It is, of course, not possible (or prudent) to try and make a diagnosis over the Internet. As a general response, however, I can say that there are many lymph nodes located in the neck, just beneath the skin. When an infection occurs, these lymph nodes may become enlarged and tender. After the infection resolves, these acute reactive changes in the lymph nodes usually slowly recede over a period of a few weeks, In some cases, the lymph nodes may remain mildly enlarged and firm for a much longer period of time, however. Also, in patients who have chronic low-level infections (especially in the head, oral cavity, or neck areas), the cervical lymph nodes may remain chronically enlarged and/or tender.

Obviously, chronically enlarged lymph nodes, anywhere in the body, raise the concern of a possible cancer (either a primary cancer of the lymph nodes themselves, which is called lymphoma, or the spread of cancer to the lymph nodes from some other site). In most such cases, however, the lymph nodes will continue to significantly enlarge if such cancers are not treated.

While your history is more suggestive of a benign reactive process involving your cervical lymph nodes, as I am unable to examine you, you should see your personal physician for further evalaution. If he/she has concerns about these enlarged lymph nodes, then you should be referred to an ENT physician or a General Surgeon for further evaluation.

Sincerely/ Robert A. Wascher, MD, FACS

http://doctorwascher.com