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What Do Swollen Lymph Glands On The Neck Indicate?

Posted on Mon, 16 Jan 2017

Question: I have swollen lymph glands or nodes in my neck and was told this is a side effect from radiation treatments given to treat throat cancer. However, the radiation treatments ended 33 weeks ago and my neck swelling started only about 4 weeks ago. My radiation oncologist didn't seem too concerned. Just another radiation "gift". I can feel small roundish lumps, one to each side of my throat. They're not extremely sore, just a little sensitive. There is hardness that runs down the center of my neck from the top to the bottom. What can be done to help this situation return to normal? Or even normalish? Just don't like this latest situation! Any suggestions will be appreciated.

Answered by Dr. Hari Charan Perigela (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
You should be investigated further.

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Lymph nodes in the neck are enlarged usually due to infection. Other causes are Cancer secondaries, Lymphoma etc.

I prefer to do an FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology ) of one big swelling. If it is inconclusive, I remove one lymph node surgically and send for histopathological examination (Biopsy). Ultrasound of the Neck will give a clue.

Treatment depends on these reports.

Till investigation, I suggest anti inflammatory tablet (eg. Ibuprofen 400 mg twice daily after food for next 3-4 days) to my patients with similar complaints.
Nothing to worry.

Hope I answered your query. If you have any questions, I will clarify further.
Wish you good health.
Regards

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee