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What Causes A Swollen Lymph Node Under The Left Ear?
Posted on
Tue, 13 Sep 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Tue, 13 Sep 2016
Answered on
Mon, 3 Oct 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Concerned about niece-swollen lymph node onder left ear since April 2016-had round or 2 of antibiotics & reduced swelling down from about an inch & visible, now no longer visible but she can still feel it. Had couple of ultrasounds. Blood work normal. Should she see ENT since primary still wants to wait another month to do another US. She was pregnant at time of first symptoms-delivered beginning of July this year. I don't see any reason to not have biopsy immediately instead of keep waiting.
Brief Answer:
with decreasing size and normal results, unlikely significant abnormality
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned. Usually the main worry for the patient and family is the risk of cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. This may be the case for you.
The other cause would be infection which would usually be associated with signs/symptoms of infection.
Both leukemia and lymphoma would be associated with enlarging lymph nodes and would also cause abnormal blood test results.
Usually there would be an increase in the white cell count as well, a very significant increase actually.
The fact the blood tests are normal (assuming a complete/full blood count included and may have also done LDH and uric acid) and the lump is decreasing makes it highly highly unlikely that there is any life threatening condition present
If the lesion was not changing or increasing in size then this would be a problem especially if there were abnormal blood results as well, then she would need an urgent assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
with decreasing size and normal results, unlikely significant abnormality
Detailed Answer:
HI, thanks for using healthcare magic
It is understandable to be concerned. Usually the main worry for the patient and family is the risk of cancer such as leukemia or lymphoma. This may be the case for you.
The other cause would be infection which would usually be associated with signs/symptoms of infection.
Both leukemia and lymphoma would be associated with enlarging lymph nodes and would also cause abnormal blood test results.
Usually there would be an increase in the white cell count as well, a very significant increase actually.
The fact the blood tests are normal (assuming a complete/full blood count included and may have also done LDH and uric acid) and the lump is decreasing makes it highly highly unlikely that there is any life threatening condition present
If the lesion was not changing or increasing in size then this would be a problem especially if there were abnormal blood results as well, then she would need an urgent assessment.
I hope this helps, feel free to ask any other questions
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Answered by
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