This might be a dumb question but.... - Lymphomas Message Board

nanci2539 · 05-18-2004, 10:31 AM

Some of the long timers have responded to me about this pea size node I've had since last November that I noticed when I had a bad cold. In January, i went to a surgeon who called it a reactive node but took a chest xray anyway. It was fine.

Well it's May and I still have it. Along with this node, I've been feeling discomfort in my neck, almost like a muscle pull. I do work out with light weights and bands a few times a week and when I do, I feel the soreness which almost feels like warmth, sometimes my neck gets itchy on that side, just an itch, not a rash thing.

Now this is the dumb question -- could I have something pressing on a nerve which is associated with this node? I read on the board that pea size nodes are normal, especially with no other symptoms which I don't have. But I've also heard things in the past about tumors pressing on nerves. I don't feel a swelling, just a soreness and I'm trying not to touch it a hundred times a day.
But it's on my mind - any comments? Is soreness a sign of anything serious?

ysco · 05-18-2004, 12:52 PM

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Originally Posted by nanci2539

Now this is the dumb question -- could I have something pressing on a nerve which is associated with this node?

To my understanding, this would be extremely unlikely considering the size of the node.

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I read on the board that pea size nodes are normal, especially with no other symptoms which I don't have. But I've also heard things in the past about tumors pressing on nerves. I don't feel a swelling, just a soreness and I'm trying not to touch it a hundred times a day.
But it's on my mind - any comments? Is soreness a sign of anything serious?

Yes, pea size nodes are normal indeed. I'll try to give you a simple example: If the node was lymphoma, it would continue to enlarge. Usually, when cancerous nodes or other tumors reach very large sizes, they may be pressing on the nearby nerves. IF this was the case, you'd have a large swelling at your node site and you would probably also experience pressure at this area. It's completely illogical that pea size nodes would be pressing on nerves.

As a rule, sore or painful nodes are usually a GOOD sign and most often indicate a reactive process, while painless and continuously enlarging nodes may be sign of something serious.

Nanci, I honestly don't think you got anything to worry about. If you continue to touch and think of this node you may not stop having these false feelings that something is not right with it. I heard some opinions that pressing your nodes may actually cause them to stay enlarged. But in your case I woulnd't even say the node is enlarged - it sounds completely normal.

That's all I can tell, perhaps you need some kind of consulting to get this over with. Or maybe it would be a good idea you set an appointment with another doctor to tell you it's nothing to worry about, just in case this would give you the worthwhile peace of mind.

nanci2539 · 05-19-2004, 07:21 AM

Thanks YSCO, I was hoping you would respond - are you a medical person? You seem to have lots of wisdom and a comforting way about you.

I guess Im sensitive to cancer, compared to most of the population.

The doctor called it a reactive node, I understand this and feel that my work out regimen is contributing to the soreness. I only work out four times a week, twice with weights so I'm no guru in terms of fitness but I try.

There is no hard fast rule as to how long a "reactive" node is suppose to be with you. Whatever caused it is long gone so if it's reacting, what is it reacting to?

I understand your suggetion about seeking outside guidance and if my neck wasn't sore, I probably would not be paying much attention - the soreness is not even in the same area as the node.

I now lymphoma swelling is not small, it's definately can be seen and felt but I never knew if it started off as this little thing and just grew.

When I see the doctor again, I'll ask how long does a reactive node stay with you? Or if you know and don't mind posting, that would be great. Maybe others have the same question. You mention that nodes that are pea size are normal - would the doctor not say, it's a normal node instead of a reactive node. Because I can't think of what I am reacting to other than daily stuff.

I hope I'm not being a pain in the butt here but I am impresssed with your knowledge.

ysco · 05-19-2004, 12:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by nanci2539

Thanks YSCO, I was hoping you would respond - are you a medical person? You seem to have lots of wisdom and a comforting way about you.

No problem, I am here to share and learn information. I'm glad if it helps.
I am in a way - Not necessarily in this topic. I'm just someone who read a lot after having similiar experiences as many people on this board had!

