What Causes Rheumatoid Arthritis With History Of Swollen Lymph Nodes?

Posted on Sun, 21 Feb 2016

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

Sun, 21 Feb 2016 Answered on

Mon, 25 Apr 2016 Last reviewed on

Question : I have RA and have had swollen lymph nodes under my arms for 6 weeks. My Rheumatologist said it can't be due to my RA. I don't have any infections. He suggested a biopsy. Which I'm fine with. But what do you think can be the cause?

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (-2 hours later)

Brief Answer:
Excisional biopsy is the correct next step

Detailed Answer:
Hello and welcome

I appreciate your concern

Your doctor is right. The lymphadenopathy is unlikely to be related to rheumatoid arthritis.

Viral or bacterial infection , sarcoidosis, tuberculosis and malignancy are the differential diagnosis with this presentation.

An excisional biopsy is the right option especially if the nodes haven't regressed in size over a period of 6 weeks.

wishing you best of health

let me know if you have any query

Thanks

Dr M.S Khalil

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

Follow up: Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (9 minutes later)

my Rheumatologist said he thinks it is swollen glands. are they the same

Answered by Dr. Dr. Muhammad Sareer Khalil (5 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Same

Detailed Answer:
Hello again.

It's the same.

They are lymph nodes. There may be just a difference of terminology.

wishing you best of health

Thanks

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