Permanently Swollen Lymph Node (Now over a decade)

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Vanilla Smells Good

New member
Since I was about 11, my left lymph node under my jaw line has been permanently swollen. It doesn't hurt, it's just alarming that it never changes in size. I am now 23, and have throughout my life asked doctors about it, and have been told it's probably because of my chronic sinus and allergy problems. I also was very sick as a child with constant strep throat infections (but I never got my tonsils out), and severe respiratory and sinus infections. Could it be some sort of scarring? I do not take any allergy shots, and often when I have a sinus infection, it is primarily affecting the left sinuses, in my forehead and my cheek on the left side; even my left nostril is the main problem.

Doctors seem to think I'm overreacting, but my sister was recently diagnosed with cysts on her lymph nodes that she will have to watch for the rest of her life...However, mine is too big to be a regular cyst. So, I am seriously considering going back to the doctors to have ANOTHER opinion. Am I overreacting as the doctors seem to think? If not, what can I do to get them to take it seriously?
 
Hey there,
Your doctors are right.
Sometimes, after infection (and you've had your share!!) lymph nodes occasionally can remain permanently enlarged, but remain non-tender. They are no cause for concern unless they get bigger or become painful. Malignancies always increase in size over time. The fact that you've had this throughout childhood and into your 20s and it's remained stable is (believe it or not) a good sign!!

I would trust your doctors on this one. I'm sure they are taking it seriously- and taking your allergy/sinusitis/respiratory infections history into account plus the way the node feels when palpated, a practiced hand would know a suspicious node from a benign one. These docs have to be so careful these days... they sure don't want a malpractice suit on their hands!!

zuzu xx
 
I went thru a horrible sinus infection all winter and spring of 2008. finally I got over it and noticed a swollen node under my jaw. Occasionally it hurt but not much really.

So I went to an ENT and he said he wasn't concerned but sent me for an MRI. Well they discovered I had a large growth on my thyroid. My brother had thyroid cancer so they took my growth out Feb 2009 to be safe.

it was not malignant...but I still have the swollen lympth node!!!! I am mad and want it drained or removed. It makes NO sense to me that the doc thinks it is ok to have this swollen node.

I want it biopsied because there could be another issue causing it to stay swollen. This is my tactic next visit. I want a needle biopsy done to see if anything odd is in there.

Let us know what you find out.
 
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