Concerns about Lymph Node Changes
I'm a 30-year-old woman sharing my health concerns. In early 2025, I began experiencing difficulties with swallowing—there was a sensation of something lodged in my throat that caused pain each time I attempted to swallow. Along with this, I dealt with extreme fatigue, a persistent feeling of congestion without any accompanying cough, night sweats, and my temperature fluctuated with inconsistent fevers. An initial ultrasound revealed a lymph node that was mildly enlarged. While I awaited feedback from my primary care physician, I discovered a minuscule bump on my neck and became anxious. This led me to seek immediate care where a CT scan was performed, showing that the lymph node appeared to be normal. Fast forward three months, and that same lymph node has grown slightly larger. I can now both see and feel the bump when I turn my neck, though it’s not causing any pain. The symptoms I previously experienced—ongoing congestion, tiredness, and night sweats—persist even after seven months, while the swallowing difficulties and fevers have lessened in frequency.Generally, my blood tests came back normal, but I did find that my iron and ferritin levels were low, alongside a high TIBC count. This was surprising to me, as my diet usually includes foods rich in iron. My doctor suggested we should repeat the ultrasound in a few months if the neck bump remains apparent. To be candid, I'm feeling quite anxious about the situation. Both of my grandfathers passed away due to cancer (though neither had lymphoma), and recently, a second cousin of mine was diagnosed with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Given my circumstances, should I advocate for a biopsy? Is there a reason to feel reassured since the CT scan didn’t reveal anything worrisome three months ago? Could it have possibly been overlooked? Thank you for your insights!
Answers (1)
9/5/2025, 7:40:47 AM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your health concerns—it’s completely understandable to feel anxious when dealing with persistent symptoms and changes like you’re experiencing. Here’s a summary of your situation and what you might consider as next steps.
Main Points:
- You've been experiencing significant symptoms including swallowing difficulties, fatigue, congestion, night sweats, and a noticeable lymph node.
- Initial imaging showed no serious issues, but the lymph node has changed, leading to heightened anxiety.
- Your doctor recommends monitoring the lymph node with follow-up imaging.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes can enlarge for various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or, in some cases, cancer. The fact that your CT scan didn’t show worrisome features is reassuring—many lymph nodes can enlarge due to benign conditions, especially in the context of chronic conditions or minor infections. However, your persistent symptoms and the recent growth of the lymph node understandably cause concern.
Low iron levels and high TIBC may suggest a possible issue with iron absorption or chronic inflammation. This could relate to various health conditions, but it’s a separate issue from your lymph node changes.
Next Steps:
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Monitor Symptoms: Keep track of any changes in your symptoms, especially if they worsen or new symptoms arise. Note any other systemic signs, such as unexplained weight loss or changes in appetite.
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Discuss a Biopsy with Your Doctor: Given your persistent symptoms, increasing lymph node size, and family history, it may be worth mentioning the possibility of a biopsy. Discuss how this could provide clarity if the node continues to grow or if your symptoms do not improve.
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Follow-Up on Iron Levels: Consult with your healthcare provider about your low iron levels. Consider discussing dietary adjustments or supplements to improve your iron status.
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Anxiety Management: Given the stress around your health situation, it may be helpful to explore relaxation techniques or counseling. Managing your anxiety can help you process this situation more calmly.
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Follow-Up Imaging: As suggested by your doctor, plan for the repeat ultrasound as scheduled. This data will be crucial for understanding any changes over time.
While waiting for your next steps, focus on self-care, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and ensure you rest adequately. If you ever feel that your symptoms change significantly, don’t hesitate to communicate those changes to your healthcare provider. You deserve to feel supported through this process, and it’s important to advocate for your health when needed.
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