Persistent Swelling of Lymph Nodes Over One Year
This marks my inaugural Reddit entry, and I find myself in a dire situation, searching for guidance as I feel I’ve been stuck in a loop for far too long. I’m a 25-year-old male, and around July or August in 2024, I discovered a lump beneath my chin. I consulted my primary care physician, who referred me for an ultrasound and MRI. The initial findings indicated the presence of several enlarged lymph nodes in the right submental area, measuring 1.8 x 1.1 x 1.6 cm, 1.4 x 0.8 x 1.3 cm, and 1.3 x 0.8 x 1.3 cm, which corresponded with the palpable lump. Color Doppler imaging showed a mild increase in blood flow. The differential diagnosis suggested could be a reactive lymph node due to infection or inflammation, lymphoma, or metastatic disease, emphasizing the need for clinical correlation. A needle biopsy was recommended if deemed necessary. Additionally, a few mildly enlarged lymph nodes in the right cervical region were observed, which appeared normal. Afterward, in October 2024, I underwent a fine needle aspiration biopsy of the largest lymph node, revealing that the dominant nodule, measuring 1.9 x 1.1 x 1.8 cm, was most likely a reactive lymph node. The flow cytometry tested negative for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, aligning with the imaging findings, and I was instructed to have a follow-up neck ultrasound in six months. When I returned for my follow-up on April 15, 2025, the ultrasound indicated that the nodes had enlarged and new nodes had formed. The results showed significant lymph nodes in the right submental area, now measuring 2.1 x 1.0 x 1.9 cm, 1.8 x 0.9 x 1.9 cm, and 1.3 x 0.8 x 1.5 cm, with some previous nodes growing in size. Additional mildly enlarged nodes were noted on the right and left sides. The overall conclusion pointed to pronounced cervical adenopathy, specifically in the right submental region, with a notable increase in the size of the lymph nodes since the last checkup. Initially, the lymph nodes did not cause me much concern as I experienced neither night sweats nor significant fatigue. However, over the last four months, I have started experiencing night sweats intermittently—some days they are slight, while on others they are more pronounced. I have also begun to feel fatigued. This situation has left me unsettled and anxious, particularly since the biopsy returned normal yet the lymph nodes continue to grow, and new symptoms are emerging. I would be grateful for any advice or support that anyone can provide.
Answers (1)
7/4/2025, 6:30:55 PM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you’re going through a challenging time with your health concerns, and it's understandable to feel anxious, especially with ongoing changes in your lymph nodes and the emergence of new symptoms like night sweats and fatigue. Here's some information to help clarify your situation and outline practical steps you can take.
Key Points:
- Lymph Node Changes: The persistent swelling of lymph nodes, especially with your recent findings of growth and additional symptoms, warrants ongoing attention.
- Possible Causes: While the biopsy indicated reactive lymph nodes, the increase in size, along with night sweats and fatigue, could imply a need for re-evaluation to rule out other conditions.
- Next Steps: Focus on close monitoring of your symptoms and preparing for potential follow-up actions.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes can swell for various reasons, including infections, autoimmune conditions, and cancers. The biopsy you underwent suggests that your lymph nodes were reactive and not cancerous at that time. However, lymph nodes that continue to grow or present with new systemic symptoms (like night sweats and fatigue) could require further investigation.
The fact that you have not had night sweats or significant fatigue until recently raises questions that your healthcare team may need to address. These symptoms can sometimes coincide with infections, inflammatory conditions, or, less commonly, malignancies.
Actionable Steps:
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Symptom Monitoring: Keep a detailed log of your night sweats, fatigue, and any other symptoms you experience. Note when they occur, their severity, and any potential triggers (like recent illnesses or stress).
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Follow-Up Appointment: Given the recent changes and your concerns, it may be wise to proactively schedule another appointment with your healthcare provider. Discuss the new symptoms and emphasize the recent growth and changes in your lymph nodes. They might consider repeat imaging or further testing, such as blood tests or potentially another biopsy if warranted.
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Stay Hydrated and Rest: Prioritize rest and stay well-hydrated, as these can help your body manage fatigue.
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Avoid Self-Diagnosis: While it’s natural to seek answers, refrain from jumping to conclusions about your condition. Trust the medical evaluations and let your healthcare provider guide the diagnostic process.
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Seek Support: Consider discussing your feelings and concerns with a trusted friend, family member, or counselor. It can be helpful to have a support system during anxious times.
Your situation is complex, and I empathize with the uncertainty you’re feeling. Keeping your healthcare team informed about your symptoms and concerns is key in navigating this process effectively. Let me know if you have any further questions or need clarification on any part of this.
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