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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes, Swallowing Difficulty And Throat Tightness?
Question: Dear Dr,
I have had swollen glands for over a month. I do NOT have a sore throat but I have discomfort and mild swelling in my throat muscles and cartilage. I do not have any lumps but I do have tightness and tenderness in my XXXXXXX apple area. I am not having trouble swallowing necessarily but it doesn't feel comfortable when I do. Does this sound cancerous?
I have had swollen glands for over a month. I do NOT have a sore throat but I have discomfort and mild swelling in my throat muscles and cartilage. I do not have any lumps but I do have tightness and tenderness in my XXXXXXX apple area. I am not having trouble swallowing necessarily but it doesn't feel comfortable when I do. Does this sound cancerous?
Brief Answer:
This seems to be related to a recent infection and not cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The swollen glands are lymph nodes that enlarge in response to infection/ inflammation in the throat.
2. You symptoms are consistent with a sore throat, not throat cancer which would give rise to lumps that keep growing.
3. Get your throat examined again. A throat swab and a routine blood test will help estimate the status of the infection/inflammation.
4. If there is still a doubt regarding the neck discomfort, a USG (Ultrasound) of the neck will confirm the sizes of the lymph nodes (there are normally 300 in the head and neck region).
5. Sub-centimetre nodes are considered reactive and not significant.
6. Routine medication including a medicated oral rinse should suffice. The throat swab report will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
This seems to be related to a recent infection and not cancer.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. The swollen glands are lymph nodes that enlarge in response to infection/ inflammation in the throat.
2. You symptoms are consistent with a sore throat, not throat cancer which would give rise to lumps that keep growing.
3. Get your throat examined again. A throat swab and a routine blood test will help estimate the status of the infection/inflammation.
4. If there is still a doubt regarding the neck discomfort, a USG (Ultrasound) of the neck will confirm the sizes of the lymph nodes (there are normally 300 in the head and neck region).
5. Sub-centimetre nodes are considered reactive and not significant.
6. Routine medication including a medicated oral rinse should suffice. The throat swab report will help.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any more questions I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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