Smoker, Alcoholic, Lymph Node Enlargement, Lymphomas

Posted on Wed, 30 Mar 2011

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Wed, 30 Mar 2011 Answered on

Wed, 16 May 2012 Last reviewed on

Question : i am not a usual smoker of cigarettes. i have went out 2 nights in a row, had more about 6 drinks and did smoke 3 cigarettes each night. can my left lymph node become tender/sore from the smoking?
thanks

Answered by Dr. Jagdish (1 hour later)

Hi

One time Smoking does not directly cause lymph node enlargement. Smokers will have enlarged lymph nodes indirectly. E.g. It can cause throat, lung cancers. Spread of cancer to lymph nodes can cause enlargement of lymph nodes. So smoking indirectly affects lymph nodes.

Tender lymph nodes are also caused by infections like Streptococci, Mononucleosis, Cytomegaolovirus and Toxoplasmosis.

Lymphomas cause painless lymph node enlargement.

Bottom line: 1) Get examined by physician, and 2) Do not get attracted towards short term pleasures.

Hope this help.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar