What Causes Fatigue,lightheadedness And Lumps On Neck?

Posted on Thu, 3 Apr 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Thu, 3 Apr 2014 Answered on

Tue, 29 Apr 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : My 16yr old son was complaining of being unusually tired this evening, complained of lightheadedness and then called me into the bathroom because of the lumps he found looking in the mirror. No appetite because he was too tired. They appear symmetrical on the back of his neck, approximately the size of almost a quarter...He has no c/o sore throat,nor any difficulty swallowing, just fatigue... etc...what could this be? Viral?? Mono??? I am a nurse but still scares me....they are totally mobile nodules.

Answered by Dr. Chobufo Ditah (1 hour later)

Brief Answer: Probably infectious mononucleosis! Detailed Answer: Hi and thank you so much for this query. I am so sorry to hear about what your son is experiencing. Given his age, symptoms and the typical area where these lymph nodes are located, the chances of this being infectious mononucleosis are very high. Ask him about any recent kissing and if that is a yes, then this may be the cause. I know we are often very scared by swollen lymph nodes and the fear of cancer is always constant. Nodes that are bilateral, mobile and appear within days is not suggestive of cancer. They rather represent and acute illness. In all, I will suggest that you son get evaluated. More clues would be gotten from the clinical encounter that would help guide investigations leading to a diagnosis and treatment for the specific condition. I hope this helps. I wish you and your son the best of all possible outcomes as you seek to address this. Thanks for using our services and do feel free to ask for clarification and more information if need be. Dr. Ditah, MD.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar