Lymph Node Enlargement: Common Concerns and Medical Insights - Otolaryngology

Lymphadenopathy refers to the enlargement of lymph nodes, which can occur due to various causes, including infections, autoimmune diseases, and malignancies. It is important to evaluate the characteristics of the swollen lymph nodes, such as their size, consistency,

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Hello Doctor: I would like to ask about a hard lump I found on the right posterior side of my neck (approximately where my hair grows), which is about 1 cm in diameter.
At the time, I also had cold symptoms (sore throat, nasal congestion, etc.), and I had several sores (about 5-6) in my mouth along with a small lump inside my oral cavity.
I first noticed the lump on September 17, 2005, and I sought medical attention on September 20, 2005.

The first doctor I consulted believed that the lump in my neck might be caused by a cold or an infection from other bacteria or viruses.
He prescribed medication, which alleviated my cold symptoms, and I gradually recovered.
For the sores in my mouth, he prescribed a small tube of topical corticosteroid ointment, which healed quickly within a week.
However, as my cold symptoms improved, the hard lump in my neck did not change in size or consistency; it remained hard and painless.
When I returned for a follow-up, he prescribed the same medication, but the situation remained unchanged.
He mentioned that if it persisted for more than a month, it might have become fibrotic.
Later, feeling uneasy about the lump, I decided to see a surgeon.
The surgeon indicated that this situation is quite common and generally not a cause for alarm.
He suggested that if there are no other concerning symptoms, medication and observation would suffice.
However, if I was very anxious, he could arrange for the lump to be surgically removed and sent for pathological examination.
I then heard that for swollen lymph nodes in the neck, I should consult an otolaryngologist, so I sought another opinion.
The ENT specialist examined my throat and, when I inquired about the lump in my neck, he stated that it was an enlarged lymph node, with many possible causes.
I pressed him on whether this could lead to serious consequences or indicate other diseases, and he reassured me with a smile that a lymph node in that location should not be problematic.
He explained that in medicine, enlarged lymph nodes in the neck typically correspond to other tissues or organs, and he was "certain" it was not a tumor.
When I asked if the lump would resolve on its own, he advised, "Don't worry about it; unless you're really concerned, you can have it removed for pathological examination, but otherwise, there's no need to do anything."
I have shared all this to provide context for my current situation.
I would like to ask the following questions:
1.
Is using a topical corticosteroid for mouth sores advisable? (e.g., are there many side effects?) Did the ENT doctor imply that this was a shortcut?
2.
When the doctor mentioned lymph node fibrosis, does that not imply that it has already turned into a "tumor"?
3.
If I follow the surgeon's advice and schedule the removal of the lump for pathological examination, how long would the surgery take? Would I be able to be discharged immediately?
4.
In the field of otolaryngology, is it true, as the doctor said, that lymph nodes correspond to other tissues or organs? While this reassures me, I would like to understand what is happening and why this lump appeared suddenly.
5.
Generally, how long should such a lump be monitored before considering surgery for removal and pathological examination if it does not resolve?
I appreciate your response and thank you very much!

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cclai, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2005/10/15