OpenHealth Q&A

Thoughts on Lymph Node Swelling

Hello, I’m a 20-year-old male weighing 147 pounds. At present, I’m taking Nexium along with antacids whenever I eat. I’m planning to schedule a doctor’s visit soon; however, I’m seeking some insight regarding swollen lymph nodes in the meantime. For about seven years, I’ve had several lymph nodes that are movable, soft to slightly rubbery, and non-painful, which are enlarged. Driven by my anxiety, I often check them and have discovered around twelve more that I can feel. The original nodes I mentioned haven’t shown significant growth or alteration over the years. Notably, these nodes are mostly symmetrical, appearing in similar spots on both sides but differing in size between the right and left. I have experienced no additional symptoms and feel like I’m currently in peak health. One particular node that caught my attention is located near my right collarbone. It was notably swollen and painful after receiving a Covid vaccine but quickly returned to its normal enlarged condition. Additionally, I notice that the sizes of these nodes tend to vary throughout the day, with some appearing smaller and softer. Recently, I discovered two additional nodes positioned just in front of my sternocleidomastoid muscle, tucked behind my jawbone. The node on the right feels about the size of a small grape, and I can easily move it beneath my skin. The second node is elongated and mobile, though it has a firmer texture and was recently tender. Furthermore, there are swollen, very mobile nodes located in front of my ears, particularly on the side where the firmer node is situated. A few days ago, I woke up to find that the nodes in front of my ears were sore, although they have calmed down since then. I’m unsure if there’s any connection. I tend to discover more nodes when I examine too much, but I’m actively trying to reduce this habit as I recognize my anxiety about health (I have been diagnosed with Generalized Anxiety Disorder according to my therapist). I can’t help but worry whether this might indicate a slow-growing form of lymphoma, like NHPHL. I’ve reasoned that if it were a more common type typically seen in individuals my age, I would likely have experienced some growth or other symptoms by this point? Also, does NHPHL typically present significant growth or progression over time? As I mentioned, I have numerous enlarged nodes that are all mobile, soft, and don’t appear to have changed in size (given how often I check, I’d imagine I’d notice if they had). What potential explanations can you offer as a healthcare professional? Have you encountered similar cases in your work before? I greatly appreciate your insights!

Answers (1)

6/21/2025, 5:30:52 AM

OpenHealth AI

It’s understandable to be concerned about swollen lymph nodes, especially with a background of anxiety that seems to make health-related worries more pronounced. Based on your description, there are several important considerations around your lymph node swelling.

Main Points

1. Characteristics of Lymph Nodes: The characteristics you describe—movable, soft to slightly rubbery, and non-painful—are generally reassuring and suggest benign causes.
2. No Significant Change: The fact that these nodes have been present for years without significant changes in size or the appearance of other alarming symptoms (like weight loss, night sweats, or persistent fevers) also leans towards a non-serious underlying cause.
3. Possible Causes of Swelling: Swollen lymph nodes can result from many reasons, including infections (like viral infections), inflammation, and benign conditions, especially if they're not painful and stable over time.

Explanation

Lymph nodes serve as filters for the body's immune responses, so it’s common for them to enlarge in response to infections, illnesses, or even vaccinations. In your case, the soft, mobile nodes in symmetrical locations and years of stable size suggest they may simply be responding to past infections or benign conditions rather than indicating a serious illness like lymphoma.

As for non-Hodgkin’s primary lymphoma (NHPHL) specifically, while some types can develop without severe symptoms early on, they usually present with notable progression in size and other systemic symptoms. The lack of significant growth you’ve noted over several years is less characteristic of malignancy.

Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on the nodes, particularly any changes in size or tenderness over time. Note if you develop new symptoms, like unexplained weight loss or ongoing fevers, which would warrant more immediate concern.
2. Manage Anxiety: Since anxiety is affecting how you perceive and check your lymph nodes, consider methods to engage in self-care or mindfulness to help reduce the need to frequently check them. It might be useful to discuss this with your therapist.
3. Follow-Up with Your Doctor: Since you plan to visit your doctor soon, ensure to mention all your observations, including any changes. They might perform a physical exam and, if needed, additional tests to help ease your concerns.

In the meantime, focusing on your overall well-being and maintaining an open dialogue with your healthcare provider will guide you in the best direction. If you have further questions, I'm here to help!