
What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis With History Of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Question: I have RA and have had swollen lymph nodes under my arms for 6 weeks. My Rheumatologist said it can't be due to my RA. I don't have any infections. He suggested a biopsy. Which I'm fine with. But what do you think can be the cause?
Brief Answer:
Excisional biopsy is the correct next step
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Your doctor is right. The lymphadenopathy is unlikely to be related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Viral or bacterial infection , sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and malignancy are the differential diagnosis with this presentation.
An excisional biopsy is the right option especially if the nodes haven't regressed in size over a period of 6 weeks.
wishing you best of health
let me know if you have any query
Thanks
Dr M.S Khalil
Excisional biopsy is the correct next step
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome
I appreciate your concern
Your doctor is right. The lymphadenopathy is unlikely to be related to rheumatoid arthritis.
Viral or bacterial infection , sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and malignancy are the differential diagnosis with this presentation.
An excisional biopsy is the right option especially if the nodes haven't regressed in size over a period of 6 weeks.
wishing you best of health
let me know if you have any query
Thanks
Dr M.S Khalil
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar


my Rheumatologist said he thinks it is swollen glands. are they the same
Brief Answer:
Same
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
It's the same.
They are lymph nodes. There may be just a difference of terminology.
wishing you best of health
Thanks
Same
Detailed Answer:
Hello again.
It's the same.
They are lymph nodes. There may be just a difference of terminology.
wishing you best of health
Thanks
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

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