Sign-in to Ask A Doctor - 24x7
OR
Sign in with Google
What Causes Constant Small Cuts In Mouth And Anxiety?
Question: Hi,
i'm 24, I have had palpable lymph nodes under my chin, close to my hyoid bone for over 6 months now. I have braces and am constantly getting cuts to my mouth that seem to not really go away until my teeth shift and then the cuts will appear in a different place. I was told that this could be causing some lymph node swelling. They're fairly small, they feel about the size of a pea, and I've had a doctor look at it and said it didn't feel like a pathological lymph node. but it bugs me that I can feel them, and when I stretch my neck all the way out, I can see bumps and this really bugs me. My sister passed away from Hodgkin's lymphoma so I'm further worried about it, but I also don't want to get unnecessary tests done if I don't have to. I have no other symptoms - other than constant anxiety.
i'm 24, I have had palpable lymph nodes under my chin, close to my hyoid bone for over 6 months now. I have braces and am constantly getting cuts to my mouth that seem to not really go away until my teeth shift and then the cuts will appear in a different place. I was told that this could be causing some lymph node swelling. They're fairly small, they feel about the size of a pea, and I've had a doctor look at it and said it didn't feel like a pathological lymph node. but it bugs me that I can feel them, and when I stretch my neck all the way out, I can see bumps and this really bugs me. My sister passed away from Hodgkin's lymphoma so I'm further worried about it, but I also don't want to get unnecessary tests done if I don't have to. I have no other symptoms - other than constant anxiety.
Brief Answer:
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
The small cuts or injuries can be one possible cause of the reactive lymph node enlargement. However, if the nodes persist beyond 3 to 6 weeks despite treatment for infectious or inflammatory causes then an excisional lymph node biopsy should be considered to rule out the possibility of a malignant disorder. If the excisional biopsy is clear then its not a malignant process and you can relax. Focus of infection/ inflammation should be looked for and treated accordingly.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
Explained
Detailed Answer:
Hello and Welcome
I appreciate your concern
The small cuts or injuries can be one possible cause of the reactive lymph node enlargement. However, if the nodes persist beyond 3 to 6 weeks despite treatment for infectious or inflammatory causes then an excisional lymph node biopsy should be considered to rule out the possibility of a malignant disorder. If the excisional biopsy is clear then its not a malignant process and you can relax. Focus of infection/ inflammation should be looked for and treated accordingly.
Wishing you best of health
Thanks
Let me know if you have any query
Please consult your doctor before deciding on any further course of action.
For future follow up / correspondence you may ask me directly at the link given below
http://doctor.healthcaremagic.com/Funnel?page=askDoctorDirectly&docId=68107
Dr. M.S. Khalil
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. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties
