Lymph Node Concerns: Common Questions and Answers

Cervical lymphatic issues

Dear Dr.
Chen,
It's me again, and I apologize for bothering you.
I've always been very anxious about lymph nodes, and this shadow of fear has lingered.
I often check my body for lymph nodes.
Aside from the few I consulted you about previously, on August 14, I felt a new suspicious lump in my right supraclavicular fossa that felt like a small cord.
That night, I was very worried and spent the whole night rubbing, kneading, and poking it, trying to assess its size and whether it was movable.
As a result, it became inflamed the next day; the area around my supraclavicular fossa felt warm, swollen, and painful, as if the tissue inside had become inflamed from my pressing.
It hurt to touch lightly, so I went to an ENT clinic.
After examining me, the doctor said the lymph node was somewhat inflamed and prescribed some anti-inflammatory medication.
After taking the medication, it seemed to shrink.
I would like to ask you the following questions:
1.
Could the lymph node I felt be a result of inflammation caused by my constant rubbing of the surrounding tissue? Can inflammation without bacterial or viral invasion also cause lymph nodes to enlarge?
2.
Could it get larger the more I rub it? I find myself rubbing it in different positions throughout the day, probably dozens of times.
3.
If this is indeed the case of a lymph node caused by inflammation, is taking anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen) and applying ice effective?
4.
It has been over a month now, and sometimes it feels the size of a soybean, other times like a red bean, firm and movable, about 0.6-0.8 cm.
I cannot feel it when my hand is relaxed; I can only feel it when I raise my hand.
Do you think I can continue to observe it? Is it sufficient if it doesn't get larger? If it were malignant, how quickly would it grow?
5.
Lastly, I would like to ask how much pressure should be applied when checking lymph nodes? Should I be relaxed, or should I contract my muscles and change positions?
6.
I truly apologize for having so many questions.
My lack of understanding causes me anxiety and fear.
I hope you can ease my worries.
Thank you for always being there for me and helping me during my most helpless times.
I am grateful.

You again, worried little Ke., 40~49 year old female. Ask Date: 2021/09/23

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology

It's me again, the worried one.
/ 41 years old
1.1.
The lymph nodes I can feel, could they be inflamed due to my constant rubbing against surrounding tissues?
A: It's uncertain whether there are lymph nodes, but they are definitely inflamed from your constant poking.
1.2.
Can inflammation without bacterial or viral invasion still cause lymph nodes to enlarge?
A: Inflammation can cause lymph node enlargement, regardless of the cause.
2.
Will rubbing them make them larger? I find myself rubbing and poking them in different positions throughout the day, probably dozens of times.

A: Yes, rubbing will make them larger! I recommend that you only gently touch them once a day, perhaps while showering or washing your face.
3.
If the lymph nodes are indeed a result of this kind of inflammation, would taking anti-inflammatory medication (ibuprofen) and applying ice be effective?
A: It should be effective.
4.
It's been over a month now, and sometimes they feel the size of a soybean, other times like a red bean, firm and movable, about 0.6-0.8 cm in size.
I can't feel them when my hand is hanging naturally; I can only feel them when I raise my hand.
Do you think I can continue to observe them? As long as they don't get bigger, is that okay? If they were malignant, how quickly would they grow?
A: You can continue to observe them as long as they don't get bigger! If they are malignant, they will naturally grow, and the rate of growth depends on the type of cancer, so it's difficult to specify how fast it would be.
5.
Lastly, I would like to ask, how much pressure should I apply when checking the lymph nodes? Should I just relax naturally, or should I contract my muscles and change positions?
A: Just relax naturally.
Wishing you good health,
Taoyuan Hospital, Chen Si-Rong

Reply Date: 2021/09/23

More Info

Dear Patient,
I understand your concerns regarding lymph nodes, especially given your history of anxiety related to health issues. It's completely normal to feel anxious about changes in your body, particularly when it comes to something as complex as the lymphatic system. Let’s address your questions one by one.

1. Inflammation and Lymph Nodes: Yes, it is possible that the lymph node you felt was indeed reactive due to inflammation caused by your own manipulation. Lymph nodes can enlarge in response to localized inflammation, even without a bacterial or viral infection. This is known as reactive lymphadenopathy. When you press on a lymph node repeatedly, it can irritate the surrounding tissues, leading to inflammation and swelling.

