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Suggest Treatment For Swollen Lymph Nodes In Armpits And Groin Area
Question: Yes, I have a son who is 32. He has had inflammatory bowel disease and now has an ileostomy. He was doing extremely well and no medical treatment for a year. However, a few days ago going on a week, he developed swollen lymph nodes in the armpits and groin. The groin is gone, however, the armpit nodes tend to swell and recede. He also had a pink pimple like rash. He is seeing doctor on Thursday. Any suggestions as to what could be causing this. He says he is a little breathless as well.
Brief Answer:
hi, see below
Detailed Answer:
Hi, it seems your son has had severe inflammatory disease in the past since he has an ileostomy. Has he ever been exposed or used strong medications called "biologics or anti-TNF or immunomodulators"? (examples include azathioprine, 6MP, Remicade, Cimzia, Humira, etc). You mentioned that he has not been on medications for a year, therefore it would be unlikely that swollen lymph nodes are a "side effect" of having used these meds in the past. These medications (commonly used for therapy against IBD), can rarely cause "lymphoma" or cancer of the lymph nodes, but keep in mind that this is very rare, and usually with longstanding use of these meds mentioned above.
In your son's case my first thought would be an infection causing swollen lymph nodes, particularly if one of the swollen ones is already gone. There are many type of infections, most commonly viruses would cause it. Having an altered / weak immune system can predispose to fungal infection (such as tuberculosis). I agree your son should be evaluated by a physician, and based upon physical examination he can decide if any further work up should be done, or just observe.
being breathless could also represent a sign of an infection.
Hope that helps
hi, see below
Detailed Answer:
Hi, it seems your son has had severe inflammatory disease in the past since he has an ileostomy. Has he ever been exposed or used strong medications called "biologics or anti-TNF or immunomodulators"? (examples include azathioprine, 6MP, Remicade, Cimzia, Humira, etc). You mentioned that he has not been on medications for a year, therefore it would be unlikely that swollen lymph nodes are a "side effect" of having used these meds in the past. These medications (commonly used for therapy against IBD), can rarely cause "lymphoma" or cancer of the lymph nodes, but keep in mind that this is very rare, and usually with longstanding use of these meds mentioned above.
In your son's case my first thought would be an infection causing swollen lymph nodes, particularly if one of the swollen ones is already gone. There are many type of infections, most commonly viruses would cause it. Having an altered / weak immune system can predispose to fungal infection (such as tuberculosis). I agree your son should be evaluated by a physician, and based upon physical examination he can decide if any further work up should be done, or just observe.
being breathless could also represent a sign of an infection.
Hope that helps
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Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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