer.  It is  moveable and I also have a small node or two behind my ear both on right side.  Someone told me if you have ear pain or fullness with lymph node you  most likely have a malignancy.  My own doc did not seem super concerned, in fact in spite of it's larger side I have never had anyone get too concerned about it.    When this node first appeared years ago when I was about 19 they thought I may have had mono at the time but the mono test never came back positive.   I had it looked at by one ent then that said I had a badly deviated septum and all my sinus drainage drained to my right side.  , Several years later I had it looked at by another ent who was also not concerned and did not think it merited biopsy.  I then had it re-checked during my second pregnancy (7 years ago) after a nurse practitioner felt it and just wanted to be safe and have someone else look at it.  I have made an appointment with an ent for the 19th of May, the soonest I could get in and  I am so scared.  Because the node has been around for so long I am afraid I am done for if it were to be malignant.  I feel it as a bit firmer but it is not rock hard and moveable, sore when pushed on, the nodes behind my ear are smaller and not so moveable because of location but are not rock hard either.  I have some right sided facial pain around my sinus and the glands hurt when in cold windy weather.  I have had 2 thyroid biopsies over the years for nodules.  I have graves disease and  thyroiditis.  I take methimazole 5mg each day.  I am 42 years old.  Have gained some weight with the treatment of the graves (128 to 145) so no weight loss to speak of.  No night sweats or fever.  Had a cbc and some other bloodwork done WBC and RBC normal, lymphs a tiny bit low (were low in blood work a while back but closer to range this time)  and monos a tiny bit high.  My sodium was low 133 and glucose was 107.  Diabetes runs in my family.  I am afraid, I have 2 kids and my husband and I have had marital problems.  I can't funtion at work or concentrate on my school work.  I am so scared.  I feel guilty being so afraid because I know people face this kind of thing everyday.  My parents are dead and so is most of my family so I am mostly alone.  I know you can't reassure me if this is super concerning but any guidance might help.  Thank you for any time you could give this.

[Dr. Kokil Mathur]

Hi
Welcome to the MedHelp forum!
Neck lymph nodes can be the result of tonsillitis, pharyngitis (infection of upper throat), infection in mouth, caries in tooth, internal ear infection, outer ear infection, eczema, dermatitis, dandruff, breast cancer, fungal infection, other cancers like lymphoma etc. Since this is a long standing lymph node, it could be due to dandruff or dermatitis. It is unlikely to be due to cancer. However, it is important to get this tested now, a CT scan could be most non-invasive diagnostic test. Watch the lump. Do not touch everyday but once in 10-15 days. If the lump increases in size, becomes painful, changes color, bleeds, changes shape or consistency or more similar lumps appear then note it before the appointment. Hope this helps. Do let me know if there is any thing else and keep me posted. Take care!

[happy2bhere2]

I also have a lump on the back of my neck near my ear. I have had it for some time now and the doctors I see are not concerned. I think it may be getting bigger (?) and it sometimes hurts when I touch it. Sorry I have nothing else, other than 'me too'