HomeAnswersInternal MedicinecancerI have a painful swollen lymph node in my neck area. Is it due to cancer?

I am severely anemic, and the right lymph node in my neck is painful. Is it cancer?

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The following is an actual conversation between an iCliniq user and a doctor that has been reviewed and published as a Premium Q&A.

Answered by

Dr. Shobhit Shah

Medically reviewed by

iCliniq medical review team

Published At May 30, 2017
Reviewed AtOctober 4, 2021

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 23 year old male, and I have Hashimoto's thyroiditis, from the past five years. It is well controlled by Synthroid and natural thyroid. Over the last few months, I have been having some worrying symptoms. I am literally so tired all the time, and I am severely anemic even if I take iron daily. I forgot what my numbers were, but they were at the very bottom, and I eat healthily and workout thrice a week. No matter how much I sleep, I am so tired. I do feel better after the gym, but I have to drag myself there, and the workouts are feeling harder to do. I have been getting headaches a lot, and I currently have a painfully swollen lymph node in my right neck area. I am also sore and achy a lot. After doing some internet search, what stood out to me is leukemia or lymphoma. I know my white blood cell count was a little high, just a tiny bit and the doctor said that my body is just ready to fight an infection. But I think my last test was not normal. I think I might have cancer or something else seriously wrong.

Answered by Dr. Shobhit Shah

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

  • Get a thyroid profile and complete hemogram done. Your symptoms are very vague and they do not point to any one disease.

Revert with more information to an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Thank you doctor,

I have my reports, that I did at the beginning of the year, and the comparison from the past few as well. I will attach them.

Answered by Dr. Shobhit Shah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I have seen your reports (attachment removed to protect patient identity).

  • It is unlikely that you will have cancer. I would like the following information:
  1. Is there any family history?
  2. From how long are you having these symptoms?
  3. Is there any weight loss? If yes, then how much?
  4. What is the approximate size of the palpable lymph node? Is it hard and tender to touch?
  • Have a FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) of the lymph node.

Revert with more information to an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank for the reply. I do not have weight loss, but I have a decreased appetite. I do not know my family history because I was adopted. I would say, the symptoms started seven months back, and they are getting worse. The lymph node is the size of my thumb tip. Is there anything else you see that could be going on?

Answered by Dr. Shobhit Shah

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

  • Cervical tuberculosis is a possibility, but it is uncommon in your country. I suggest you either try a course of antibiotics for 10 days or have a FNAC of the lymph node.

For more information consult an internal medicine physician online --> https://www.icliniq.com/ask-a-doctor-online/internal-medicine-physician

Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Shobhit Shah
Dr. Shobhit Shah

Internal Medicine

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