OpenHealth Q&A

Concerns About a Persistent Cervical Lymph Node

Greetings, medical community. I am a 31-year-old female who received a diagnosis of Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE) in 2022. Currently, I am on a daily regimen that includes 400mg of Hydroxychloroquine to manage my Lupus symptoms and 50mg of Spironolactone to address hormonal acne concerns. I've had a history of significant anxiety, particularly related to health issues, which tends to fluctuate. At the moment, however, my anxiety is quite pronounced. I recently attended my annual physical check-up, during which I consulted with the physician’s assistant (PA) at my doctor's practice. Towards the conclusion of our appointment, I brought up a lymph node located in my neck that I have noticed for many years—definitely over eight, before the pandemic. This lymph node has consistently been mobile, smooth, and roughly the size of a pea or perhaps slightly larger; it can be challenging to assess precisely by touch. I noticed some swelling after receiving my COVID-19 vaccinations, but it returned to its usual size a few days later, and I've always been able to feel it. I first became aware of it about 8-10 years ago, researched it, and then essentially forgot about it until recently when it sparked my anxiety again. The PA examined it briefly and suggested an ultrasound to establish a baseline measurement. I shared my heightened anxiety regarding the situation, but she did not appear overly worried, so I decided to proceed with the ultrasound for my own reassurance. In the following days, I found myself overwhelmed with panic regarding this lymph node. I can't shake the thought that the only reason for pursuing imaging must imply that there’s something unusual detected. Fortunately, I have been experiencing no additional symptoms and had a recent complete blood count (CBC) three weeks prior, which showed normal results, aside from a slight decrease in lymphocytes, a condition often seen in patients with SLE. Once again, this lymph node has remained unchanged and detectable for several years, before my SLE diagnosis and any associated symptoms. Unfortunately, my anxiety has surfaced extensively, prompting me to mention the situation to my healthcare provider. While I recognize that discussing it was the appropriate decision, I am struggling to maintain a sense of normalcy, as I find myself thinking about the worst possible outcomes. Any insights would be greatly appreciated. Over the past few days, I have consumed a plethora of information on lymph nodes available online. Most articles suggest that this is likely a benign, reactive lymph node. I anticipate receiving the results on Monday. I have reached out to my doctor to express my level of concern, and they reassured me that if there were serious issues, the report would have been expedited. I do have a therapist with whom I plan to talk about this during our next session next week. Thank you for your understanding and support.

Answers (1)

8/2/2025, 7:20:53 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's understandable to feel anxious about changes in your health, especially with a history of anxiety and a diagnosis like Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE). From what you've shared, your lymph node has been stable for many years, and this kind of lymph node is often benign, especially when it remains mobile and unchanged. It’s good that you’ve already taken the proactive step to get an ultrasound for reassurance, and it’s likely that your healthcare providers do not have immediate concerns.

Explanation

Lymph nodes can enlarge or change in response to various factors, including infections, vaccinations, and other benign causes. The fact that you have a history of this node and that it has been stable suggests that it is not likely to indicate a serious problem. Additionally, normal laboratory results, like your recent complete blood count (CBC), further support that there isn’t an underlying acute issue.

Your heightened anxiety is a common response, especially when health concerns arise. It's important to remind yourself that anxiety can fuel worry about outcomes that are unlikely to happen.

Next Steps

1. Reassurance from the Results: While waiting for your ultrasound results on Monday, try to focus on the fact that you have taken a good step towards understanding your health. If your provider felt it was necessary to take this step, that's important context—it means they're being thorough but not necessarily alarmed.

2. Coping Strategies: Engage in activities that help reduce your anxiety. This could include:

   • Mindfulness or meditation: Spend a few minutes each day focusing on your breathing or using guided meditation apps.
   • Physical activity: Mild exercise, like walking or yoga, can help alleviate anxiety symptoms.
   • Limit information intake: Consider reducing how much you search for information online to avoid overwhelming yourself with worst-case scenarios.

3. Therapeutic Support: Talk about your feelings of anxiety with your therapist. They can provide you with strategies tailored to your experience, which can help you manage your thoughts and emotions effectively.

4. Communicate with Your Healthcare Providers: If your anxiety becomes too overwhelming, don't hesitate to reach out to your doctor for further support or to discuss your concerns about the lymph node. They can offer reassurance and answer any questions you have.

Final Thoughts

It's perfectly normal to have concerns, especially in a situation like this. Focus on what you can control in the meantime, and acknowledge the positive steps you’re taking to address your worries. In addition to your upcoming discussion with your therapist, maintain open communication with your doctor, and remember that it's okay to seek support when feeling anxious. You're not alone in this process.