Should I Be Concerned?
I’m reaching out about my mother, who is 55 years old. For the past few months, she has been experiencing a sporadic prickling feeling at a specific spot on the left side of her throat. We visited an Ear, Nose, and Throat specialist yesterday for a check-up. After conducting an examination, the doctor indicated that both the throat and oral cavity appeared normal. They recommended a Fibre Optic Laryngoscopy (FOL) and an ultrasound of the neck for further assessment, mentioning that these tests are routine in such cases. The results of the FOL indicated mild edema at the laryngeal inlet. Regarding the ultrasound findings, it revealed several slightly enlarged lymph nodes within bilateral level 1b, 2, and 3, with the largest node on the left side measuring approximately 1.0 x 0.5 cm, likely indicating a reactive nature. The interpretation noted some enlarged cervical lymph nodes on both sides, with the left side showing more prominence compared to the right. The recommendation was for clinical correlation along with follow-up and additional evaluations. My concern is about the state of these lymph nodes. To clarify, she does not exhibit any additional symptoms and has no other underlying health issues. We have a follow-up appointment with the ENT tomorrow, which is causing me a bit of anxiety. Any insights would be greatly appreciated!
Answers (1)
8/28/2025, 4:45:11 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about your mother's health concerns, especially regarding the findings of enlarged lymph nodes and other symptoms. Here’s a structured overview to clarify the situation:
Main Points
- Lymph Nodes: The ultrasound showed slightly enlarged lymph nodes, which can often indicate a benign or reactive condition, especially if there are no other concerning symptoms.
- Current Findings: The mild edema at the laryngeal inlet suggests irritation or inflammation, which can be due to various non-serious reasons.
- Next Steps: Follow-up with the ENT specialist for a thorough review of test results and next steps is crucial.
Explanation
Lymph nodes can enlarge for several reasons, including infections, inflammation, and, less commonly, malignancy. Since your mother currently has no additional symptoms (like fever, weight loss, or persistent pain), and the ENT specialist recommended further evaluation, it’s encouraging that they are taking a cautious yet routine approach. Reactive lymph nodes often return to normal size once the underlying issue resolves.
Prioritized Next Steps
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Prepare for the Follow-Up Appointment: Make a list of any new symptoms or concerns, as well as questions regarding the findings. Note any changes she has experienced since the last visit.
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Monitor Symptoms: Continue tracking any new developments or symptoms over the next few weeks. Noticing changes may provide valuable information for the doctor.
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Stay Informed and Calm: It's normal to feel anxious about medical evaluations. Try to stay informed by discussing results and concerns openly with the doctor. This will help alleviate anxiety as you seek clarity.
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Focus on Support: Being supportive and attentive to your mother’s needs is crucial during this time. Encourage her to avoid stressors and focus on her well-being.
The upcoming appointment with the ENT specialist is an excellent opportunity to address these concerns directly. If you or your mother have specific questions about what the findings might mean for her health and any necessary follow-up actions, discussing these will be beneficial. Let me know if you need further clarification on any specific points!
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