question-icon

Have Swollen Jugular Lymph Node And Had Breast Cancer. Should I Be Concerned?

default
Posted on Fri, 22 Nov 2013
Twitter Fri, 22 Nov 2013 Answered on
Twitter Thu, 12 Dec 2013 Last reviewed on
Question : I am 41 years old and I have what I think is a swollen upper jugular lymph node. It's been there for a while -- a few months at least. Does not seem to be growing, does not hurt, and I have not been sick. I was not concerned about it at all until I realized that it's not going away. I will get it checked but how concerned should I be? I do have a history of breast cancer so I'm a little paranoid. Is this likely to be related?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar (29 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Non worrisome as your description appears Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for the query. Is it isolated I mean single lymph node that was swollen? Most times we observe there would be more nodes that were swollen while we examine. Sometimes there are multiple nodes swollen but they attach each other and appear to be single node. At the same time we check the other group of lymph nodes like axilla as well. Suppose it is jugular lymph node. The area is drained from the tongue, tonsil, ear and parotid. So breast has no connection with it. So generally infections of these areas are common as they are exposed to external environment and infectious agents directly. So first think of infections of these areas most likely pharygitis and ear. These are well treated. In you case there seems no infection as it is there for longer time. Have you noticed weight loss, night sweats or fever during the course? If no I do not think there is something concerning. However all long standing lymph nodes need a biopsy to confirm the benignity. All the best.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Aparna Kohli
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2004

Answered : 2086 Questions

Ask me a question
premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Ask an Oncologist
Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

194 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
backtotop2
Have Swollen Jugular Lymph Node And Had Breast Cancer. Should I Be Concerned?

Brief Answer: Non worrisome as your description appears Detailed Answer: Hi, Thank you for the query. Is it isolated I mean single lymph node that was swollen? Most times we observe there would be more nodes that were swollen while we examine. Sometimes there are multiple nodes swollen but they attach each other and appear to be single node. At the same time we check the other group of lymph nodes like axilla as well. Suppose it is jugular lymph node. The area is drained from the tongue, tonsil, ear and parotid. So breast has no connection with it. So generally infections of these areas are common as they are exposed to external environment and infectious agents directly. So first think of infections of these areas most likely pharygitis and ear. These are well treated. In you case there seems no infection as it is there for longer time. Have you noticed weight loss, night sweats or fever during the course? If no I do not think there is something concerning. However all long standing lymph nodes need a biopsy to confirm the benignity. All the best.