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I have HIV. Do I need HIV-related lymphadenopathy evaluation?

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

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

My lymph nodes are hard and enlarged. I can move them and can pull them. Some of them are about the same diameter as my thumb.

I had two even larger ones removed (benign) when I was 16, and I am HIV positive. I have heard that being HIV-positive is a risk factor for lymphoma. I do not have pain. Should I be concerned?

Please suggest.
Answered by Dr. Mohammad Emranul Islam

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I am sorry for the problems you have.

Lymph nodes are distributed elsewhere in the body. There are some castles of white cells or defense cells. When there is an exposure to germs or there is an infection, the lymph nodes start working and get enlarged in response.

They usually can be found enlarged, especially in our neck nodes. But it is essential to assess some properties of the nodes. If the nodes are excessively larger, the shape oval has changed. If it is hard, not mobile, not tender, then you should take it seriously.

There may be any tumor in relation. It is difficult to comment without examination. So please examine your lymph nodes carefully and send me the details of them. You can also send me the pictures of the nodes during palpation. Thus, I can help you further with the diagnosis.

I hope this helps.

Thank you for contacting us.

Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

Thank you so much for your detailed reply.

These are the characteristics of my lymph nodes:

  1. They are cylinder-shaped.
  2. They measure about 20 to 30 mm in length.
  3. They are hard and easy to move.
  4. There is no pain or changes in shape.

The minimum size has been 20 to 30 mm for the past 20 years. The ones that were removed many years before were about 50 to 60 mm in size and located in front of my ear.

The specialist at that time was very worried and said I should keep an eye on my lymph nodes for any cysts around that area. I cannot visit that specialist because he is retired and has moved to another part of the world.

They are not visible in a photo. I understand it is hard to give a diagnosis without seeing the patient. I am trying to decide whether I should visit my local specialist.

Kindly suggest.

Thanks again.

Answered by Dr. Mohammad Emranul Islam

Hello,

Welcome back to icliniq.com.

I understand your concern.

Thank you. If the size is within 30 mm and it is mobile, then there is no worry. But still, I would advise you to have a check-up once a year or in two years. If you have any other queries, please let me know.

Thank you again.

Answered byDr. Mohammad Emranul Islam

Medically reviewed byiCliniq medical review team

Published At March 13, 2021
Reviewed AtOctober 24, 2025

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

Dr. Mohammad Emranul Islam
Dr. Mohammad Emranul Islam

Oral and Maxillofacial Surgery

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