What Do Painful Lymph Nodes Between Ribs Indicate?

Posted on Thu, 6 Nov 2014

Question: I have palpable painful lymph nodes between my ribs on the left side. I've had them for maybe a month. Initially I though they were a result of my flu shot but now I think it has gone on too long. I am a type II diabetic on metformin and Victoza and am obese. I had a normal mammogram in April. My most recent a1C is 5.6 in Aug. In the past year I have lost from 227 lb to 201 lb, I have been an RN for 20 years so my imagination is running wild but I don;t want to get on the testing train either if I don't just have to. What's my problem?

Answered by Dr. Monish De (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
CT scan chest

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Since you have palpable painful lymph nodes for a month between your ribs on left side and you have lost weight I would advise you to do a CT scan of chest.

If any space occupying lesion is found in the scan then biopsy has to be done from it to rule out malignancy.

For pain you can take paracetamol tablets twice daily.

Regards

DR De

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju

Follow up: Dr. Monish De (10 hours later)

I should have said the weight loss was intentional. I have been taking medication to decrease appetite and I have been eating a diet lower in sugar and higher in fiber than I have in the past, in addition to doing some gentle exercise.

Answered by Dr. Monish De (25 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Hi

Though your weight loss was intentional but as the lymph nodes between your ribs on the left side is painful and is persisting for a month if any lesion is found in the scan then biopsy needs to be done to rule out cancer.

If you have no more clarifications then please rate the answer and close the thread.

Regards

DR DE

Note: For further queries related to kidney problems Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj