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One sore lymph node

Posted , 4 users are following.

asdfghjkl1235
asdfghjkl1235

hi,

So I'm sixteen years old and quite anxious at the moment. Basically, I have a sore lymph node on the left side of my neck which hurts when i press it. I'm really scared because the internet says its most likely an infection causing it but i dont feel like i have any sort of virus, maybe a slight cold at a push. I feel like its hurt for quite a bit (noticed it a few months ago) when i press it but idk what is causing it and whether i should be scared of cancers that could cause it. For as long as i can remember to be honest ive also had a pain in both armpits when i press them in certain areas but i didnt think anything of it until now because ive had that for years. Id really appreciate it if anyone could give me some advice about what to do, thank you

0 likes, 9 replies

9 Replies

  • Philly89
    Philly89 asdfghjkl1235

    Posted

    I'm 28 and I've had reactive (over sensitive) lymph nodes in my head/neck area for about 2 years now. Mine actually swell from any acne flare ups I get, or the dermatitis I get on my scalp sometimes. I get them on the back of my head and neck, under my jaw line, and behind my ears.

    • At first I was so scared and, after googling, I immediately worried I had lymphoma or something serious, bc like you I had no other obvious symptoms. But I've seen so many doctors, etc. now that I've learned one very important thing: lymph nodes are often associated with sinister things but in reality they can swell for the most minor reasons (like my facial acne).
    • It can't hurt to go have it looked at by a Dr if it's been there for over a few weeks. But don't get yourself all worked up like I did, there's most likely a very simple, non serious reason for yours to be swollen.
    • Oh and also, all the Drs I saw told me that the main red flag symptom for a bad lymph node is size. If your node is the size of a golf ball, then you should be worried. But if it's normal size like a marble, it isn't a cause for concern. Things like hard/soft or painful/not painful aren't as important as size.
    • Katie111888
      Katie111888 Philly89

      Posted

      i found your post very helpful thank you. i have major anxiety and ive been very focused on my lymph nodes in my neck. i have eczema on my head and when i have a flare up my node back of my neck swells...only to like 2 cm and goes back down. well ive been so aware of the ones in my throat...under my sub glands...ill post pic of where. im not sure of their normal or not. i cant see them without feeling for them! their maybe 1.5 cm roughly...pretty hard i think cant tell about movement. i have globus sensation and post nasal drip which doesnt help. do you guys have lymph nodes here too?? ive only noticed them since ive become obsessed. ill post pic.

    • Philly89
      Philly89 Katie111888

      Posted

      Hey! I get like a psoriases/eczema type thing on my scalp as well! So annoying -_- and yep, same as u - as soon as I have a flare up all my lymph nodes in that area swell.

      • I don't think I have any in the spot u mentioned, I have a few right under my jaw line on both sides of my face, and I have a tiny pea size one right under my chin. None on the lower neck part though.
      • I also used to have the globus sensation (came w my heightened anxiety) and god was that so annoying. Luckily haven't had that lately.
      • My drs told me anything 2cm or under is considered not worrisome. Basically it should not be bigger than like the width of your thumb. Also, if it helps, I saw my reg GP, an ENT, a dermatologist, and an oncologist for these lol (I wanted a variety of opinions). And all of them gave me this same info on lymph nodes, so it seems pretty concrete.
    • Philly89
      Philly89

      Posted

      Oh anddd, unless you've actually had your lymph nodes measured - it is unlikely they are even 2cm. Before I had mine measured by ultrasound I was guessing they must be at least 1.5cm bc they felt big... and then when they were measured it turned out almost all of them were under 1cm lol. I think they feel bigger than they actually are.

    • Katie111888
      Katie111888 Philly89

      Posted

      thank you!! im due to see my dentist and im sure he'll feel round my neck etc so im sure he'll tell me if he feels out unusual. thanks again for the info. very helpful.

  • Katie111888
    Katie111888 asdfghjkl1235

    Posted

    image

    • asdfghjkl1235
      asdfghjkl1235 Katie111888

      Posted

      Hi,

      When i feel around that area i do feel two hard lump things which im guessing are the lymph nodes youre feeling too? So yes I have them there too 😃

      ps i attached a picture of where the lymph nodes are in your head/neck so you can have a look image

    • Katie111888
      Katie111888 asdfghjkl1235

      Posted

      im thinking so yes. ive never felt round my neck as much as i have done recently so i havent a clue if they have always been there. im always prodding around and it makes me more anxious (daft i know). my poor lymph nodes lol. well im going to leave them be and if gets any bigger ill go and have them checked. i have TMJ and many jaw issues so at the minute im very sensitive round these parts. im due to see my dentist shortly so will see what happens there.

  • crissy42183
    crissy42183 asdfghjkl1235

    Posted

    Hey there!

    I know this is now a dated post, but just thought I'd offer advice from my experience last year with similar symptoms. I had a sore lymph node, quite large, right under my chin on the right side. It worried me for weeks, and like you, I became very anxious, constantly checking it and reading all possible culprits online. I had no other symptoms.

    Anyway, I finally went to see a doctor, who randomly decided to test me for mono. Lo and behold, it was mono. I had no fever, no fatigue, really nothing else at all besides this one lymph node swelling beyond belief for a month until we discovered what it was. Of course, with mono, there's really no treatment except to rest and drink as many liquids as you can.

    I would strongly suggest visiting your doctor and telling her what's going on!

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