Gland Disorders Forum - Swollen Cervical Lymph Nodes On Right Side of Neck

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Q: Swollen Cervical Lymph Nodes On Right Side of Neck

asked by: macarva on January 6th, 2007

New User, Becoming EHEALTHy

Last january, I noticed a tender spot on the right side of my neck. Went to doctor and was told neck was okay. Had annual checkup in july by my regular pcp. He checked the neck; said it was okay. Towards november I noticed the tender spot more and I thought I felt a thickening or a lump. Went to another doctor, was again told the neck was okay. Went back to my pcp in december and pointed out the spot in which I thought I felt a lump. He examined my entire neck, said it felt okay. Went to a chiropractor who said the right side definitely looked different and she thought she could feel fluid or swollen lymph nodes. Went back to my pcp to tell him this; he felt my neck; said he could not feel any swollen nodes but ordered an ultrasound to check my thyroid. Ultrasound came back with multiple swollen nodes on the right side, the largest measuring 2.3 cm. My pcp then examined the nodes over the rest of my body for swelling; could not feel anything. Blood counts were normal. Chest xray was normal. I am scheduled for a biopsy on tuesday. I am petrified that I have some sort of cancer, even though I am symptomless except for the swollen nodes. I also don't understand how 3 different doctors missed this despite 4 neck checkups this year. Please shed some light on what this could be; I am absolutely petrified I have terminal cancer that has been overlooked.

Replies(10)

debmatt replied on January 8th, 2007

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Don't get too scared. It may not be anything to worry about. If you are touching the node you are irritating it and therefore keeping it enlarged. The fact that you do not have any other symptoms; night sweats, fatigue, weight loss, fever, are a good thing. Are you having the node removed for biopsy or a fna?

Deb

macarva replied on January 9th, 2007

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Swollen Cervical Lymph Nodes

Deb,

i am having a fine needle aspiration today. What scares me is that there is more than one enlarged node on the right side of my neck. I just can't imagine what else it could be other than cancer. What also scares me is that the doctors have missed this all along. Even after the ultrasound report indicated I had multiple enlarged nodes, my pcp felt my neck and said he still did not think they felt like lymph nodes, it felt like tissue to him. I just don't know how this could be overlooked so easily.

Well, please keep your fingers crossed for me. I'm in total panic mode.

Mary ann

debmatt replied on January 9th, 2007

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I will keep my fingers crossed and be thinking of you today. Please post and let me know how it went and what they found. I know you will have to wait for the results-this is the worse part.

Please take care!

Deb

debmatt replied on January 17th, 2007

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Any Word?

Just checking in to see how the fna went and if you have any news?

Deb Confused

macarva replied on January 31st, 2007

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Swollen Cervical Lymph Nodes

Thank you deb for your concern.

The fna biopsy was negative. My chest xray was negative and so were the blood tests. I've been to see an ent specialist. His exam was negative but he put me on antibiotics for 1 month. I've been on them for 2 weeks so far and nothing has changed. My neck is more sore since i've had the biopsy which was 3 weeks ago. I also feel that the lymph nodes are even more swollen and tender. I am convinced I have lymphoma and they are missing it. I'm even noticing now that when I drink the lymph nodes hurt more and I know that is a sign of lymphoma. I'm on the internet constantly checking all the symptoms. I don't know if it is a coincidence that all of a sudden alcohol makes them hurt or if it is really happening. I drank on sunday and it did not affect them; however, when I had a few drinks with dinner last night they started to hurt and then the pain went away. Can the biopsy be wrong? I have severe hypochondriasis which does not make this any easier to deal with. All I can think about all day is that I have lymphoma and I am scared to death. The statistics don't look too good with this disease. I have 2 teenagers, a great job and basically a great life. I don't think I have more than 5 years to live if I am lucky.

Mary ann

debmatt replied on February 1st, 2007

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Hi,

an actual biopsy of the node is the only real way to determine if the node is enlarged due to lymphoma. They would have to surgically remove the node. Some doctors really have to be pushed to do this.
So, you have pain when drinking. What other symptoms? Night sweats, weight loss, low grade fever?

Deb

macarva replied on February 14th, 2007

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Swollen Cervical Lymph Nodes On Right Side of Neck

Deb,

no other symptoms.

I've been on antibiotics for almost a month and the nodes are still swollen and painful to the touch. I've been trying not to touch them but last night I decided to check to see if they had gone down and I think my prodding irritated them more.

Since I have suffered from hypochondriasis almost all my life, I know what it is like to be convinced you have a disease and then to experience pain from that disease. For example, I was convinced I had breast cancer this past summer and believed the cancer spread to my bones. Ironically, I developed bone pain in all my bones that did not go away until I was convinced that my mammogram was normal and I did not have cancer. I don't know if the pain I am experiencing after I drink is the same type of thing because I am convinced I have lymphoma or if it is the real thing this time. I am so worn out and feel like i'm falling apart. I am in therapy but my worry pattern is so intense, I don't expect results from therapy anytime soon.

Mary ann

debmatt replied on February 15th, 2007

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I am the same. I searched for a lymph node in march 2006, found one, found another. Then convinced myself I have lymphoma (this is after being on the internet day and night). I still am terrified! I also think that I make myself have symptoms. How does one ever get out of this hell they live in. I am making myself crazy......

Deb

JBlue replied on February 27th, 2007

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Swollen Lymph Node On Right Side of Neck

I have the same symptons as you. Two swollen nodes on right side of neck. They are both about 3 cm in size. No pain, I feel fantastic no night sweats, etc. My dr. suggested a biopsy but the earliest I can have one done is three weeks away. I'm so scared. What was the final result of your tests? Are your nodes still swollen?
Thanks,
J.Blue

macarva replied on March 5th, 2007

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Swollen Lymph Nodes

JBlue

My fine needle aspiration biopsy was negative. I was put on an antibiotics for 1 month but the nodes have not subsided. The only other symptom I now have is pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol. I have read this is a symptom of Hodgkins disease which I am convinced I have. The ENT doctor said to wait another 2 months to see if the nodes subside. However, I am going to seek another opinion. He did say even though the biopsy was negative, I could still have lymphoma because the only definite way to tell is to take the lymph nodes out. I thought this could be done with a local since they are close to the skin but he said I would have to be put under and it is major surgery. Again, I am not comfortable with this doctor so I am going to seek a second opinion. I suffer greatly with hypochondriasis and my anxiety level is through the roof. I don't know if I anticipate pain when drinking because I have read it is a symptom or if it really is occuring due to lymphoma. I wish you the best. I really think I do have this disease. I hope your outcome turns out a lot better than I think mine will.
Mary Ann

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