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With Lymphoma , Can Lymph Nodes Go Back To Normal.
Question: With lymphoma, can lymph nodes go back to normal. Or do they keep growing? I had a lymph node swollen for one week under my ear, experience itchy skin once in a while, and last night had heavy night sweats.
Brief Answer:
Lymph nodes from lymphoma generally keep growing- in your case a viral infection or other self-limiting condition is most likely the cause of the lymph node
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Lymph nodes in lymphoma generally continue to grow and it is uncommon that they would change or completely disappear in a week.
So, by what you explain, a lymph node that was there for a short time is very likely due to a reaction so something. This can be a local skin infection if there were scratches or rash around the area the lymph node was located or can be due to a respiratory infection (common cold a very common cause).
Night sweats may also indicate fever and that the body is fighting something, but with such a short history of only one day of night sweat, a common self-limiting condition such as a viral infection is more likely.
I would advise you to make sure you keep yourself well hydrated and eat and rest properly to help your body heal well.
If you notice night sweats lasting for more than 2 weeks, if you have any weight loss or if you feel more lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin areas it is best to see your doctor. Please be reminded that soft lymph nodes that are less than 2 cm are most of the time normal.
It is lymph nodes 2cm in size or more, hard to the touch, irregular borders and immobile lymph nodes that can be suggestive of cancer-related lymph nodes.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
Lymph nodes from lymphoma generally keep growing- in your case a viral infection or other self-limiting condition is most likely the cause of the lymph node
Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome to "Ask a Doctor" service,
I carefully read your query and understand your concern.
Lymph nodes in lymphoma generally continue to grow and it is uncommon that they would change or completely disappear in a week.
So, by what you explain, a lymph node that was there for a short time is very likely due to a reaction so something. This can be a local skin infection if there were scratches or rash around the area the lymph node was located or can be due to a respiratory infection (common cold a very common cause).
Night sweats may also indicate fever and that the body is fighting something, but with such a short history of only one day of night sweat, a common self-limiting condition such as a viral infection is more likely.
I would advise you to make sure you keep yourself well hydrated and eat and rest properly to help your body heal well.
If you notice night sweats lasting for more than 2 weeks, if you have any weight loss or if you feel more lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin areas it is best to see your doctor. Please be reminded that soft lymph nodes that are less than 2 cm are most of the time normal.
It is lymph nodes 2cm in size or more, hard to the touch, irregular borders and immobile lymph nodes that can be suggestive of cancer-related lymph nodes.
I hope this answers your query.
I remain at your disposal in case further medical assistance is needed.
Regards,
Dr. Antoneta Zotaj
General and Family Physician
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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