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I guess Im sensitive to cancer, compared to most of the population.

I haven't heard of this term "sensitive to cancer" other than in the sense of genetics. I would rather call it hypochondria... I guess everyone is in a way when it comes to cancer or other dreadful diseases. Nobody really can blame you especially considering your unfortunate past experiences.

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The doctor called it a reactive node, I understand this and feel that my work out regimen is contributing to the soreness. I only work out four times a week, twice with weights so I'm no guru in terms of fitness but I try.

There is no hard fast rule as to how long a "reactive" node is suppose to be with you. Whatever caused it is long gone so if it's reacting, what is it reacting to?

It may be post-reactive node, which means it was reacting to some infectious agents in the past. Once these whatever agents are eliminated by the body's natural defense (lymphatic system) in conjunction with antibiotics or without, the reactive nodes which swelled as part of the immune response usually subside in a variable period of time. It may take them weeks, months, or even years - especially if the infection is not completely resolved or there is an ongoing exposure to additional infectious agents.

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I understand your suggetion about seeking outside guidance and if my neck wasn't sore, I probably would not be paying much attention - the soreness is not even in the same area as the node.

My suggestion doesn't necessarily have anything to do with soreness. Post-reactive nodes are not supposed to bug you unless you really mess (e.g. squeeze or touch) with them a lot. Then they can cause pain and/or discomfort AND actually swell even further... they are pretty sensitive.

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I now lymphoma swelling is not small, it's definately can be seen and felt but I never knew if it started off as this little thing and just grew.

Lymphoma and other cancers start as one single cell gets damaged and turn malignant, subsequently multiples quickly to form a tumor which may spread to other part of the body (metastasis). So in the very beginning of this process you don't expect any obvious external signs of 1 single cell, do you?

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When I see the doctor again, I'll ask how long does a reactive node stay with you? Or if you know and don't mind posting, that would be great. Maybe others have the same question. You mention that nodes that are pea size are normal - would the doctor not say, it's a normal node instead of a reactive node. Because I can't think of what I am reacting to other than daily stuff.

I hope I'm not being a pain in the butt here but I am impresssed with your knowledge.

Yes, you should ask your doctor this question if this issue still bothers you.
As mentioned above, this really varies greatly between people and no one can give you an exact answer to this question. I'll give you an example: When you start a fire, can you tell exactly when will it fade away without observing it? You know it will fade away eventually, but without your attention more woods may be added to the fire as it continues to burn. Post-reactive lymph nodes are like the smoke after the fire. If the fire (or infection) had magnitude or was prolonged, the smoke (or node swelling) will take longer to clear. With some exception as the body is not as predictable as a limited fire.

In your case from your description, my impression is your node is not even reactive or post-reactive anymore, just a normal one. Nodes are supposed to be about pea-sized, it is mentioned everywhere in the literature. Some may be palpable and some not, depends on the body structure. You may be getting this false impression it's larger than what it really is since you're obsessed with it (and obsessively touching it). Your doctor probably knows better than me, but it's possible it was reactive by the time you met him or her, or maybe still is. Some infectious organisms like bacteria and viruses are slightly too small for you to notice if you're exposed to them or not.

You can ask whatever is on your mind, even if it sounds silly. There are no restrictions of this type on this site. I will be glad to help and share more info when I can.

nanci2539 · 05-20-2004, 08:12 AM

Thanks again. I am not going to get consumed with this any longer - you're right! When I say sensitive to cancer, what I mean is I lost my first husband to Hodgkins and have several friends who have lymphomas and one with CLL.
So, I think everything is cancer!

I know better, truly I do, I have helped so many with referrals to top doctors to researching new treatments but when it comes to myself, I become paralyzed with unncessary fear after I caution others not to let fear get in the way - strange!

So I guess I should take my own advise, don't look for things that aren't there!

But I thank you for your response and if it's around in a few months when I see my doctor, I'll point it out.