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What Causes Swollen Lymph Nodes In The Neck?
Question: Hello,
I am quite concerned about my daughter. She is 34 years old and living and working abroad. She has written me and described symptoms she is experiencing. She believes she has swollen lymph nodes at the base of her head and in her neck. They have just recently appeared. She isn't due home until December. Your thoughts please?
XXXX XXXXXXX
I am quite concerned about my daughter. She is 34 years old and living and working abroad. She has written me and described symptoms she is experiencing. She believes she has swollen lymph nodes at the base of her head and in her neck. They have just recently appeared. She isn't due home until December. Your thoughts please?
XXXX XXXXXXX
Brief Answer:
Swollen lymph nodes are generally due to an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
The main cause for swollen lymph nodes is an infection and most commonly this would be either an infection of the teeth or the mouth or food passage.
The best thing would be to ask her to meet an ent doctor, who will examine her and guide her further.
Please dont worry as most of the time the infection can be easily treated with appropriate antibiotics.
The doctor will examine her and may ask for a few tests to look for the type and severity of the infection.
In few patients, the doctor may also ask her to get an ultrasound of the neck done, in order to find the exact number and size of the lymph nodes.
Please dont worry and ask her to meet an ent doctor.
Take care!
Swollen lymph nodes are generally due to an infection
Detailed Answer:
Hello
The main cause for swollen lymph nodes is an infection and most commonly this would be either an infection of the teeth or the mouth or food passage.
The best thing would be to ask her to meet an ent doctor, who will examine her and guide her further.
Please dont worry as most of the time the infection can be easily treated with appropriate antibiotics.
The doctor will examine her and may ask for a few tests to look for the type and severity of the infection.
In few patients, the doctor may also ask her to get an ultrasound of the neck done, in order to find the exact number and size of the lymph nodes.
Please dont worry and ask her to meet an ent doctor.
Take care!
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Raju A.T
She has relayed that the swellings are a little harder than bean size and don't move. Does that still sound like lymph nodes?
Brief Answer:
They are not likely to be lymph nodes
Detailed Answer:
Hello
If the swelling is fixed and not moving then it is not likely to be a lymph node and is more likely to be a swelling arising from a bone.
In that case i would like to recommend that she meet a bone doctor/orthopedic doctor , he may ask for an xray of the neck to see from where exactly the swelling is arising and guide her further.
Take care
They are not likely to be lymph nodes
Detailed Answer:
Hello
If the swelling is fixed and not moving then it is not likely to be a lymph node and is more likely to be a swelling arising from a bone.
In that case i would like to recommend that she meet a bone doctor/orthopedic doctor , he may ask for an xray of the neck to see from where exactly the swelling is arising and guide her further.
Take care
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
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