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What Causes Persistent Swollen Lymph Node In Neck Area?
Question: I had a swollen lymph node in my neck for several years. It would sometimes change in size, but was always there. I saw an ENT who did surgery and removed it for biopsy. No cancer was found. But within a few weeks, I had swelling again in the same spot and have continued to have what feels like a swollen node in the same spot for almost 4 years now. When I went back to the ENT about it, he wasn't concerned. But it drives me crazy always having it there and not knowing why. What could be the cause, and should I be concerned? I have no other swollen nodes and am otherwise healthy.
Brief Answer:
No need to be concerned.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Lymph nodes are a kind of guard. They get enlarged when there is an infection close to the lymph node. As head and neck area is the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses (breathing and eating starts in the mouth), there is much more lymph nodes in this area.
As your lymph node is swollen for several years, there is no need to be concerned. You have it removed and tested what makes you safe. It can be enlarged due to some kind of throat infection, teeth infection, ear infection. This infection could appear several years ago. Some nodes when get enlarged, do not get back to normal size. And can stay in such size for a long time.
So in conclusion, no need to be worried. However you may consult dentist and laryngologist to see possible sources of infection.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
No need to be concerned.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Lymph nodes are a kind of guard. They get enlarged when there is an infection close to the lymph node. As head and neck area is the first line of defense against bacteria, viruses (breathing and eating starts in the mouth), there is much more lymph nodes in this area.
As your lymph node is swollen for several years, there is no need to be concerned. You have it removed and tested what makes you safe. It can be enlarged due to some kind of throat infection, teeth infection, ear infection. This infection could appear several years ago. Some nodes when get enlarged, do not get back to normal size. And can stay in such size for a long time.
So in conclusion, no need to be worried. However you may consult dentist and laryngologist to see possible sources of infection.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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