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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Head And Neck Region?
Question: My submandibular lymph nodes are about 0.5 - 1 cm in size and they feel slightly hard. When i feel deep under the jaw bone i can feel them them in a row under my bone.
They are like that for years. When i got gum disease I had one of them to turn very large (about 3-4 cm?) and was painful. A week later it shrunk back to it's 0.5 - 1 cm size.
My question is..I cannot feel my partners or brothers' submandibular lymph nodes...So why can i feel mine?? My blood tests are normal always.
They are like that for years. When i got gum disease I had one of them to turn very large (about 3-4 cm?) and was painful. A week later it shrunk back to it's 0.5 - 1 cm size.
My question is..I cannot feel my partners or brothers' submandibular lymph nodes...So why can i feel mine?? My blood tests are normal always.
Brief Answer:
This is normal. There is no active management required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. There are about 300 lymph nodes in the head and neck region and they form a part of the body's immune defense system.
2. These lymph nodes are normally not palpable. Once they enlarge to react and respond against any infection or inflammation (in your case: gingivitis or gum disease), they do resolve but remain palpable as they do not return to their earlier (non-palpable) size.
3. Hence you will feel these lymph nodes. They are small, not tender, the blood tests are normal, hence you can safely ignore them and keep them under long term observation.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
This is normal. There is no active management required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. There are about 300 lymph nodes in the head and neck region and they form a part of the body's immune defense system.
2. These lymph nodes are normally not palpable. Once they enlarge to react and respond against any infection or inflammation (in your case: gingivitis or gum disease), they do resolve but remain palpable as they do not return to their earlier (non-palpable) size.
3. Hence you will feel these lymph nodes. They are small, not tender, the blood tests are normal, hence you can safely ignore them and keep them under long term observation.
I hope that I have answered your query. If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Note: Consult an experienced Otolaryngologist / ENT Specialist online for further follow up on ear, nose, and throat issues - Book a Call now.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Arnab Banerjee
Answered by
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