Persistent Golf-Ball Sized Lymph Node Post-Draining and Antibiotic Treatment
Hello everyone, I'm using a temporary account for confidentiality purposes. I am a 35-year-old male, standing at 6 feet tall and weighing 230 pounds. I do not smoke, and I take lisinopril and uloric for existing hypertension and gout issues. For nearly two months, I have had a swollen lymph node on one side. Interestingly, I have not experienced any other symptoms. My medical journey began when I started allopurinol around the time my lymph node became enlarged, but later switched to Uloric. Although we initially considered DRESS syndrome, I have not had any rashes or additional symptoms associated with it. Stopping allopurinol did not lead to any reduction in the lymph node swelling. I consulted my primary physician, visited urgent care, and ultimately went to the emergency department about two weeks ago. By that time, the lymph node had grown to the size of a golf ball and caused significant discomfort. The emergency team suspected an abscess, so they drained it and monitored me with IV antibiotics for several days before discharging me with prescriptions for oral antibiotics and steroids, noting my lab results suggested an infection. Along with this swelling, I’ve noticed some thickening in my sternocleidomastoid muscle. I do not have dental problems, injuries, or other potential infection sources. The cultures taken showed only minimal growth of staph epidermidis, which I’m concerned might be a contamination issue. Since finishing the steroids, the swelling has returned to its previous size. My doctor has mentioned the possibility of a biopsy but prefers to wait and see if the antibiotics effectively resolve the issue. Has anyone else dealt with something similar? Edit: I also want to clarify that there was no pus found in the area drained; only what appeared to be lymphatic fluid was present.
Answers (1)
8/20/2025, 3:40:55 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about a persistent lymph node swelling, especially after recent treatments and evaluations. Here's an overview of your situation and the recommended next steps.
Main Points:
- You have a persistently swollen lymph node after treatment for a suspected infection, which may need further evaluation.
- Swelling post-treatment can occur, but ongoing monitoring is crucial to assess changes and possible underlying issues.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes play a role in your immune system and can swell in response to infections, inflammation, or other medical conditions. In your case, despite antibiotic treatment and drainage, the node remains enlarged. The growth of staphylococcus epidermidis in your cultures could indicate a skin contaminant rather than a significant infectious agent, but your doctor's recommendation to monitor the situation is sensible. Swelling after treatment can be due to leftover fluid, inflammation, or other non-infectious reasons.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in the size of the lymph node, pain levels, or any new symptoms. Document these changes over time to provide your doctor with clear information during follow-ups.
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Home Care: Continue to manage any discomfort with warm compresses on the swollen area, which can help reduce swelling and pain. Make sure to stay well-hydrated and maintain a balanced diet to support your immune system.
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Follow-Up Appointments: Stay in close contact with your healthcare provider. If the swelling does not reduce, worsens, or if new symptoms arise (like fever or fatigue), it may indicate the need to expedite additional testing, including the potential biopsy to rule out other causes.
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Discuss Concerns: If you have specific worries about the culture results or your lymph node, bring these up in upcoming appointments. Clear communication with your physician about your thoughts can help guide your care effectively.
By carefully monitoring your symptoms and maintaining good communication with your healthcare provider, you can navigate this situation effectively. Let me know if you have further questions or concerns!
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