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What Causes Swollen Lymph Node At The Top Of Back Of Neck?
Question: Hello! The lymph node at the top of the back of my neck behind my left ear has been swollen (pea size) for about two months now. It dows not hurt and is pretty solid. It is not growing and no other symptoms (some days it seems smaller). Another one half way down my neck is swollen but barely. I did have a small scalp lesion (for years) that i have been messing with that is almost gone but that is the only thing i can think of it could be from? Or stress? I have no family history of cancer or serious medical conditions and am in very good shape.
Brief Answer:
May just be a reactionary LNs
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and photograph.
To recapitulate::: Lymph nodes ( LN ) at places you mentioned - 2 months- pea sized- solid- not hurting- not growing- no symptoms- - messing with scalp lesion which has 'almost' gone; not totally- and you are 27 with no family H/O cancer
Well, so well put history, thanks again.
This is secondary to the scalp lesion and most probably must be reactionary in nature ( as FNAC usually comes). There is no history of Medicines you have taken.
I would suggest:
*Ultrasonography of the Neck for LNs and thyroid in particular.
*FNAC= Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology to stat with ( will be difficult if the medicines work )
* A 7 day course of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medicines.
*Wait and watch- Action as per the reports.
*Treatment of the scalp lesion simultaneously.
*Continue the medical treatment is the report is infection or is reactionary.
Nothing to worry if it is not a cancer, Not seen a single case of your age and sex to have cancer in this region or in lymph nodes except for the thyroid.
* If FNAC is not conclusive and there is no response to the medicines of 3-week course, go for Excision biopsy ( be ready for a small scar but may not be necessary)
May just be a reactionary LNs
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query and photograph.
To recapitulate::: Lymph nodes ( LN ) at places you mentioned - 2 months- pea sized- solid- not hurting- not growing- no symptoms- - messing with scalp lesion which has 'almost' gone; not totally- and you are 27 with no family H/O cancer
Well, so well put history, thanks again.
This is secondary to the scalp lesion and most probably must be reactionary in nature ( as FNAC usually comes). There is no history of Medicines you have taken.
I would suggest:
*Ultrasonography of the Neck for LNs and thyroid in particular.
*FNAC= Fine Needle Aspiration Cytology to stat with ( will be difficult if the medicines work )
* A 7 day course of an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medicines.
*Wait and watch- Action as per the reports.
*Treatment of the scalp lesion simultaneously.
*Continue the medical treatment is the report is infection or is reactionary.
Nothing to worry if it is not a cancer, Not seen a single case of your age and sex to have cancer in this region or in lymph nodes except for the thyroid.
* If FNAC is not conclusive and there is no response to the medicines of 3-week course, go for Excision biopsy ( be ready for a small scar but may not be necessary)
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Hmm okay- since it is not growing and i have no other symptoms i was going to give it more time to go away on its own. I have had friends that have had this for months and it has gone away. Its that not a good idea?
Brief Answer:
At least an FNAC and few medicines
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I do agree with you.
As a practical aspect: You did ask a query- this may mean you are at least a bit bothered about it.
Secondly: as a rule, anything more than 3-week old should be investigated on a safer side.
Thirdly: there is a chance to get a good diagnosis and a permanent cure. We do occasionally get surprises.
Fourthly: you are just going to have a few medicines and a small needle for FNAC and a chance to get a diagnosis and cure. A confirmation of a benign problem helps to be care-free, isn't it.
regards,
At least an FNAC and few medicines
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
I do agree with you.
As a practical aspect: You did ask a query- this may mean you are at least a bit bothered about it.
Secondly: as a rule, anything more than 3-week old should be investigated on a safer side.
Thirdly: there is a chance to get a good diagnosis and a permanent cure. We do occasionally get surprises.
Fourthly: you are just going to have a few medicines and a small needle for FNAC and a chance to get a diagnosis and cure. A confirmation of a benign problem helps to be care-free, isn't it.
regards,
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
Thanks!! Yes, you are right! As my last question, can you explain the needle process? Also will they do this only after the ultrasound? Is this usuall done at a general care physicians office? Thank you!!y
Brief Answer:
Abolutely painless procedure.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
FNAC :
As the name suggests- a Fine needle is put in the mass/ LN - in your case for about few to 5 millimeter , the plunger of the syringe is pulled out to aspirate the tissues, the needle is withdrawn. The aspirated material is spread on a slide and sent to Pathology Department for examination.
Absolutely painless procedure, hence done as an outpatient procedure. You can just walk away and be busy as usual.
I think this may be done at the General Care Physician's Office.
Abolutely painless procedure.
Detailed Answer:
Thanks for your appreciation.
FNAC :
As the name suggests- a Fine needle is put in the mass/ LN - in your case for about few to 5 millimeter , the plunger of the syringe is pulled out to aspirate the tissues, the needle is withdrawn. The aspirated material is spread on a slide and sent to Pathology Department for examination.
Absolutely painless procedure, hence done as an outpatient procedure. You can just walk away and be busy as usual.
I think this may be done at the General Care Physician's Office.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
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