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Multiple hard, swollen glands on one side of neck and head

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I'm a relatively healthy 20 y.o male. For the last few months I've developed swollen lymph nodes all on the right side. It started out as one on the back right side of my neck that's the size of a grape, it appears to still be the same size. However I now have a cluster of multiple pea-sized lumps behind my right ear that I've developed over the last month or so. All my swollen glands are painless, hard and mostly immovable. I've been to an ENT who prescribed me antibiotics that didn't really help. I had to switch to a different ENT that I saw last week and he didn't seem concerned about lymph nodes and pretty much dismissed my concerns.

I have other symptoms such as migraines, widespread muscle twitches and dizzy spells. I recently found out I have a severely impaired thyroid and the beginnings of Hashimoto's despite being really thin -- could this be causing my swollen glands?

I'm really scared this could be cancer... My grandfather died of Leukemia around age 40 so I kind of wonder even though I'm young, it could still happen. I'm going to go back to my family doctor in a week to review my thyroid levels, what should I say regarding my swollen glands? It really concerns me that they are all on one side, painless, hard, didn't seem to respond to antibiotics, etc... this new cluster behind my ear is really scary too. Any suggestions are welcome
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replied March 7th, 2012
Welcome to e health forum.

Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, where white blood cells (lymphocytes) mature and undergo clonal multiplication. The lymphocytes are important for fighting the infection and clearing the viruses and bacteria from the body. Hence during any infection it is common for the lymph nodes to increase in size and also become a bit tender (pain on application of pressure).

Symptoms like persistent fever, weight loss, night sweats along with multiple enlarged, painless lymph nodes may indicate conditions like lymphoma or cancer.

But since you do not have such symptoms and all investigations are normal so far, there should be no need to be concerned.

First and foremost since the antibiotics have not helped to reduce the lymph nodes, you may consult with your doctor for a few tests including a complete hemogram and peripheral blood smear.

Based on the findings, additional tests can be suggested by your doctor.
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replied May 6th, 2013
Hi, i found a month or so back maybe bit longer my right side of my neck (Throat) from under my ear down that side gets swollen.... it doesn't look swollen but when feel it u can tell. keep happening i thought it would go away just a thing wrong that would go but it hasn't... just dont want it to be anything serious... any help would be grateful, thanks.
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