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What Causes An Enlarged Neck Lymph Node While Having Crohn's And Hashimoto's Disease?
Posted on
Mon, 25 Jan 2016
Medically reviewed by
Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team
Mon, 25 Jan 2016
Answered on
Sat, 26 Mar 2016
Last reviewed on
Question : Hello,
I have had a swollen submandibular lymph node for over a year now. Size fluctuates but it is never smaller than 1.5 cm. It's not painful but I can feel it when I turn my neck a certain way. It's very firm and rubbery but not hard. I never get colds or have sinus/ear issues. No recent viruses or bacterial infections to note. I do, however, have Crohn's and Hashimoto's and my thyroid is also more tender and swollen than usual. My xiphoid process is also a bit swollen and tender this week. This is not from a physical injury. Should I be concerned about the lymph node or is this likely a "shotty" node? My doctor suggested a year ago that we keep an eye on it and it's still enlarged and uncomfortable, but not painful. Is a biopsy necessary at this point? My only other symptom is unrelenting fatigue but that could be part of the thyroid issue as well.
I have had a swollen submandibular lymph node for over a year now. Size fluctuates but it is never smaller than 1.5 cm. It's not painful but I can feel it when I turn my neck a certain way. It's very firm and rubbery but not hard. I never get colds or have sinus/ear issues. No recent viruses or bacterial infections to note. I do, however, have Crohn's and Hashimoto's and my thyroid is also more tender and swollen than usual. My xiphoid process is also a bit swollen and tender this week. This is not from a physical injury. Should I be concerned about the lymph node or is this likely a "shotty" node? My doctor suggested a year ago that we keep an eye on it and it's still enlarged and uncomfortable, but not painful. Is a biopsy necessary at this point? My only other symptom is unrelenting fatigue but that could be part of the thyroid issue as well.
Brief Answer:
This is not a cancerous lymph node.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Cancerous lymph node constantly grows. Its because the cancer cells constantly multiply and human body can not stop them.
So if it were enlarged lymph node due to cancer or lymphoma, you would have constantly growing lymph node. Yours is steady. So it has appeared due to some inflammation (Hashimoto is an inflammation as well) and remained that large.
No need to be concerned.
Biopsy can be considered more to ease your mind. Its not a bad idea.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
This is not a cancerous lymph node.
Detailed Answer:
Hello!
Thank you for the query.
Cancerous lymph node constantly grows. Its because the cancer cells constantly multiply and human body can not stop them.
So if it were enlarged lymph node due to cancer or lymphoma, you would have constantly growing lymph node. Yours is steady. So it has appeared due to some inflammation (Hashimoto is an inflammation as well) and remained that large.
No need to be concerned.
Biopsy can be considered more to ease your mind. Its not a bad idea.
Hope this will help. Feel free to ask further questions.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
Thank you for your response. So there's little chance of this being an indolent form of Lymphoma? I was concerned because I was on Humira (adalimumab) for several years. Also, any idea what could be causing the sternum pain and tenderness?
Thanks again!
Thanks again!
Brief Answer:
This is not a lymphoma for sure.
Detailed Answer:
Humira has no confirmed increase of Lymphoma frequency. Moreover you are off this drug for some time now.
Sternum pain usually appears due to some inflammation of the ligaments in this area. It can appear especially due to chronic coughing, but sometimes it appears for no reason.
Please have chest x-ray done to make sure its nothing serious and consult orthopedist.
Regards.
This is not a lymphoma for sure.
Detailed Answer:
Humira has no confirmed increase of Lymphoma frequency. Moreover you are off this drug for some time now.
Sternum pain usually appears due to some inflammation of the ligaments in this area. It can appear especially due to chronic coughing, but sometimes it appears for no reason.
Please have chest x-ray done to make sure its nothing serious and consult orthopedist.
Regards.
Above answer was peer-reviewed by :
Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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