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What Causes One Lymph Nodes To Be Larger Than The Other?

Posted on Tue, 23 Sep 2014

Question: Went to doctor today for sore throat. Examined throat and lymph nodes. Found one node that was slightly larger on one side than the other. Strep test was negative and blood test was in normal range. There was no indication that I needed to follow up. I'm kind of hypochondriac and think the worst of things so naturally I was worried about lymphoma. Can I assume based on Dr's reaction, good blood work results and possible infection that I have nothing to worry about?
Also, could it be possible that it's NORMAL to have one node slightly larger than the one on the other side?

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (22 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
You are having URTI with reactive LN swelling.

Detailed Answer:
Hello & welcome to HealthcareMagic forum.

I have read your query , reviewed your medications and understand your concern.
As per your clinical history it appears that you are having URTI with reactive lymph node swelling.

It's NORMAL to have one node slightly larger than the one on the other side. No need to worry about lymphoma.

If I were your treating doctor, I would advice you continue antibiotic , Antiseptic Mouth Wash twice daily & anti inflammatory analgesic Paracetemol + Ibuprofen combination .

You will get relief .

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (46 minutes later)

Thanks for your quick reply, but I don't understand what you mean by
"URTI with reactive LN swelling". Can you please explain what this is? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (19 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Upper respiratory track infection.

Detailed Answer:
Thanks for follow up query .

"URTI with reactive LN swelling"- You are having Upper respiratory track infection with reactive lymph node swelling.

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
Regards.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

Follow up: Dr. Krunal Karade (25 hours later)

Is it possible that the infection (assuming it's even the cause) might go down but the swelling remain? I've heard some nodes take a LONG time to go down, if they ever do. And like you said this might even be normal. I would assume that if there were any significant chance of cancer (I don't notice any hard or immovable nodes), then further tests would have been ordered right away instead of just "take some antibiotics."

Answered by Dr. Krunal Karade (5 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Yes , Nodes take long time to go .

Detailed Answer:
Hi ,
Thanks for follow up query .

Yes , it is possible that the infection might go down but the swelling remain. Nodes take long time to go . But it will decrease in size with antibiotic & anti inflammatory .
If neck nodes don't start decreasing with 10 days course of above mention medication then we can go for fine needle aspiration cytology (FNAC).

Hope this information helpful to you .If you have any further questions I will be happy to help.
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. Ashwin Bhandari