Lymph Node Issues

[Matt268]

I have had a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck for about 2 months now.   Some days it seems tender and other days it seems to harden (about the size of a pea).  I have gone through a gauntlet of blood tests (mono, epstein barr) and had one specifically to test my white blood cell levels and everything has come back normal.  I have also been experiencing fatigue and lightheadedness for the past 2 months as well.  I don't know if there can be a correlation between the two but I have also been experiencing bowel issues.  I have had liver function tests and my enzymes are elavated but I tested negative for Hepatitis - I am not sure what this means and I can't seem to get any solid answers from the Doctors that I see.  I am pretty worried about my health and I feel like there is nothing I can do to fix it.

[helyanna]

Please, tell me what your doctor says about the lymph node. Maybe you have an infection in your ear or sinus. I have had a large lymph node in my neck for years (17 mm a few years ago). It is sometimes tender. I may have some infection in my head, because I have pain in the left side of my head, tinnitus and have recently got vertigo. I have chronic sinusitis, but now I think that I have something wrong in my ear or have a retropharyngeal abscess. Chronic infections do not always cause crlear sympotoms. I am having red cell microcytosis all the time, but white blood cells and CRP normal.

[Matt268]

I have an appointment with an Endocronologist in a few days.  I will update you on the results.  Thanks for the help!

[Paderla Anitha, DNB]

Hello and hope you are doing well.

Understand your predicament. Keep monitoring and checking your lymph node size. Only nodes above 1 cm are significant. Lymph nodes usual enlarge due to an infection. But as the WBC count is within the normal range, its unlikely that it is due to an infection. The other causes for enlarged nodes are tumors or inflammations to name a few. It would be worthwhile to see if other lymph groups are enlarged namely, axilla and groin, these can be palpated, the others like those in the chest or abdomen may need a CT to detect their enlargement. So, wait and watch, if the nodes are increasing in size consult your doctor for further imaging studies. Sometimes a biopsy may be needed to make a diagnosis. In the meantime eat balanced meals and exercise regularly to boost up your immunity.

Hope this helped and do keep us posted.

[Matt268]

I should also add that I have had a colonoscopy, endoscopy and small bowel series done and everything was normal.