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Suggest Treatment For Ear Pain When Diagnosed With Palpable Occipital Lymph Nodes

Posted on Wed, 22 Jul 2015

Question: Hi
I have a palpable octipital lymph node on the right side which I noticed 2 years ago about the size of a pea. My doctor said it was nothing to worry and come back if it becomes bigger. It hasn't got any bigger until now. However I get pain in the ears while having alcohol. I don't drink much but it has happened on most occasions. Can you please advise if I need to take any further steps?

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
No further steps are needed.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for asking on HealthcareMagic.

The swelling that you mention, could be lymph node or lipoma. In any case, if it is not growing in size or creating any problems, nothing needs to be done about it. It is harmless and you need not worry about it. No further steps are needed.

I would insist you to cut down on your alcohol intake if that is feasible. But it is an unrelated issue altogether.

Regards

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

Follow up: Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (6 hours later)

Thanks for your reply. My question was because I had read recently that burning while consumption of alcohol is symptom of hodgkins. Hence I wanted to be sure if I am missing something medically.

Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Prof. Kunal Saha (11 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Your anxiety might not have a clinical significance.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for writing back. Sorry for not being able to respond earlier.

I understand your concerns but in order to be clear that you do not have Hodgkins, a lymph node biopsy needs to be undertaken. (A FNAC would not be helpful.) I would insist you not to panic. Rather, if you are apprehensive, you might consult a hematologist and discuss the matter with him.

Regards

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