Cancers Forum - Diagnosing Swollen Lymph Nodes

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Q: Diagnosing Swollen Lymph Nodes

asked by: DoctorQuestion on February 11th, 2006

I have many swollen lymph nodes at first mostly on my left but now there are some on my right side too. I cannot find a reason why, they are much harder and larger than before and I have not done anything different. I recently had heart palpitations without any known cause, as this has happened 4 times recently and never before. I have lost 9 lbs recently and have been eating the same amount as I always do, and no exercise. Often these nodes hurt a lot and my ribs too. It can be a sharp stabbing pain to a dull tingling, at different intesnities. I really dont know what is going on. How many causes are there for swollen lymph nodes that last for over 4 months??
Ex of places: breast, armpit, shoulder, neck, pelvis area, groin, elbow, rib area, back of the ear, shoulder blade/back, sternum, almost everywhere.
Any ideas on what this could be would be great.
.:.

Replies(2)

Dr. Nikola Gjuzelov , MD

replied on March 16th, 2006

Cancers Answer A458

Generalized swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopatia) can be caused by some infective diseases... or by tumors. Infective mononucleosis is typical and is the most common infection for people your age. Painful and swollen lymph nodes are also typical for other infections. Swollen lymph nodes are also indicators of tumors...lymphomas and leukemia being the most common reasons for lymphadenopatia. In these cases, the lymph nodes are swollen but not painful. Some peopleexperience so called "timico-lymphatic constitution" in their younger years (before puberty). A timico-lymphatic constitution is manifested with generalized swollen lymph nodes. The condition is temporary and benign. You can visit your doctor for blood analyses (differential blood picture, sedimentation, serological tests…). An aspiration needle biopsy of the affected lymph node(s) may be needed, too.

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