OpenHealth Q&A

Uncertain Symptoms and the Right Specialist to Consult

At 19 years of age and weighing 160 pounds, I find myself grappling with concerning health issues that could potentially be indicative of lymphoma. My history includes severe obsessive-compulsive disorder, which often spirals into health-related anxiety, making me question whether I am overreacting. Regardless, here are the symptoms I am currently experiencing. Over the past couple of years, I have dealt with two benign cysts in my armpit that typically resolved on their own within a few weeks. However, around four months ago, I detected a new bump in the same area, initially dismissing it as yet another cyst. To my surprise, after two months had passed, it remained unchanged in size—about the diameter of a penny—and I could slightly maneuver it without notable discomfort. I consulted a dermatologist, who prescribed a cream that I applied daily for the past two months. While the bump has since become invisible, I can still discern it upon pressing down in my armpit. Additionally, I have been noticing red blemishes on multiple areas of my skin for about three months. These spots are neither raised nor itchy, and they cause no pain. After an examination, my primary care physician identified them as petechiae and recommended I switch from ibuprofen to Tylenol, suspecting that the former, a blood thinner, might be exacerbating the issue. A subsequent blood test returned normal results. Despite this, the red spots seem to be worsening, appearing with increasing frequency. I have also observed unexplained bruising over the last couple of months. These bruises tend to be small, often manifesting in clusters ranging from two to five, yet there are instances of solitary spots as well. They appear primarily on my arms and legs and are generally hardly noticeable, causing minimal discomfort when pressed. Frequent headaches have become part of my daily experience. Their intensity varies; some are mild, while others can be so severe that they require me to rest. Typically, I feel these headaches throughout the entirety of my head, with milder variations concentrated on the right side, often accompanied by a pulsing sensation. The following two symptoms have been particularly alarming. For the past five days, whenever I touch the right side of my neck near the throat, it feels as if it has been bruised. I am unsure if I can detect a bump in that area, though there is slight sensitivity there. The left side of my neck exhibits minor tenderness, especially towards the back, but it is the right side that seems more swollen. Occasionally, it feels achy when I look down, akin to the discomfort one experiences from a misaligned sleeping position, but this sensation feels distinctly different, resembling more of a bruise. Lastly, I have experienced a quick, shooting sensation near the back of my right shoulder, just by the armpit. It manifests more as an ache that lasts less than a second, intermittently returning every few seconds for a couple of minutes, then disappearing for hours. While it is not intensely painful, it is certainly uncomfortable. Additionally, I was diagnosed with Postural Orthostatic Tachycardia Syndrome (POTS) approximately a year ago, which leaves me feeling profoundly fatigued during physical activities. I’ve always dealt with shortness of breath and a high heart rate, but I have noticed a marked increase in the severity of these symptoms recently, especially the shortness of breath. As a result, I have found myself relying more heavily on my inhaler than I previously did.

Answers (1)

7/7/2025, 5:10:57 AM

OpenHealth AI

Your symptoms sound understandably concerning, and it's important to approach these health issues methodically. You've described various symptoms, including an unresolved bump in your armpit, petechiae (red spots), unexplained bruising, frequent headaches, neck discomfort, and increased severity of POTS symptoms.

Explaining Your Symptoms

1. Persistent Bump: It’s good that you consulted a dermatologist regarding the bump. Given that it became invisible but can still be felt, it’s likely benign, especially since you previously had benign cysts. However, if it remains concerning, further evaluation by a specialist may be warranted.

2. Petechiae and Bruising: The appearance of petechiae (small red spots) and unexplained bruising can sometimes relate to clotting issues or other underlying conditions. It's positive that your recent blood test returned normal, but if the petechiae worsen, consider follow-up tests to rule out any hematological conditions.

3. Headaches: Your description of headaches, particularly with a pulsing sensation, suggests they could be tension-related or possibly migraines. Tracking them, including triggers, may help refine their cause.

4. Neck and Shoulder Discomfort: The sensitivity in your neck accompanying potential swelling might indicate lymph node involvement, muscle strain, or nerve irritation, especially given your history with POTS.

5. Worsening POTS Symptoms: Increased fatigue and shortness of breath linked to POTS can be concerning, particularly if you find yourself needing your inhaler more frequently.

Immediate Next Steps

1. Monitor Symptoms: Keep a detailed diary of your symptoms, noting any changes in size, appearance, and sensations. Include when your headaches occur and their intensity.

2. Follow Up: Schedule an appointment with a hematologist or an internal medicine specialist to discuss your bruising and petechiae in detail. They may recommend further blood tests or imaging if warranted.

3. Neck Examination: Consult a primary care physician or neurologist regarding your neck tenderness and shoulder sensations. It’s important to assess any potential lymph node involvement or related nerve issues.

4. Manage POTS Symptoms: Continue to regulate your activities to avoid exacerbating POTS symptoms. Stay hydrated, use compression garments as needed, and consider elevating your head while sleeping if you experience fatigue.

5. Pain and Headache Management: For headaches, practice stress-reducing techniques, maintain regular sleep patterns, and consider over-the-counter pain relievers (e.g., acetaminophen), following your doctor's recommendations.

Additional Support

It's completely normal to feel anxious about your health, especially with your history of OCD and health-related anxiety. Reach out to a mental health professional if these thoughts overwhelm you, as managing anxiety can also improve your overall well-being. Connecting with support groups, either for health anxieties or POTS, could provide some reassurance.

Remember, while it’s important to monitor and address your symptoms, focusing on actionable steps can help you regain a sense of control. Let me know if you have further questions or need additional information on specific concerns.