Should I Consider Another Lymphoma Test? Persistent Tonsil and Lymph Node Swelling
At 20 years old, standing 5'6" and weighing 126 pounds, I’m currently taking medications including Adderall, Motegrity, Propranolol, and Wellbutrin. I also live with hypermobile Ehlers-Danlos Syndrome (hEDS) and come from a family with a history of various cancers, notably leukemia and lymphoma. **Background Information:** In 2019, I underwent an ultrasound on the lymph node area behind my ear, which resulted in a diagnosis of a "benign-appearing reactive occipital lymph node" measuring approximately 1.9 x 0.7 x 0.3 cm. It hasn’t changed size, and the discomfort is usually only present when I am ill; it remains solid and minimally mobile. Moreover, I tend to experience very reactive lymph nodes in my neck that become swollen and painful during illnesses, although currently, they are not causing any issues. I was also prone to strep throat in my childhood but never had my tonsils removed. **Timeline of Health Issues:** - In August 2024, I caught a cold. - By September, I developed tonsillitis that left me feeling miserable, although my tonsils were not as swollen as they are now. - I experienced a strep throat scare in June 2025, which resulted in a negative test; however, the doctor administered antibiotics under the assumption that I may have caught it early. - This past August, I noticed persistent irritation in my throat and found one of my tonsils to be noticeably inflamed. - After testing for strep, which returned negative, doctors did not suspect mononucleosis due to a lack of additional symptoms—no fever, no fatigue, and only rare occurrences of a scratchy throat. On occasion, I struggle to clear my throat or experience slight pain, but these episodes pass swiftly. Now, nearly a month has passed, and rather than decreasing, the inflammation in my tonsil has intensified. While I’m uncertain about the size of my lymph node, I do feel its presence when I position my head in specific ways. I plan to share some images for reference in the comments. I have set up an appointment with student health services, yet I’m curious if I should consult my general practitioner back home instead? Any advice or insights would be immensely appreciated! Thank you in advance!
Answers (1)
9/15/2025, 4:40:39 AM
OpenHealth AI
It sounds like you are dealing with a concerning situation regarding persistent tonsil and lymph node swelling, particularly given your medical history and family background. It’s understandable to want clarity on whether further tests for lymphoma are necessary.
Key Points:
- Persistent swelling of the tonsils and lymph nodes can indicate various conditions.
- Your symptoms warrant continued monitoring, especially given your history of reactive lymph nodes.
- Consulting your general practitioner (GP) might provide additional reassurance and a more tailored approach to your concerns.
Explanation:
You’ve experienced multiple episodes involving your tonsils and lymph nodes. The fact that your lymph node has remained stable since 2019 and is described as solid and minimally mobile is typically reassuring because malignant lymph nodes often have irregular textures and size changes. However, persistent inflammation in the tonsils that worsens over time, as you are experiencing, does merit attention.
Your history of having reactive lymph nodes and previous infections could also play a role in the current swelling. Given your family history of cancer, it’s reasonable to want to be diligent and ensure that nothing concerning is missed.
Next Steps:
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Prepare for Your Upcoming Appointment: Compile all your symptoms, health history, and previous test results (like your ultrasound) to discuss with the healthcare provider you will see. Mention your family history of cancer, recurrent tonsillitis, and any ongoing symptoms or discomfort.
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Consider Returning to Your GP: If you feel comfortable doing so, discussing your concerns with your GP might provide a different perspective and possibly more thorough testing if necessary. Your GP can refer you to a specialist if the situation requires more investigation (like an ENT specialist).
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Monitor Symptoms: Pay attention to any new symptoms such as fever, night sweats, weight loss, or significant pain. If any of these arise, seek immediate medical attention.
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Stay Informed: While waiting for appointments, educate yourself about benign conditions that can cause lymph node swelling and what indicators might suggest a need for more urgent evaluation.
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Maintain Good Health Practices: Ensure you're taking care of your general health by staying hydrated, eating a balanced diet, managing stress, and not exposing yourself to potential infections unnecessarily.
Your situation is complex, but being proactive about your health is vital. If you continue to feel uncertain or anxious about your condition, don't hesitate to seek clarity from your healthcare providers. They are there to help you navigate these concerns.
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