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Swollen Lymph Node, Non-tender, Movable. CT Scan Normal. What Could This Be?
Question: I have a swollen left supraclavicular lymph node. It is small, non-tender, moveable and kind of "squishy" feeling. I also have a small lymph node on the right side of my neck -- these have been present for about a month. I have not been sick.
I also have a swollen lymph node on the front side of my neck (jugular) that has been present for 3 months.
I went to an ENT who said he didn't feel anything "suspcious" but because of my anxiety level would do a CT scan if I preferred.
I went ahead w/ the CT scan that showed the nodes but nothing of "clinical significance".
My ENT said I could "follow up with him in a month if I want to" but said there was no reason. But the nodes still aren't gone 3 weeks later.
What could this be? All I keep reading about is "Virchow's Node" and how this can indicate cancer. Should I have a biopsy? I don't know why my ENT wouldn't suggest one?
I also have a swollen lymph node on the front side of my neck (jugular) that has been present for 3 months.
I went to an ENT who said he didn't feel anything "suspcious" but because of my anxiety level would do a CT scan if I preferred.
I went ahead w/ the CT scan that showed the nodes but nothing of "clinical significance".
My ENT said I could "follow up with him in a month if I want to" but said there was no reason. But the nodes still aren't gone 3 weeks later.
What could this be? All I keep reading about is "Virchow's Node" and how this can indicate cancer. Should I have a biopsy? I don't know why my ENT wouldn't suggest one?
Hi XXXXXXX
Thanks for writing in.
A left supraclavicular node (the virchow's node) definitely is significant. It is a window to a possible GI or Gynec malignancy. Sometimes other causes can also cause this node to enlarge - the list is too long.
However I would still suggest an evaluation. A CT is sometimes not enough. I would suggest an FNAC from the left supraclavicular node- that would be conclusive. I would also suggest you consult a XXXXXXX medicine specialist for detailed evaluation and physical examination including a per rectal and per vaginal examination. Since you are not sick and have no symptoms other than the nodes there isn't much to worry however I would still advise an FNAC in my professional judgement.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani
Thanks for writing in.
A left supraclavicular node (the virchow's node) definitely is significant. It is a window to a possible GI or Gynec malignancy. Sometimes other causes can also cause this node to enlarge - the list is too long.
However I would still suggest an evaluation. A CT is sometimes not enough. I would suggest an FNAC from the left supraclavicular node- that would be conclusive. I would also suggest you consult a XXXXXXX medicine specialist for detailed evaluation and physical examination including a per rectal and per vaginal examination. Since you are not sick and have no symptoms other than the nodes there isn't much to worry however I would still advise an FNAC in my professional judgement.
Hope I have answered your query. If you have any further questions I will be happy to help
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
I attached a photo.. I have 2 swollen lymph nodes.. I know one is on my neck but I don't know if the other is a neck node or supraclavicular. I marked the nodes w/ eyeliner to show location, I used a red arrow to show which ones. I am just wanting to know if the bottom one is clavicle or neck.
Hi XXXXXXX
I have reviewed the picture you have sent. It is difficult to say without an examination but from the picture it looks more like a posterior cervical Lymph node rather than a supraclavicular. Posterior cervical often drains the scalp , neck and upper thorasic region skin. Often a scalp infection can cause this lymph node to swell. It also drains the neck and Looks pretty benign. With this picture I would say wait and watch. You can follow up with your ENT or a general physician. If the nodes grows or gets tender then a FNAC is required. Else wait and watch.
Hope this helps
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani
I have reviewed the picture you have sent. It is difficult to say without an examination but from the picture it looks more like a posterior cervical Lymph node rather than a supraclavicular. Posterior cervical often drains the scalp , neck and upper thorasic region skin. Often a scalp infection can cause this lymph node to swell. It also drains the neck and Looks pretty benign. With this picture I would say wait and watch. You can follow up with your ENT or a general physician. If the nodes grows or gets tender then a FNAC is required. Else wait and watch.
Hope this helps
Regards
Dr. Om Lakhani
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Aparna Kohli
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