What Causes Profuse Night Sweats And Fatigue?

Posted on Sat, 20 May 2017

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

Sat, 20 May 2017 Answered on

Wed, 7 Jun 2017 Last reviewed on

Question : For the last two nights, I have had night sweats. I had the same issue a year ago in May with an enlarged lymph node on the left side of the neck. I had the LN CT'ed and it turned out it was nothing to worry about. The night sweats ended in about two weeks. The LN is still enlarged (and reactive) and the drs. I see are not concerned. Almost exactly a year later, I am once again getting the night sweats. This time I see a little red dot on my bicep and chin (petechiae?) Fatigue comes and goes. I have not lost weight (although I continue to try). I see my derm in two weeks for my semi annual melanoma scan (I had a melanoma removed in 2011). My fear is leukemia. Except for some GI issues, I am told I am in very good health for a 65 year old. Any thoughts?

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (1 hour later)

Brief Answer:
Doesn't look like leukemia

Detailed Answer:
Hi,
Thanks for your query.

Leukemia for one year going on untreated is not possible. The lymph node size has remained the same I believe. Hence it should be non-malignant. Night sweats returning after one year is also very uncharacteristic of lymphoma or leukemia.

Two tiny dots are more likely to be not petechiae.

Did you have any blood counts recently? Because a normal one will rule out leukemia.

Hope this helps. Feel free to ask further.
Regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee

Follow up: Dr. Indranil Ghosh (21 hours later)

Thank you for the answer. But last night I had two episodes of sweats, with the second more intense. I also feel some abdominal discomfit. And during the day yesterday, I spit up a little blood. That was a one time occurrence and has not happened since.
Right now, it's about 8:30 am, I feel pretty normal (although if I push in the stomach, it is tender). I will see my GP and gastro asap, but it is something that needs immediate attention? Thanks.

Answered by Dr. Indranil Ghosh (58 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Nothing immediately

Detailed Answer:
Since you are already planning to see your doc, I guess nothing is required prior to that

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Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vaishalee Punj