Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck?
Question: I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck for 4 weeks with the one right under my ear being visible. No signs of infection. Blood work was all normal except low RBC. Hgb and Platelets were normal but the lowest I have ever had. Now I feel two firm pea sized lumps in my right abdominal area. I have been feeling abnormally fatigued and just "unwell". My doctor wants to try antibiotics but I really don't see how anything could be infected. White count was fine, no fever, no illness other than just not feeling well.
Brief Answer:
Ultrasound and FNAC
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/52 - swollen lymph nodes (LNs) in neck - 4 weeks - blood work noted - fatigued and unwell - no other symptoms - 2 firm pea sized lumps in rt abd area - Doctor wants you to try antibiotics - but you have no signs and symptoms of infection except for swollen LNs -
I do agree with you but since you are fatigued as well as feeling unwell and the LNs are present for 4 weeks I would advise you the following:
The best way in such a case is to get an ultrasound of the neck and ultrasound guided FNAC - fine needle aspiration cytology. This gives diagnosis in most of the cases and need of actual excision biopsy is reduce- done only when the Pathologist advises so due to inconclusive finding or when needed to confirm the FNAC diagnosis.
Once a proper diagnosis is done the treatment can be specific.
If the lymph nodes are enlarged and sustained over weeks, there has to be a reason, best way is to find the reason/diagnosis.
I hope this answer helps you to get an early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
Ultrasound and FNAC
Detailed Answer:
Hi.
Thanks for your query.
To recapitulate: Female/52 - swollen lymph nodes (LNs) in neck - 4 weeks - blood work noted - fatigued and unwell - no other symptoms - 2 firm pea sized lumps in rt abd area - Doctor wants you to try antibiotics - but you have no signs and symptoms of infection except for swollen LNs -
I do agree with you but since you are fatigued as well as feeling unwell and the LNs are present for 4 weeks I would advise you the following:
The best way in such a case is to get an ultrasound of the neck and ultrasound guided FNAC - fine needle aspiration cytology. This gives diagnosis in most of the cases and need of actual excision biopsy is reduce- done only when the Pathologist advises so due to inconclusive finding or when needed to confirm the FNAC diagnosis.
Once a proper diagnosis is done the treatment can be specific.
If the lymph nodes are enlarged and sustained over weeks, there has to be a reason, best way is to find the reason/diagnosis.
I hope this answer helps you to get an early diagnosis and proper treatment.
Please feel free to ask for further relevant queries if you feel that there is a gap of communication.
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
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
