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Hi, I Have A Swollen Lymph Node Just Under My

Posted on Fri, 7 Dec 2018

Question: hi, I have a swollen lymph node just under my jaw and it is there for nearly 4 months. that side neck and shoulder (just above collorbone ) also swollen. Just about 3 months ago they did ultrasound scan of my neck and they said it's normal. But in my recent blood test my doctor said I'm anemic and my inflammatory markers are quite high. Also he said my d dimer is high as well although it's gone down compared to previous results. So he wants to do another ultra scan. What could be the reason? I'm worried if it is something serious. I sometimes notice a little dry around that side of my throat where the lymph node swollen. And the shoulder pain radiate to my arm and back side and head as well. If I rest it will go down and the swelling in the shoulder would go down as well but then it kind of swells up (balooned up) if I carry something heavy or do anything with that hand. My swollen lymphnode is very little pain if I touch but it's there swollen constantly. I've had a very bad allergic reaction last year (don't know what caused it) and it was quite bad and itchy around my neck and face. Although it's gone now I still get slight itchyness around my neck and sometimes my neck sweats (not too much) even around winter times in UK. Sometimes I sweat at night but not every day. I also gained 2 or 3 Kg weight in 4 or 5 months. I'm 33 year old female and I have ashthma, excema and raynauds condition. My doctor didn't listen to any of my explanation properly and immediately recommended another ultrasound scan. I told him that I've done one 3 months ago and they said normal. but he said it's a good practice to do another because it could be lymphoma. So I'm slightly worried. Is that possible to have that even though my previous scan was normal and based on my symptoms I've explained here?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
It could be many things

Detailed Answer:
Hi Asu567,

Thank you for the elaborate history; I am sorry to hear about all that you have gone through.

First of all, the d-dimer is a very unspecific test for venous thrombosis, and if you have had elevated inflammatory markers, e.g. CRP or sedimentation rate, it will be elevated regardless, even when you do not have a thrombosis. Considering the location of the swelling, it could be a branchial cleft cyst, which is a completely benign congenital malformation. If the ultrasound showed a large lymph node, and there is no history of infection of you neck, throat, ears, etc. an extirpation of the lymph node with examination under a microscope with provide a tentative diagnosis.

Do not hesitate to contact me if you have further questions.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Nagamani Ng

Follow up: Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (50 minutes later)

Thank you doctor. Are these symptoms of mine are similar to lymphoma? Because that's what my doctor is concerned. He said it may not show up in my previous ultrasound scan 3 months ago but it can show up now since it's a slow progressing disease. Is that possible?

Also is it possible for my lymph node to be swollen for 4 months for the reaction of allergic reaction I had last year in my face and neck? Or that is also a early symptoms of lymphoma?

Answered by Dr. Anders Mark Christensen (9 hours later)

Brief Answer:
All is possible, however, cancer unlikely

Detailed Answer:
Hi again,

I think it is your earlier infection. Lymphoma is unlikely.

Best wishes.

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