2. Impact of Manipulation: Constantly touching or manipulating a lymph node can indeed lead to further irritation and potentially cause it to swell. The more you poke and prod, the more likely you are to irritate the area, which can lead to a cycle of inflammation. It’s best to avoid excessive handling of the area to allow it to heal.

3. Effectiveness of Anti-inflammatory Medication: Taking anti-inflammatory medications like ibuprofen can help reduce inflammation and pain in the area. Ice packs can also be beneficial in managing swelling and discomfort. If the lymph node is reactive due to inflammation, these treatments should help alleviate your symptoms.

4. Observation of Lymph Node Size: The size of the lymph node you described (0.6-0.8 cm) is generally considered normal, especially if it is mobile and not hard or fixed to surrounding tissues. If it remains stable in size and does not exhibit any concerning characteristics (such as hardness, immobility, or associated systemic symptoms like fever or weight loss), it is reasonable to continue monitoring it. In terms of malignancy, lymph nodes that are cancerous typically grow more rapidly and may be associated with other symptoms.

5. Checking Lymph Nodes: When examining lymph nodes, use gentle pressure. You should be able to feel the lymph nodes without causing pain. It’s best to be relaxed while doing this; tensing your muscles can make it harder to feel the nodes accurately. If you find a node, gently roll it between your fingers to assess its size and mobility.

6. Managing Anxiety: It’s important to recognize that your anxiety can exacerbate your perception of physical symptoms. If you find yourself frequently checking your lymph nodes, consider discussing your anxiety with a healthcare professional. Cognitive-behavioral therapy (CBT) or mindfulness practices can be very effective in managing health-related anxiety.

In summary, while it’s natural to be concerned about changes in your body, it’s important to approach these concerns with a balanced perspective. If you notice any significant changes in the size or characteristics of the lymph node, or if you develop new symptoms, it would be wise to consult your healthcare provider for further evaluation. Regular check-ups and open communication with your doctor can help alleviate your fears and ensure your health is monitored appropriately.

Take care, and remember to be gentle with yourself both physically and emotionally.

Best regards.

Similar Q&A

Understanding Lymph Node Swelling: Anxiety and Health Concerns

Hello, Doctor. I would like to describe my situation: I have noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck that has been present for over a month. I measured it myself, and it is about 1 centimeter in size. It feels somewhat hard and movable, and it seems to fluctuate...

Dr. Chen Sirong reply Oncology
Patient D / 23 years old / Male 1. Basically agrees with the assessments made by the two physicians you consulted. 2. This area is not my specialty in oncology; you may also consider Traditional Chinese Medicine to adjust your constitution. 3. Unless the lymph nodes grow la...

Understanding Lymph Nodes: Common Concerns and What to Watch For

In recent days, I have noticed several lymph nodes on my neck that feel quite alarming. I went to the hospital for an examination, and the doctor prescribed medication for me, but I still feel very worried. Are lymph nodes a common issue nowadays? What should I pay attention to i...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
Dear Ms. Kimmy, Swollen lymph nodes in the neck can be indicative of serious conditions such as malignant lymphoma, metastasis from other cancers, HIV, autoimmune diseases, as well as tuberculosis, bacterial infections, viral infections, and unexplained inflammation. The causes ...

Understanding Lymph Node Issues: What You Need to Know About Swelling and Pain

Hello Doctor, I would like to ask a few questions. 1. I have a lymph node with a diameter of 1.5 cm in the concave area of my left clavicle (sometimes it hurts when pressed, sometimes it doesn't, and it has been present for over 3 months). What could this situation indicat...

Dr. Chen Junyi reply Oncology
It is unclear whether there are clinical symptoms such as fever, cold sweats, or weight loss. If these symptoms are present, it is recommended to perform a biopsy of the lymph nodes. If there are any concerns, please visit a hospital for evaluation.

Understanding Lymph Node Issues After Oral Cancer Surgery

Hello, doctor. In March of this year, I underwent surgery for early-stage oral cancer on my right cheek. Post-surgery, there were no significant issues. However, in August, I started experiencing unexplained night sweats and fever. In September, my right thigh began to swell, and...

Dr. Fan Sheng reply Oncology
A-Bao: Is a CT scan out-of-pocket? I suggest consulting the National Health Insurance Administration. For lymphatic issues, I recommend directly excising one for testing. Thank you!