Concerns Over Non-Painful Lymph Nodes in the Neck Since 2021 (24M)
Height: 5’6, Weight: 150 lbs, Slightly lean build. Greetings, For an extended period now, I've noticed several lymph nodes that are easily felt on the left side of my neck. Based on my observations, these may be superior cervical nodes. Some are mobile while others seem fixed. They don’t appear noticeably large—maybe roughly the size of my thumb tip. Nonetheless, I've been feeling anxious about them over the last two to three weeks. To give you some context, I first discovered these nodes back in mid-2021, shortly after receiving my second dose of the COVID vaccine. Since then, I have undergone ultrasound examinations on about three to four occasions up until early 2022. I recently relocated to a new apartment two weeks ago and have experienced some night sweating, possibly due to my new mattress and duvet. I also faced some gastrointestinal issues beforehand, which led me to consider the potential of colon cancer, but thankfully, those have since resolved. Within the past two months, I've had blood tests done, revealing mostly normal results, although my liver enzymes were briefly elevated before returning to normal levels. My A1C was slightly elevated at 5.7, but everything else was within the normal range, including my hemoglobin, which has consistently stayed around 135-141 for the last three years. My red blood cell counts are normal but on the lower side, and my white blood cell count has fluctuated between 6 and 7.7, which does raise some concern. However, my doctor believes I am in good health and has not recommended any further ultrasound imaging. In June, I underwent a cervical X-ray due to some nerve-related issues, alongside ultrasounds and X-rays of my right hand (for an inflamed nerve) and a chest X-ray, all of which appeared normal. Although an abdominal X-ray showed some fecal matter—this was primarily to rule out impacted stool during my bowel problems—both the abdominal ultrasound and CT scan came back clear as well. I do acknowledge that I experience some health anxiety, which keeps bringing lymphoma to my mind in relation to the lymph nodes. Any guidance or insights would be greatly appreciated. Thank you!
Answers (1)
9/11/2025, 6:02:00 PM
OpenHealth AI
Thank you for sharing your detailed concerns regarding the lymph nodes in your neck. I understand that this situation is causing you anxiety, especially given your history and the recent symptoms like night sweats. Let's break this down to provide clarity and actionable steps.
Main Points:
- Persistent lymph nodes can be common and not necessarily a sign of serious illness, especially given your past medical evaluations.
- Night sweats and health anxiety might contribute to your worries, but they are often unrelated to the lymph nodes themselves.
Explanation:
Lymph nodes can remain palpable for various reasons, including past infections, immune responses, or even vaccinations. The fact that you've had multiple imaging tests (ultrasounds, X-rays, and CT scans) that have returned normal indicates there are likely no serious underlying issues. Your recent blood tests also show that most values are within normal limits, which is reassuring.
Night sweats can happen for many benign reasons, including changes in sleeping arrangements, stress, or even slight infections. Given your adjustment to a new living environment, it may be worth considering if your body is reacting to these changes.
Next Steps:
-
Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep a diary of any changes in the size of the lymph nodes, how you feel overall, and any accompanying symptoms like fevers or changes in your weight.
-
Focus on Stress Management: Since you mentioned health anxiety, consider exploring relaxation methods, such as mindfulness, meditation, or speaking with a mental health professional if you feel it might help.
-
Stay Absorbed in Healthy Habits: Ensure you are eating a balanced diet, staying hydrated, and getting regular exercise, as these can improve your overall health and help mitigate anxiety.
-
Follow-Up Testing: If you notice any changes, such as increased size of the lymph nodes, new symptoms, or persistent night sweats, keep track of these and consider reaching out for further assessment based on those observations.
-
Routine Check-In: Consider scheduling regular check-ups with your healthcare provider so that they can assess your symptoms and provide reassurance or action based on any new developments.
In summary, while the presence of lymph nodes can understandably cause concern, the extensive evaluations you've already undergone paint a reassuring picture. Take care of your mental health as you monitor these changes, and don't hesitate to reach out if anything feels off.
Related Questions
Experiencing Clear Fluid from Ear with No Discomfort: Should I Wait for My Appointment?
I am a healthy 57-year-old female, weighing 120 pounds and standing 5 feet 5 inches tall. My daily medications include 100 mg of Losartan for effectively managed high blood pressure, 200 mg of Lyrica taken twice daily for post-herpetic neuralgia, 100 mg of Synthroid following treatment for thyroid cancer, and a combination hormone replacement therapy patch. Additionally, I take Zyrtec and Flonase every day to combat allergies. Since October, I have been dealing with persistent tinnitus in my right ear, accompanied by some pressure and a muffled sensation. Recently, I've noticed that when I speak, it feels akin to the sensation I experience when my ears clear during a flight after chewing gum—my voice sounds amplified in my head. I've scheduled an appointment with a physician's assistant in an ear, nose, and throat (ENT) office for the end of March due to my worries about the tinnitus and any potential hearing impairment. Yesterday, I noticed that my ear emitted a clear fluid. Thankfully, there was no associated pain. The fluid was somewhat thicker than water, completely odorless—unlike the unpleasant discharge I recall from my daughter's ear infections—and there was no sign of blood. Could this indicate a perforated eardrum? I suspect this might be the case, but can this occur without an underlying infection? Should I seek attention sooner than my appointment in March? I would prefer to avoid urgent care during flu season; however, if this situation is serious, I am prepared to take precautions and visit.
Understanding the Increased Pain in My Foot While Reclining
At 30 years old, I am nearing the five-week mark since undergoing surgery on my metatarsals. I've encountered a troubling issue: I can’t seem to find comfort when lying down, whether it’s with my foot raised or lying flat. My pain level escalates to a severe 10 out of 10, unless my foot is making contact with the floor or I dangle my leg off the side of the bed so that my toes touch the ground. Is this situation typical for someone in my circumstances? Are there any suggestions that might assist me in getting a better night's sleep?
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Persistent Pain in Right Shoulder and Arm After Lifting
Hello, everyone! I’m a 23-year-old male and have been engaged in weightlifting for several years now. Recently, I’ve been struggling with ongoing discomfort in my right shoulder and arm, which I haven’t been able to accurately identify. The pain manifests during particular movements, especially with lateral raises or when my arm is raised to shoulder level while rotating my wrist. Certain pressing and pulling activities can also provoke this discomfort. Rather than feeling sharp, it’s a deep, nagging sensation that sometimes seems localized in the front area of the shoulder or at the biceps tendon, and at other times it feels more like it’s situated between the shoulder and upper arm. Fortunately, there’s no numbness or tingling involved. This issue began while I was working out. I decided to take a break for around two months, but when I returned, the pain persisted. After consulting a physician, I was diagnosed with bicipital tendinitis. Since then, I’ve reduced my upper-body workouts, completely steering clear of shoulder exercises and heavy lifting, and have begun a gentle rehabilitation regimen focusing on external rotations, pendulum movements, and scapular exercises. Despite adhering to this routine for about a week, I haven’t experienced any noticeable improvement. Is it typical for this type of tendon injury to require an extended period for recovery? At what point should I consider diagnostic imaging, such as an ultrasound or MRI? Additionally, are there frequent rehabilitation errors that might impede the healing process? I appreciate your insights in advance!