Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
58yo, M, Healthy. Four Weeks Ago Noticed A Bump Behind
Question: 58yo, M, healthy. Four weeks ago noticed a bump behind right ear (posterior auricular lymph node). Lump size ~1cm, firm. Can be tender to touch. Went to ENT who said it was a swollen lymph node, thoroughly examined for other enlarged nodes, infection, lesions/tumours , and found none. I have no other symptoms. The ENT specialist told to wait 3 weeks, and if node stays biopsy it. In three weeks lump was still there, but smaller...ENT doctor confirmed, that it is significantly smaller and decided against biopsy and advised to wait for two months and check it again. I am still worried, Should I ? Lump is still here (week 4) and doesn't look as if it getting smaller (it is not growing either).
Brief Answer:
Wait and watch. No active intervention required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Lymph nodes less than 8 to 10 mm in size (sub centimetre) are not considered significant.
2. Lymphodes increase in size in reponse to infection or inflammation. They do not tend to return to their original size and may be palapble thereafter but will not be tender to touch. There are normally about 300 lymphodes in the head and neck region.
3. Hence it is safe to wait and watch. No active intervention is required.
I hope that I have answered your query.
If you have any further questions, I will be available to answer them.
Regards.
Wait and watch. No active intervention required.
Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thank you for your query.
1. Lymph nodes less than 8 to 10 mm in size (sub centimetre) are not considered significant.
2. Lymphodes increase in size in reponse to infection or inflammation. They do not tend to return to their original size and may be palapble thereafter but will not be tender to touch. There are normally about 300 lymphodes in the head and neck region.
3. Hence it is safe to wait and watch. No active intervention is required.
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. Raju A.T
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
