Concerns About Swollen Lymph Nodes
Hi everyone, I'm a 24-year-old male. About a month ago, I noticed that a lymph node had become swollen in the left side of my groin. I did some quick research online and chose to disregard it. However, when I checked today, I found three additional swollen nodes on the left side and one more on the right. Could this possibly be lymphoma? To give you a bit of context, I’ve been on a weight loss journey since the beginning of this year; I went from 124 kilograms down to 85 kilograms. I’ve been following a water fasting regimen and exercising regularly. When I researched the symptoms, I came across the one for unintentional weight loss. How can I determine if the weight loss is a result of my efforts or if it indicates a health issue? Additionally, I've noticed I've been experiencing sweaty nights. Given that it’s summer and the weather is hot, excessive sweating doesn’t seem unusual to me. I don’t feel fatigued, as I work out on a daily basis. The lumps are stationary; they aren't particularly hard or soft, landing somewhere in between. Their sizes vary, with the largest about the size of a quarter marble and the smallest like two grains of rice. I’m really anxious about all of this and it’s keeping me up at night. Any advice would be appreciated!
Answers (1)
9/14/2025, 7:30:53 PM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel anxious about swollen lymph nodes and other changes in your health. The first point I want to emphasize is that swollen lymph nodes can be caused by various factors, and not all of them indicate a serious condition like lymphoma. It's essential to consider all the details you've provided.
Explanation
Lymph nodes often swell in response to infections (viral or bacterial), inflammation, or sometimes malignancies. In young adults like yourself, infections are the most common cause, especially if the lymph nodes are non-tender, movable, and you don’t have other systemic symptoms like weight loss, fever, or heavy fatigue. The fact that you've recently lost a significant amount of weight and are experiencing night sweats can be concerning but does not immediately mean there’s a serious health issue.
Weight loss can certainly be intentional, especially with your recent lifestyle changes. However, any unexpected or unintentional weight loss of more than 5% of your body weight is something to monitor closely, particularly if it coincides with other symptoms like swollen lymph nodes and night sweats.
Next Steps
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Monitor Your Symptoms: Keep track of your lymph nodes' sizes, the presence of symptoms like fever, fatigue, or any new lumps, and any changes in your weight. Taking notes over the next week can help track any progression.
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Hydration and Nutrition: Make sure you're maintaining a well-balanced diet and staying hydrated, especially since you're exercising regularly. Malnutrition can lead to issues that might prompt swollen lymph nodes.
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Self-Check for Other Symptoms: Be mindful of other potential symptoms that could indicate a more significant issue, such as unexplained fever, persistent fatigue, or continued night sweats.
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Seek Professional Guidance: Given the combination of swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms, it’s important to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis. Don’t delay this, especially if you notice changes, new symptoms, or if the lymph nodes do not start to improve over the next few weeks.
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Stress Management: Consider incorporating some relaxation techniques, like mindfulness or yoga, to help manage anxiety. Sleep is crucial for your health, so find activities that help you wind down at night.
Your concerns are valid, and taking these steps can provide clarity and peace of mind. Ensure you care for your overall health as you move forward.
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