HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

What Causes Enlargement Of Cervical And Axillary Lymph Nodes?

default
Posted on Mon, 13 Apr 2015
Question: Lymph nodes on the right side of my neck became enlarged in October. In November my oncologist noticed them and sent me for a Cat scan, the results came back with possible reactive lymph node, my oncologist said wait and see if they get bigger or more become in larged. my follow up apt in Dec another one in my right side was becoming larger so he sent me to have an ultra sound. The results from that came back numerous lymph nodes of unknown etology and questionable clinical significance. I went to an ENT who had me do mouth rinses nose sprays and decongestants. Followed up with him 2 weeks later they were still there and now a lymph node in my right under arm was enlarged. He gave me a different type of nose spray and told me to follow up with my GYN,oncologist and scheduled me for a follow up 6 weeks later. Follow up with ENT on Tues and now there is swollen lymph nodes on the right side of neck in front and back of neck, right under arm and left groin, he set me up to do biopsies. The next day (wed) I finally had my apt with my GYN,oncologist who felt the node under my arm and was shocked at the size, he said good that I was scheduled for the biopsy and he would have to wait for the results. Yesterday noticed that now the lymph nodes on the left side of my neck as well as the clavical nodes are becoming enlarged. My primary care doctor says he has ruled out infection and the test for lupus and rheumatoid arthritis have come back negative. My question is what could be causing this. Today my body surrounding the lymph nodes was in severe pain like it was on fire The lymph nodes themselves do not hurt at all. any ideas would be greatly appreciated. . The pre - op is scheduled for Tuesday but they have not scheduled the surgery yet. and I am a little worried that whatever it is is getting worse.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (2 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Cause less likely to be due to Active infection

Detailed Answer:
Hi
Welcome to Healthcare-Magic
Greetings of the day
Dear Ms

Enlargement of both cervical and arm (axillary ) nodes is suggestive of genralized lymphadenopathy. As they are non tender with no active signs of inflammation, it's unlikely to be due to infectious cause. Even then possibility of chronic infection like Koch needs to be considered based on prevailance in your geographical location. Exact diagnosis and knowing the cause can only be attributed by biopsy and histopathological examination.
I would suggest you the following

1. Complete blood count

2. Peripheral smear examination

3. Ultrasound of abdomen to rule out abdominal nodes enlargement

4. Serum LDH levels


Do keep me updated about progress and reports .

Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life.


Take care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak Kaltari
Consultant Surgeon
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
default
Follow up: Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (35 hours later)
Thank you for your response. I had a CBC done and the only abnormal thing was my HGB and HCT has dropped from an average of 16 to 12.9 and an average of 47 to 42.3 As stated my doctors have said that it is not an infection, not lupus and not rheumatoid arthritis. What I am asking is what could be causing this.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari (8 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Exact diagnosis is possible only after histopathological examination

Detailed Answer:
Dear Ms

As the cause is not obvious from clinical examination, biopsy of lymph node is required to know the exact cause for enlargement of lymph node.

As there is enlargement of two group (neck and axilla ) of lymph nodes , there are many causes that needs to be considered like chronic infection : Kochs , Lymphoma.
Exact diagnosis will be answered only after histopathological examination of biopsy specimen .


Take care

Best Regards
Dr Deepak
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Deepak Kishore Kaltari

General Surgeon

Practicing since :2002

Answered : 3195 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
What Causes Enlargement Of Cervical And Axillary Lymph Nodes?

Brief Answer: Cause less likely to be due to Active infection Detailed Answer: Hi Welcome to Healthcare-Magic Greetings of the day Dear Ms Enlargement of both cervical and arm (axillary ) nodes is suggestive of genralized lymphadenopathy. As they are non tender with no active signs of inflammation, it's unlikely to be due to infectious cause. Even then possibility of chronic infection like Koch needs to be considered based on prevailance in your geographical location. Exact diagnosis and knowing the cause can only be attributed by biopsy and histopathological examination. I would suggest you the following 1. Complete blood count 2. Peripheral smear examination 3. Ultrasound of abdomen to rule out abdominal nodes enlargement 4. Serum LDH levels Do keep me updated about progress and reports . Wishing you and your family a very happy and healthy life. Take care Best Regards Dr Deepak Kaltari Consultant Surgeon