Question: I injured my shoulder while body surfing and then aggravated the injury while canoeing a few weeks later. This resulted in two X-rays which revealed nothing. An MRI was ordered which revealed tendinitis of the rotator cuff and impingement. The MRI reviewer also noted a 6x8mm (.6 x .8 cm) mass that appears to be a lymph node. The Ortho referred me to a General Surgeon for further investigation with the note indicating Enlarged left clavicular lymph node.

My question is what is considered "normal" size of a left clavicular lymph node in a 44 year old male.

Let me mention that I am also diabetic type 2 taking Lisinopril for HBP, Crestor, and Fortamet.

Since the shoulder injury I have been taking 1200 mg/day Ibuprofen (600 morning/600 night) and an over the counter sleep aid. I have no symptoms of illnes or pain other than the shoulder impingement.

Should I be concerned or this more of a CYA move from the physician. Don't get me wrong, I have read about the potential seriousness of the issue and will still follow-up with whoever I have to until a conclusion, bad or good, is made.

Thanks you for your comment. It makes sense that size would be relative to the patient and potentially their medical history.

I have to review the report again to see if anything was mentioned about it being "abnormal". If so, the word "abnormal" is the only indication other than the size reported. It also did not sound as if the identification of it as a lymph node was definite.

Is it possible that soft tissue damage as a result of trauma from the initial injury would appear this way? It was a pretty significant impact that XXXXXXX me from the shoulder to neck.

Thanks