HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

What Does A Swollen Occipital Node Indiacte?

Posted on Tue, 22 Apr 2014

Question: so I have seen three doctors about this issue I must first say I have massive anxiety problems. Two weeks ago I went to the er twice and a primary once. I had a slightly swollen occipital node om my right side by the time I saw my primary it had gone down. They said it was from scalp pimples located on the back of my head. I am also a picker. Two days ago noticed a slightly swollen occipital node on my side its tiny almast hard to feel now but im paranoid. Ive also had a temp of 99.7. this time there is only one sore little pimple on my left side of back of head which I also picked I feel like im fine but my anxiety does not let me relax at all im mean three other doctors about 2 weeks ago told me I was fin so in end just looking for reassuring imformation oh and I was prescribed an antibiotic but the pharmacy called yesterday to say the finaly got it so also wondering if the infection they thought I had could of reaccured

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (38 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Self limiting or a few antibiotics Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. I can understand the plight you are undergoing through. This usually is seen in patients who have heard of cancers or when someone near -dear suffered from the cancer (of course I do not know about yours). The first thing to make you clear about is the site of lymph node/s. This is not a known site of any cancer till date. Secondly you have a history of a skin pimple and you are a picker as you have mentioned. Even a small scratch can lead to development of the tender lymph node/s. They are connected by lymph channels to each other also. Most of the small nodes are self-limiting , meaning body takes care of them. Few of them may need a treatment , and remember one thing even on a proper antibiotic and anti-inflammatory medicines some nodes may take a few weeks to resolve. So do not worry. Continue the medicines prescribed by your Doctor/s in good faith. You will be absolutely fine and healthy. IF still this does not make you reassured , you can go for a small test of FNAC -fine needle aspiration cytology or an excision biopsy to get a final diagnosis and the node too will be out if needed. Of course keep the scalp clean and stop picking up on the skin. Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (14 minutes later)

ty that makes me very happy knowing no cancer has been diagnosed in the nodes I do have dry scalp and some dandruff and find my self itching sometimes also is there any more info you could supply me with to help my anxiety neither families paternal or maternal have any cancers other than lung cancer from smoking cigarettes is that by any chance related to the chances of me receiving a cancer like this cause as you can tell I have a phobia of cancer from seeing my grandmother and grandfather die of lung cancer they were both very heavy smokers for 30 plus years

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (10 minutes later)

Brief Answer: Phobia - you only can control Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. If you are a non-smoker , why do you worry. Cancers do not run in families unless the causative factors are practiced. You are just 27 years of age, again not many cancers develop so early. You have a long journey to go. Have healthy habits and keep the tensions to The Great Almighty, whoever you worship. With such tensions and phobias , you may never develop cancer but unnecessarily keeping you from a beautiful creative and re-creative life. So just relax.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T

Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (28 minutes later)

thank you doctor you have helped wonderfully im def going to try to get some assistance for my extreme anxiety and again thank you for the much helpful information I am actually currently quitting smoking

Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (2 minutes later)

Brief Answer: That is great. Detailed Answer: Most welcome. That is great - no smoking.

Note: Hope the answers resolves your concerns, however for further guidance of skin related queries consult our Dermatologist.Click here to book a consultation

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T