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What can cause lymph node enlargement in the neck?

This Premium Q&A, reviewed and published, features a real conversation between an iCliniq user and a physician.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

I would like to seek your help on higher lymphocyte count. I am taking antibiotics after my doctor noticed enlarged lymph nodes on my neck and edge of my ears. I am under medication to check whether this infection is due to some throat issues or not. But my ESR (erythrocyte sedimentation rate) count remains same after a week. My platelet count is settled in comparison to my earlier reports. I have attached my reports for your reference.

Please help.

Thank you.

Hi,

I am glad you chose iCliniq for your medical-related queries.

I understand your concern and will try to help you with it.

It seems that you are suffering from an inflammatory condition, which is either viral or chronic bacterial. In both these cases, lymphocyte counts could be higher. Your other cell counts are normal, including platelets and RBC count (red blood cell).

You need not worry about the elevated lymphocytes, as they will get settled once the infection is curtailed. But, if the lymph nodes do not decrease in size in one or two weeks, then you have to get an FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) done to rule out diseases like tuberculosis and a few blood disorders. Do not worry. It will not turn out to be tuberculosis or leukemia. It has to be kept in mind always for the differential diagnosis. Continue your antibiotics for five days.

Thank you for consulting me.

You can always reach me at icliniq.com.

Patient's Query

Hi doctor,

Thank you for the reply.

I have undergone the PFT (pulmonary function test) test and x-ray chest PA (posteroanterior) view a week back and both appears normal. Lymph nodes behind my ear and head at several places are settled after a week of antibiotic, but lymph node on my neck is still there though it has reduced a bit. Lymphocytes values have increased mainly after antibiotic intake earlier, it was normal with a little higher value of monocytes and low value of platelet counts. Please advise the specialty doctor I should consult. What is the best way to go further on this?

Hi,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I read and understand your concern.

An internal medicine specialist or a hematologist would be the best one to guide you. Although it seems to be a self-limiting illness, you can wait for a week. The counts and other things would settle down by that time.

Looking forward to your response in order to help you.

Thank you.

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At May 24, 2018
Reviewed AtMay 13, 2026

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