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Do Enlarged Lymph Nodes Suggest Malignancy?
Question: I have had three lymph nodes that have been enlarged for a long time. One of them which was under my chin midline had an ultrasound on it and it came back with no suspicious nature. The other two are on the left side back of my neck. Those were checked by my physician too and he said they were okay but let him know if any of them get bigger. My health is good and blood work all normal. I recently have had terrible sinus congestion that was probably caused by allergy. The doctor gave me prednisone and the lymph nodes are back to normal. I am wondering will this be short lived and would like to understand why that worked so fast and does that mean anything?
Brief Answer:
it doesn't mean anything...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if the lymph nodes are smaller than 1cm then the risk for malignancy (I suppose this is your main concern) is very very low. Of course malignant nodes start from small sizes and develop with time but you've mentioned that your lymph nodes are enlarged for a long time. Malignant nodes usually enlarge fast and having them for a long time is another indication of their benign nature.
The negative ultrasound is very reassuring too. The ultrasound scan may detect vascular or shape abnormalities that may indicate a malignant nature.
The corticosteroids (like prednisone) do cause the lymph nodes to shrink. This is expected, so it doesn't really mean something. Whether they'll expand again or not, is not very predictable. Please keep in mind that cervical nodes are always palpable. When their size or consistency raise suspicions, the doctors usually asks for an ultrasound scan and recommends follow-up after a few weeks.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
it doesn't mean anything...
Detailed Answer:
Hello,
if the lymph nodes are smaller than 1cm then the risk for malignancy (I suppose this is your main concern) is very very low. Of course malignant nodes start from small sizes and develop with time but you've mentioned that your lymph nodes are enlarged for a long time. Malignant nodes usually enlarge fast and having them for a long time is another indication of their benign nature.
The negative ultrasound is very reassuring too. The ultrasound scan may detect vascular or shape abnormalities that may indicate a malignant nature.
The corticosteroids (like prednisone) do cause the lymph nodes to shrink. This is expected, so it doesn't really mean something. Whether they'll expand again or not, is not very predictable. Please keep in mind that cervical nodes are always palpable. When their size or consistency raise suspicions, the doctors usually asks for an ultrasound scan and recommends follow-up after a few weeks.
I hope you find my comments helpful!
You can contact me again, if you'd like any clarification or further information.
Kind Regards!
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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