Can Hashimoto's disease cause enlarged lymph nodes?

Question

Hello doctor,

I am a 30 year old female. I have Hashimoto's hypothyroidism since four years. I take Eltroxin daily and go for a thyroid sonar once a year. I went for an ultrasound yesterday and my report stated that my thyroid features are consistent with Hashimoto's thyroiditis. But, what really freaked me out was these two comments:

Prominent lymph nodes are seen within the right cervical chain, with the largest on the right measuring 4.9 mm in its short axis and on the left 3.4 mm in its short axis.
A small cystic focus noted in the medial and anterior aspect of the right lobe.

What does this mean? Should I be concerned? I was sick with a bad flu about four weeks ago, had a high fever and ended up on antibiotics. Could the lymph nodes still be swollen from that? Or can the lymph nodes be swollen due to an autoimmune disease? I have alopecia areata as well since I was diagnosed with Hashimoto's. My immune system seems to be very weak. I constantly get flu, colds, and tummy bugs and I suffer badly from allergies or sinuses.

Kind;y advise.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I just read your query and from the reports you have attached (attachment removed to protect patient identity), it appears that you do have some enlarged lymph nodes. Yes, there are two possibilities but it is more likely that these are due to:

1. The upper respiratory tract infections which you keep having.

2. It could be due to the thyroid as well.

The best approach would be to repeat your ultrasound again in a month's time and if it has not resolved, I suggest that you have an FNAC (fine-needle aspiration cytology) done. Besides, I would also like to know whether you currently have a fever, throat pain, sore throat or any other symptoms. I suggest that you wait and see whether they resolve or if they are still present after a month.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.

Answer 2

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

So, it appears to be due to these infections that you are probably having these lymph nodes. You can wait for another month and repeat your ultrasound.

Try to take steam inhalations thrice a day.
For your allergy, I suggest you try taking the tablet Loratadine 10 mg once at night for five days.
Use normal saline nasal drops for one or two weeks.
You can take a tablet of Paracetamol 500 mg once whenever you have pain.
Have a dental checkup since the lower jaw pain cannot be sinus-related.

I hope you are satisfied with my answer. For further queries, you can consult me at iCliniq.

Thank you.