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What Causes Enlarged Lymph Nodes In Neck?
Question: Hi there. I've already discussed my case with a doctor, but don't know how to get back to him. I'm 33 year old female. I had strep throat in Feb, took Zpac, didn't work. Then took amoxicillan, it seemed to work. Then on May 1, I was diagnosed with strep throat, took 10 days of Augmentin. Throat is still a bit red, went to ENT. ENT prescribed an ultrasound. My lymph nodes are enlarged on both right and left at 2.2cm each. I still feel crappy, and flu-like, as if I am about to get a fever. Are the nodes something to worry about (lymphoma, etc) or are they reactive because of my recent throat infections? And how can one tell?
Brief Answer:
hi and welcome to hcm
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Possibility of something more serious is really minor and you should not worry since these are typical signs of recent throat infection. Lymph nodes in throat always become more or less enlarged due to any respiratory infection. These measures of nodes size are not something very significant and i am sure that it will decrease after infection is cured. Of course it would be smart to check wbc to see is there sign of lymphocyte disorder. If yes,then you should consider needle biopsy but at this point i dont think this is neccesary. Wish you good health. Regards
hi and welcome to hcm
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for the query.
Possibility of something more serious is really minor and you should not worry since these are typical signs of recent throat infection. Lymph nodes in throat always become more or less enlarged due to any respiratory infection. These measures of nodes size are not something very significant and i am sure that it will decrease after infection is cured. Of course it would be smart to check wbc to see is there sign of lymphocyte disorder. If yes,then you should consider needle biopsy but at this point i dont think this is neccesary. Wish you good health. Regards
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thanks for the quick reply! My WBC is normal, I just still feel lousy. ENT just called to tell me he's not worried about my lymph node report and that i should take anti-inflammatories for the next two weeks and drink lots of liquids. Clearly, there's still an infection though if my nodes are swollen and I still feel sick. What do you think the next step should be in order to locate the culprit? I'm consulting you because i'd like a second opinion :)
Brief Answer:
Hi
Detailed Answer:
I would wait and for 1-2 weeks more and treat it as usual with antiinflamatory drugs in low dosage. There is no need for some invasive diagnostic tests at this point. there is possiblity of some subacute or chronic throat or respiratory infection and it may take some time till it heals completely. also lymph nodes are swollen even several weeks after infection is over. If there is no pain or rapid growth of this nodes then you dont have to worry. It would be smart to do liver and spleen ultrasound and check liver markers just to rule out hepatomegaly. If wbc,liver markesr and ultrasound are fine,then no further tests are required unless enlarged lympth nodes perisst for more than 2-3 months. Serious malignant diganoses go with weight loss, noght swelling, anemia, leukocytosis and liver enlargement. So in your case, it really sound like reactive lympahdenopathy.
Hi
Detailed Answer:
I would wait and for 1-2 weeks more and treat it as usual with antiinflamatory drugs in low dosage. There is no need for some invasive diagnostic tests at this point. there is possiblity of some subacute or chronic throat or respiratory infection and it may take some time till it heals completely. also lymph nodes are swollen even several weeks after infection is over. If there is no pain or rapid growth of this nodes then you dont have to worry. It would be smart to do liver and spleen ultrasound and check liver markers just to rule out hepatomegaly. If wbc,liver markesr and ultrasound are fine,then no further tests are required unless enlarged lympth nodes perisst for more than 2-3 months. Serious malignant diganoses go with weight loss, noght swelling, anemia, leukocytosis and liver enlargement. So in your case, it really sound like reactive lympahdenopathy.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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