Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns

Q: Swollen Lymph Nodes and Neck Pain: Causes and Concerns

Hello： You can observe the changes in the cervical lymph nodes for about two weeks. <br>If the lymphadenopathy is caused by a cold, it usually decreases and resolves within two weeks. <br>However, if it is due to a malignant lymphoma, it will not decrease in size and will continu

Swelling and pain of the right cervical lymph nodes, along with stiffness in the muscles of the right posterior neck?

Hello, Doctor! I would like to ask a few questions.
A week ago, I started experiencing slight swelling and pain in my right neck, but there were no issues upon examination.
Five days ago, when I checked my right neck again, I discovered a swollen lymph node, approximately 1 cm in size, and I could also feel another one nearby, about 1.5 cm in size.
Both are movable and are accompanied by intermittent swelling and pain.
Two days later, during class, I suddenly developed a low-grade fever, but it subsided immediately after class.
I visited an otolaryngologist twice, and the doctor only prescribed anti-inflammatory medication.
Although there was slight improvement in the swelling, it is still noticeably swollen on the right side.
I also noticed that the area on the back of my neck near the cervical spine (which feels like a muscle) is very stiff and swollen, and pressing on it causes soreness and pain.
Could this also be affected by the lymph nodes? Is there a serious concern? Recently, my roommate caught a cold; could this be due to a bacterial infection causing the lymph nodes to become inflamed? Or could this be indicative of other symptoms? I appreciate your clarification, thank you!

Pw, 10~19 year old female. Ask Date: 2017/03/08

Dr. Chen Yunfang reply Oncology

Hello: You can observe the changes in the cervical lymph nodes for about two weeks.
If the lymphadenopathy is caused by a cold, it usually decreases and resolves within two weeks.
However, if it is due to a malignant lymphoma, it will not decrease in size and will continue to grow.
At that point, we would consider whether to perform a lymph node biopsy in the outpatient setting.
Thank you.

Reply Date: 2017/03/08

More Info

Swollen lymph nodes and neck pain can be concerning symptoms that often lead to questions about their underlying causes and potential implications for health. Based on your description, it seems that you are experiencing swollen lymph nodes on the right side of your neck, accompanied by pain and stiffness, as well as a recent episode of low-grade fever. These symptoms can be indicative of several conditions, and understanding them can help alleviate your concerns.

Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system, which plays a crucial role in the body’s immune response. When the body is fighting an infection, lymph nodes can become swollen and tender as they produce more immune cells to combat the pathogens. This is a common response to infections, whether they are viral, bacterial, or even fungal. In your case, the recent illness of your roommate could indeed suggest that you might have been exposed to a contagious illness, leading to your lymph nodes reacting to an infection.

The fact that you have noticed two swollen lymph nodes, one measuring about 1 cm and another approximately 1.5 cm, is significant. Lymph nodes that are mobile (able to move under the skin) and tender are generally more reassuring than those that are hard, fixed, or painless, which could suggest a more serious condition. The tenderness and swelling you are experiencing could very well be due to a localized infection or inflammation, possibly related to a respiratory infection, dental issues, or even a skin infection in the area.

The stiffness and pain in the area near your cervical spine could also be related to muscle tension or strain, especially if you have been experiencing discomfort in your neck. Sometimes, muscle tightness can occur in response to pain or discomfort in nearby areas, including swollen lymph nodes. It is essential to consider that the body often reacts to pain by tightening muscles, which can create a cycle of discomfort.

Regarding your low-grade fever, this is another common symptom associated with infections. A fever indicates that your body is actively fighting off an infection, and it can fluctuate based on various factors, including activity levels and the time of day. The fact that your fever resolved quickly is a positive sign, but it is still essential to monitor your symptoms.

In terms of treatment, your healthcare provider has prescribed anti-inflammatory medication, which can help reduce swelling and alleviate pain. It is crucial to follow up with your doctor if your symptoms persist or worsen, as they may want to conduct further evaluations, such as blood tests or imaging studies, to rule out other potential causes.

In summary, swollen lymph nodes and neck pain are often related to infections, and your symptoms could be a response to a recent illness. While it is understandable to feel anxious about these changes in your body, the characteristics of your lymph nodes and the nature of your symptoms suggest that they are likely related to a benign process, such as an infection. However, continued monitoring and communication with your healthcare provider are essential to ensure that any underlying issues are addressed promptly. If you experience significant changes, such as persistent fever, increased swelling, or new symptoms, do not hesitate to seek medical attention.

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