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:
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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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.
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