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Suggest Remedy For Swollen Lymph Nodes Around The Neck

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Posted on Fri, 6 Feb 2015
Question: Hi - Mom has swollen lymphs around the neck and she has got FNAC test done today.

Reports says reactive lymphadenitis but no malignant cells seen. Doctor said it is just a virus and bacterial infection but no sign of tuberculosis and any cancer cells.

I want to take second opinion if you think the same by seeing the report attached.
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Reactive means reaction to ... Take medicines, she will be fine

Detailed Answer:
Hi XXXXXXX
Good Morning.
Thanks for your query. Read the report.

It is good that FNAC was done and it shows “Reactive Lymphadinitis ". Reactive as the name suggests is reaction to something; and in this case is obviously NOT due to TB or Cancer as is specifically mentioned in the report (No necrosis / granuloma/ atypical / malignant {cancer} cells seen).

So this is just a reaction to viral / bacterial infection in the area of its drainage as your Doctor has rightly said.

I would advise you the following:
Reassurance- Reassure yourself and your Mother that this is not a serious problem.
Take a course of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, oral steroids if the glands are big and / painful and She is not diabetic for 1 to 3 weeks.
Repeat FNAC only if the problem is not solved within 3 weeks.

I hope this answer helps you and your Mother.
Feel free to ask for more if you need to or if you feel there is a gap-of-communication.
Have a great day.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. T Chandrakant (30 minutes later)
Thanks Doctor for the clarification. Just wanted to cross-check and sorry to mention it earlier that my mom is diabetic. Does that mean she can still take antibiotics and can be cured with oral antibiotics?

Thanks
XXXX


I am sorry for asking multiple questions, do you suggest us to go for biopsy at this point of time?
doctor
Answered by Dr. T Chandrakant (7 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Yes she can take and will be cured.

Detailed Answer:
Welcome XXXXXXX
I meant to say - no oral steroids if she is Diabetic.
Steroid can increase sugar level.
Yes, She can take any of the antibiotics and the anti-inflammatory medicines, to which She is not allergic to.
Always take a course of 1 to 3 weeks. Complete the course. Get a cure of the problem.
Yes, She will be cured with oral antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medicines like Diclofenac, Ibuprofen or so. Always give Ranitidine to avoid acidity and add probiotic like Darolac if there are loose motions with antibiotic.

Your Mother will be fine.
.............................................

Got your additional query after some time:
I think it is better to complete the course of medicines first.
See the response; get the situation reviewed by the Surgeon.
See, if she is medically fit in the meantime, I mean that all the blood- CBC, Sugar, urea, creatinine / ECG / X-ray Chest etc are normal (as for Medical fitness).
Biopsy to be done only if there is a clinical suspicion by the Surgeon (Surgeon can tell on inspection and palpation if the biopsy has to be done immediately or can wait with medical treatment) or if the Lymph nodes are not responding to the medical management.

As said earlier, you can always go for a review FNAC as this is painless, a-minute (only takes a few minutes) and minute (small) procedure and gives good diagnostic idea. This is against the biopsy, wherein a cut in the skin, a procedure to dissect and stitches and healing is involved. Diabetes has to be in control.
So biopsy to be done ONLY if required as detailed above.

Just to ask a few clarifications:
Since when have the lymph nodes are present?
Any other Medical problems or symptoms / complaints does your Mother have?
What is the exact location of the lymph nodes and how many nodes are present?
If possible you can post the picture of the neck with nodes.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Bhagyalaxmi Nalaparaju
doctor
Answered by
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Dr. T Chandrakant

General Surgeon

Practicing since :1984

Answered : 19778 Questions

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Suggest Remedy For Swollen Lymph Nodes Around The Neck

Brief Answer: Reactive means reaction to ... Take medicines, she will be fine Detailed Answer: Hi XXXXXXX Good Morning. Thanks for your query. Read the report. It is good that FNAC was done and it shows “Reactive Lymphadinitis ". Reactive as the name suggests is reaction to something; and in this case is obviously NOT due to TB or Cancer as is specifically mentioned in the report (No necrosis / granuloma/ atypical / malignant {cancer} cells seen). So this is just a reaction to viral / bacterial infection in the area of its drainage as your Doctor has rightly said. I would advise you the following: Reassurance- Reassure yourself and your Mother that this is not a serious problem. Take a course of antibiotic, anti-inflammatory like Ibuprofen, oral steroids if the glands are big and / painful and She is not diabetic for 1 to 3 weeks. Repeat FNAC only if the problem is not solved within 3 weeks. I hope this answer helps you and your Mother. Feel free to ask for more if you need to or if you feel there is a gap-of-communication. Have a great day.