Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
My 35 Year Old Son Was Very Sick 2 Weeks
Question: My 35 year old son was very sick 2 weeks ago with: Fever 103 at the highest, body aches, diarrhea, fatigue, headache, dizzy spells and felt he was going to pass out at times. He did not eat for 3-4 days. lost 10 pounds. went to the doctor then and doc stated he had a virus. So he let things run its course without any medication. He recovered. In the last 5 days he developed swollen lymph nodes in his groin that are tender. He is eating normally appetite is normal and energy is normal. Is working without issues. No night sweats. Question: Why is his groin lymph nodes swollen and tender? His doctor did lab work today and stated the worse case scenario is Leukemia...…. we are quite concerned. No Leukemia in the family history.
Brief Answer:
there are various potential causes - please read the full answer
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
swollen lymph nodes can be caused by a variety of disorders. The most common ones are benign.
Although hematologic malignancies are possible as well, it would be unusual for them to present with isolated inguinal lymph node enlargement (and tenderness). Sexually transmitted diseases, leg injuries or infections and sometimes hematologic malignancies or autoimmune disorders may be associated with inguinal node enlargement.
In such cases, when the cause is not readily evident, we have to search for enlarged nodes in other parts of the body like the neck, armpits, etc and also for enlarged internal organs (spleen, liver). A chest X-ray or (better) a CT scan of the chest may reveal enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and an abdominal CT scan may reveal abdominal node enlargement. If the radiological tests fail to identify the cause, a lymph node might have to be histologically examined (biopsy).
In your son's case, since he had an acute disorder, the most likely cause is an infectious one. If his symptoms improve, the nodes get smaller and less tender and the lab tests are not suggestive (or suspicious) of hematologic malignancy then he can be followed up with ultrasound scans of the enlarged nodes. If the nodes keep growing then an exhaustive investigation should be carried out.
Obviously, I can't say what the cause is but I have suggested the best course of action - according to my opinion.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist
there are various potential causes - please read the full answer
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
swollen lymph nodes can be caused by a variety of disorders. The most common ones are benign.
Although hematologic malignancies are possible as well, it would be unusual for them to present with isolated inguinal lymph node enlargement (and tenderness). Sexually transmitted diseases, leg injuries or infections and sometimes hematologic malignancies or autoimmune disorders may be associated with inguinal node enlargement.
In such cases, when the cause is not readily evident, we have to search for enlarged nodes in other parts of the body like the neck, armpits, etc and also for enlarged internal organs (spleen, liver). A chest X-ray or (better) a CT scan of the chest may reveal enlarged mediastinal lymph nodes and an abdominal CT scan may reveal abdominal node enlargement. If the radiological tests fail to identify the cause, a lymph node might have to be histologically examined (biopsy).
In your son's case, since he had an acute disorder, the most likely cause is an infectious one. If his symptoms improve, the nodes get smaller and less tender and the lab tests are not suggestive (or suspicious) of hematologic malignancy then he can be followed up with ultrasound scans of the enlarged nodes. If the nodes keep growing then an exhaustive investigation should be carried out.
Obviously, I can't say what the cause is but I have suggested the best course of action - according to my opinion.
I hope I've answered your question. Please let me know if you need further assistance.
Kind Regards,
Dr Panagiotis Zografakis,
Internal Medicine Specialist
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
