lymph node issue...allergies or something worse? - Allergies Message Board

serpentgirl · 08-09-2007, 06:49 AM

Thank you for reading this.

Here is my story. About 5 years ago I noticed a small (about 1 cm), hard lymph node on the left side of my neck next to my throat. About a year later a slightly smaller hard one developed on top of it. Maybe a year after that, a few more rubbery nodes ranging from about 0.5 to 1.5 cm developed on the right side of my neck right under the jawline. I went to the doctor and he said I was probably fine but ordered a CBC test to ease my mind. The test came back fine. What I should mention is that I have bad allergies. I have a year-round post nasal drip and have to blow my nose more than most people. The concensus back then was that these nodes enlarged because of my allergies. Since then, I've exhibited no other symptoms of lymphoma and the nodes have not grown. I've also had my GYN feel my nodes at my annual check and she never seemed concerned. However, recently I noticed two new ones, about 1.3 to 1.5 cm under the left side of my jaw line. I know the only way to know for sure is to request a biopsy, but I don't want to worry if it really doesn't seem like a problem. I'm a huge worrier when it comes to health stuff. Should be I concerned?

serpentgirl · 08-14-2007, 06:51 AM

..........Anyone?

SentenceDoing · 08-14-2007, 12:43 PM

Have you ever been tested for Epstein-Barr Virus? I had swollen lymph nodes from that.

index.html · 08-14-2007, 01:51 PM

If those are the only swollen nodes you have and your doctor isn't concerned, chances are that it's nothing to worry about.

One question, though. Do you floss your teeth every day? Gingivitis can cause those particular nodes to be swollen.

5han · 08-14-2007, 11:44 PM

I've had a one inch swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck, a bit smaller one on the left side, one in my arm pit, and one in my breast swollen for about 10 years, and I'm 20. I had a ct scan for the ones in my neck and and there was no concern. I had a dermatologist and my gyno look at the other two and they weren't concerned either. If you have a lot of allergies I believe the allergic symptoms are your body's immune system response, which may often include swollen lymph nodes. It might just be a symptom of your allergies. A lot of people get mysterious swollen lumps and bumps and its the doctors job to know when its something more serious. Lymphoma is a scary thought because it occurs in people our age at times, but I since you asked your doctor for a blood test and that came back fine, you're probably perfect. That's what I did to ease my worries about it. Most likely it's just your natural immune response to your allergies... and no more urgent than the post nasal drip you're experiencing. Talk to your doctor about your worries though. Beg him to do some tests to clear your mind. They won't think you're crazy. It's important to have your anxiety over these symptoms eased and they know that.