OpenHealth Q&A

Understanding Cervical Lymphadenopathy

At 31 years old, I’ve been grappling with enlarged lymph nodes, particularly on the left side of my neck. To elaborate, I've noticed a significant enlargement of the left occipital lymph node, alongside multiple swollen nodes around my jugular area, under my jaw, and near my collarbone. Others have appeared in my left armpit, a few in my groin, and a couple near my lower back. These lymph nodes are soft and flexible, do not hurt, and are not attached to surrounding tissue. Most of them are deeper-set, except for the enlarged nodes in my occipital and submandibular areas which are more superficial. I first identified the occipital lymph node swelling approximately five years ago. Upon consulting my primary care doctor, she examined my neck and discovered additional enlarged nodes. Although a CT scan was recommended, my insurance denied it, but I was able to undergo an ultrasound, which confirmed the presence of prominent lymph nodes while also indicating they appeared structurally normal. The recommendation was to repeat the imaging in three to six months. Additionally, tests for autoimmune diseases returned negative results. Subsequently, I didn’t pursue extensive follow-up since I experienced pregnancy a couple of times, which shifted my focus. In December, during my annual physical, I flagged the increased number of swollen nodes to my doctor, who concurred and has requested further imaging, which I am still awaiting. Another concerning development is that my baseline ferritin levels have shifted from borderline anemia to significantly elevated levels in the 200s. My recent complete blood count (CBC) and basic metabolic panel (BMP) mostly showed normal results, albeit with slightly elevated lymphocytes and eosinophils, while my white blood cell (WBC) count remained normal. I’ve lost a considerable amount of weight, currently shedding about one to two pounds weekly. While I’m a year postpartum, traditionally I tend to return to my usual weight effortlessly post-pregnancy, I now find myself below my pre-pregnancy weight of around 115 to 120 pounds, weighing just 110 pounds at 5’1”. I haven’t experienced any unusual night sweats or fevers. In addition, I’ve been noticing peculiar itchy bumps resembling insect bites. These emerge suddenly in small clusters on my torso, last for about three to five days, then disappear. It's crucial to note that my husband and children have no similar symptoms, and despite having an exterminator assess the situation, the issue persists. This pattern has been ongoing for the past six months. Looking ahead, I have a scheduled CT scan for soft tissue in my neck with and without contrast in two weeks, along with an ultrasound for my armpit lymph nodes and a mammogram ordered by my gynecologist a week after that. As I await these appointments, the anxiety becomes overwhelming. My concern revolves around the possibility of cancer; how likely is it that this situation signals something serious?

Answers (1)

7/17/2025, 11:10:56 AM

OpenHealth AI

I understand that you are understandably anxious about the enlarged lymph nodes, weight loss, and other symptoms you are experiencing. It's important to approach this situation carefully and systematically while awaiting further imaging results.

Main Points:

1. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: You have several enlarged lymph nodes that are soft, movable, and not attached to surrounding tissue, which is generally a less concerning sign.
2. Weight Loss and Ferritin Levels: Unintended weight loss and changing ferritin levels warrant attention, but they can result from various factors.
3. Upcoming Imaging Studies: You have additional imaging already scheduled, which will provide more information.

Explanation:

• Lymph Nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes can result from infections, inflammatory conditions, or benign causes. The characteristics you've described (soft, movable, and not painful) are typically less concerning than hard, fixed lymph nodes.
• Weight Loss: Losing weight without trying can be concerning, especially given your context. It's good that you're tracking this closely, as it can sometimes indicate an underlying issue, but it’s not definitive on its own.
• Elevated Ferritin Levels: High ferritin levels can indicate inflammation or iron overload, but they require further investigation to understand their cause.
• Skin Bumps: The itchy bumps could be due to several reasons, including allergies, skin conditions, or other benign causes, especially since your family is not experiencing similar symptoms.

Next Steps:

1. Stay Informed: While waiting for your CT scan and ultrasound, gather information about your symptoms to discuss with your healthcare provider, including any patterns in your weight loss, diet changes, and specific triggers for the itchy bumps.

2. Monitor Symptoms:

   • Keep a journal of any changes in your symptoms, such as the timing or appearance of bumps, additional weight loss, or any other new symptoms that may emerge.

3. Self-Care and Support:

   • Focus on maintaining a balanced diet rich in nutrients to support your overall health. This includes including fruits, vegetables, lean proteins, and whole grains.
   • Consider talking to someone to help manage your anxiety, whether it be a friend, family member, or mental health professional.

4. Follow-Up Plans: After your imaging studies, ensure to discuss the results comprehensively with your healthcare team and ask about the significance of any findings and next steps if further evaluation is needed.

While it’s natural to fear serious conditions like cancer, remember that many causes of lymph node enlargement are benign. Having a clear plan and staying proactive in your health will help you navigate this challenging time. If you have further questions or need more guidance, feel free to reach out.