Concerns Regarding Potential Pleomorphic Adenoma and Ongoing Health Issues
Greetings. I’m a 30-year-old male, recently suspected of having a pleomorphic adenoma, and presently undergoing treatment with penicillin due to a possible strep throat infection. Back in June, I discovered a notable lump developing on my jawline, which has grown quite rapidly. The medical team believes it may be a pleomorphic adenoma, and I am currently waiting for the biopsy results to either confirm the diagnosis or rule out malignancy. Alongside this, I have been suffering from symptoms such as a sore throat, fever, and headaches. After three weeks of these symptoms, I was prescribed Augmentin, which seemed effective at first; however, I have since experienced recurrent instances of illness, totaling three or more episodes. Since the appearance of this lump, I have been persistently feeling run down, plagued by a host of ailments such as strep throat and COVID-19, along with ongoing symptoms like sore throats, fatigue, bodily pains, headaches, and intermittent fevers. Over the summer, I underwent several blood tests to identify the cause of my poor health. Notably, my ASOT levels increased from 319 in June to 350 in September, indicating a recent strep infection. Consequently, my physician has put me on a penicillin regimen, but I have yet to notice any improvement, now on day five of the treatment. Could my ongoing health issues possibly be associated with a benign pleomorphic adenoma? If it turns out to be cancerous, perhaps that would explain my condition; but if it’s not, what could be the underlying cause? Fortunately, all my blood test results came back normal, including CRP levels, and tests for HIV and mononucleosis were also negative.
Answers (1)
9/9/2025, 8:01:57 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel concerned about your health with symptoms, a potential diagnosis of pleomorphic adenoma, and ongoing infections. Let's break this down into manageable parts.
Key Points
- Pleomorphic Adenoma: This benign tumor typically affects the salivary glands and is often not associated with systemic symptoms like fever or fatigue.
- Recurrent Infections: Your recurring illnesses and symptoms may not be directly linked to the pleomorphic adenoma but could indicate an underlying issue with your immune system or the presence of persistent infections.
- Current Treatment: You’re on penicillin, but if you’re not seeing improvement, further evaluation may be necessary.
Explanation
Pleomorphic adenomas are usually slow-growing and benign. They typically don't cause systemic symptoms like fever or significant fatigue. However, your ongoing issues like sore throats, recurrent fevers, and overall tiredness may suggest an ongoing infection or another health concern that requires attention. The increase in your Antistreptolysin O Titer (ASOT) suggests a recent or persistent streptococcal infection, which could explain some of your symptoms.
Given that your blood tests have returned normal and ruled out major conditions like HIV and mononucleosis, and considering the presence of a lump and recurrent throat infections, it's crucial to manage the symptoms while awaiting biopsy results.
Next Steps
- Continue Monitoring Symptoms: Keep a daily record of your symptoms, including their severity and any new developments.
- Hydrate and Rest: Ensure you're drinking plenty of fluids and getting adequate rest to support your immune system.
- Symptomatic Relief: For sore throats and headaches, consider over-the-counter pain relievers like acetaminophen or ibuprofen, following the recommended dosages.
- Nutritional Support: Focus on a balanced diet with plenty of fruits, vegetables, and proteins to support your recovery.
- Follow Up on Treatment: If you do not notice improvement within a week on penicillin, or if symptoms worsen (such as high fever, severe pain, or difficulty swallowing), consider seeking further medical advice promptly.
Lastly, it's normal to feel anxious about your health during this time. Keep in mind that benign conditions like pleomorphic adenoma can be managed effectively, and your healthcare provider will guide the next steps based on the biopsy results. Stay strong, and don't hesitate to reach out for support if you need it!
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