Persistent Neck Lymph Node Swelling: Seeking Solutions for Pain and Tremors

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck! Pain on the left side of the face, and the chin keeps trembling!

My mother had lymph nodes swell near her salivary glands last year, and she underwent surgery to remove the lymphatic tissue.
After examination by the doctor, it was determined to be benign.
However, recently the same area has swollen again, causing pain when eating, drinking, or even swallowing saliva! Additionally, her left jaw has been shaking uncontrollably.
A few days ago, she had a scan at the hospital, and the radiology staff reported no obvious foreign objects! We have visited various hospitals and consulted numerous doctors, but none have been able to resolve my mother's symptoms! Please help by recommending a good doctor or providing information! Thank you all :)

Mumu, 20~29 year old female. Ask Date: 2011/07/21

Dr. Lan Shengxing reply Neurology

It still seems that a foreign body in the head and neck region is the most likely cause.
Local discomfort may manifest as this type of movement disorder.
If the otolaryngologist is unable to provide treatment for this area, a neurologist can be consulted to address the movement disorder.
However, the fundamental issue of the foreign body should be identified and addressed as the primary strategy.

Reply Date: 2011/07/21

More Info

It sounds like your mother is experiencing a challenging and distressing situation with her persistent neck lymph node swelling and associated symptoms. Given her history of lymph node surgery and the recent recurrence of swelling, it is crucial to approach this situation with careful consideration and thorough evaluation.

Firstly, it's important to understand that lymph nodes can swell for various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or malignancy. Since your mother had a previous surgery for a benign lymph node, the recurrence of swelling in the same area could suggest a few possibilities. One common cause could be a recurrent infection, especially if she is experiencing pain while swallowing or drinking. Infections can lead to lymphadenopathy (swelling of lymph nodes) as the body responds to fight off pathogens.

The fact that she is experiencing pain during swallowing and has tremors in her jaw could indicate that there is irritation or inflammation in the surrounding tissues, possibly involving the salivary glands or the muscles in that area. Conditions such as sialadenitis (inflammation of the salivary glands) or even temporomandibular joint (TMJ) disorders could contribute to these symptoms. It’s also worth considering whether there are any dental issues that might be causing referred pain to the neck and jaw.

Since the imaging studies did not reveal any obvious abnormalities, it may be beneficial to consider further diagnostic tests. A fine needle aspiration (FNA) biopsy could be performed on the swollen lymph node to rule out any atypical cells or malignancy, even though the previous pathology was benign. Additionally, blood tests to check for signs of infection or inflammatory markers might provide further insights.

Given the complexity of her symptoms and the fact that she has seen multiple healthcare providers without resolution, it may be worthwhile to seek a referral to a specialist in head and neck surgery or an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist) who has experience with lymphatic disorders. They may be able to provide a more comprehensive evaluation and consider additional imaging studies, such as an MRI or a PET scan, to assess the lymph nodes and surrounding structures more thoroughly.

In the meantime, managing her pain is essential. Over-the-counter pain relievers, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, may help alleviate discomfort. However, it’s crucial to consult with her healthcare provider before starting any new medications, especially if she has other underlying health conditions or is taking other medications.

Lastly, emotional support is vital during this time. Chronic health issues can lead to anxiety and stress, which may exacerbate physical symptoms. Encouraging her to engage in relaxation techniques, such as deep breathing exercises or mindfulness, could be beneficial.

In summary, your mother’s situation requires careful monitoring and possibly further diagnostic evaluation. Seeking a specialist's opinion may provide new insights and treatment options. Please ensure she continues to communicate her symptoms clearly to her healthcare providers, as this will aid in finding the most appropriate care.

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