Swollen lymph node confusion

[Kiki528]

Hi!
A little over 2 months ago I noticed that I had a bump directly below my left earlobe. I assume its a lymph node. However, It has remained swollen and is often bigger in the morning when I wake up. I also have been getting headaches often, and only on one side of my head, the same side and the swollen lymph node.
I went to the doctor and she suggested I get and ultrasound of it.
What is she looking for in the ultrasound? Are my headaches related to the lymph node? Are there any other symptoms I should be looking for? What do you think the cause could be?
Thanks

[Kiki528]

I had the ultrasound done and there wasn't anything suspicious found. So, my doctor put me on an antibiotic to take for 10 days. With that I stopped taking my other antibiotic per the doctors instruction. I am about 6 days through this new antibiotic and I have developed some pain under the lump. It doesn't hurt on the actually lump, but all around the bottom and sides of it hurts. Do you have any insight on what this could mean?

[goldie7]

Hello Kiki528,

First off, I would like to say that based off of your responses, it definitely does not sound like anything serious whatsoever.

1. To break it down a little more though, feeling slightly achy is completely normal for everyone from time to time. Most often this is caused by, like you said, exercise. Also can be caused simply by bad posture during sleep, etc.

2. Just like feeling achy, dry and irritated eyes can have tons of different causes that are almost never anything serious. And some of the most common causes are allergies, weather, and like you said, contact lenses.

3. Birth control meds are commonly known to have side effects of both headaches, and swollen lymph nodes. On top of that, most antibiotics very commonly cause enlarged lymph nodes.

4. Despite it being somewhat hard, if this node is even slightly moveable, this would almost guarantee it to not be any form of cancer. And on top of that, you lack any of the typical symptoms of cancer.

5. The fact that the node fluctuates in size at all would also indicate that this is not a cancer.

So with this all said, I strongly believe that the cause of your symptoms are the medications you are on. But I would still recommend doing the Ultrasound because it can't hurt. And also, certainly do not stop using these medications without consent from your doctor. Abruptly stopping, or not using the medications as often as told can have some very unpleasant side effects. This is especially true for all antibiotics, as doing so can possibly cause any kind of infection related issue, and for birth control meds, as doing so can cause possible hormone imbalances or other hormone-related issues.

And lastly, please feel free to message me anytime if you have a question/concern, or if you start noticing any new symptoms, as I would gladly do my best to help you.

[CP3kids]

Hi Kiki,

Your MD could want an ultrasound of the area to rule out any suspicious nodes.  Also she could be trying to rule out a salivary gland stone...aka saladenitis, which could explain why it's larger in the morning.  What that is, is a block salivary gland, and they can lead to a great deal of pain and infection if not treated.  I'd keep that appointment for sure.  Good luck to you!

[Kiki528]

Thanks for replying! It's odd cause I don't really have any other symptoms, here are the answers to your questions.
1. No
2. No
3. No
4. No
5. No
6. No
7. No
8. I've felt a little achy lately, but just assumed it was from exercise or something. And frequent headaches on that one side.
9. No
10. No
11. No
12. I did notice that my eyes have been dry, but I thought it was probably from wearing my contacts to much
13. None
14. No
15. None
16. None
17. Nope
18. None
19. Lessina (birth control) and an antibiotic to help with acne
20. It is hard, not like a rock, but definitely not soft. If I move the skin around it it will move a little either way, but is relatively fixed I think.
21. It gets up to about as big as a penny and will sometimes be as small as a pea, but it has continuously been there the whole time. When it gets bigger the bump is quite visible.
22. Nope, in is painless
23. No
24. Nope

I hope this helps you out.

[goldie7]

Hello kiki528,

If you don't mind, I'd like to ask you several questions in order to help possibly find a cause.

1. Is there any pain with the lymph node?

2. Any recent skin injuries or issues?

3. Any known infections around the area of this lymph node?

4. Symptoms such as runny and congested nose?

5. Sore throat?

6. Any mouth, tooth, or gum pain?

7. Symptoms such as cough and/or shortness of breath?

8. Symptoms such as fever, fatigue, and general discomfort?

9. Any genital lesions or discharge?

10. Symptoms such as joint pain and/or swelling?

11. Symptoms such as easy bleeding and/or bruising?

12. Symptoms such as dry and irritated eyes?

13. Past and/or current medical history?(List any previous and/or current known medical conditions)

14. Have you had(or at risk) a previous HIV infection?

15. Alcohol history?

16. Tobacco history?

17. Have you recently traveled anywhere outside of the United States?

18. What, if any, contact with animals do you have?

19. What, if any, medications?

20. Is the lymph node hard and/or fixed(Meaning it is stationary and not moveable)?

21. If possible, how large(or small) is the lymph node?

22. Symptoms such as lymph node tenderness(painful when touched), redness of lymph node, and warmth of lymph node?

23. Symptoms such as abdominal, chest, and back pain?

24. Any unintentional weight loss?