Lymph nodes swell when the body fights to ward off infections. The lymphocytes (immune cells) within the lymph nodes increase in number during infection to fight it off, resulting in swollen lymph nodes. They are located throughout the body. Swollen lymph nodes are palpable. Lymph nodes swell in conditions like the common cold, pharyngitis, tonsillitis, skin abrasions and infection, ear infection, infected teeth, cancer (leukemia, lymphoma, etc.), tuberculosis, etc.
All the answers published in this website are written by verified medical doctors, therapists and health experts. The Content has been moderated by iCliniq medical review team before publication. Post your medical clarifications on iCliniq by choosing the right specialty and get them answered. Your medical queries will be answered 24/7 by top doctors from iCliniq.
Why does the lymph node swelling persist even after a month of wisdom tooth removal?
Query: Hello doctor, I had aggressive damaged wisdom teeth removal about a month ago. And since then I have a swollen lymph node in my neck on the side of the removal which sometimes it hurts and feel swollen and sometimes normal but it does not go away. But for the last two days, both sides are swollen ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have seen the image. (attachment removed to protect patient identity). It is showing right follicular tonsilitis with keratitis of the right buccal mucosa and attrition of the teeth with discoloration of the teeth present. For tonsillitis, you have to use antibiot... Read Full »
Why do I have small painful bumps on my labia with itching?
Query: Hello doctor, It started with burning when I pee, but it felt different than a normal UTI. Some small bumps seen on the labia appeared like ingrown hairs but itched and hurt when touched. I tested negative for herpes, chlamydia, gonorrhea, and trichomoniasis. Severe back and pelvic pain began, with ... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. I have gone through the symptoms you mentioned and also the treatment you have taken. The lesion you said is an STD, possibly chancroid. It would help if you took the recommended antibiotics for chancroid such as tablet Azithromycin 1000 mg single dose or Erythromyci... Read Full »
Query: Hi doctor, I had swollen lymph nodes in two weeks, muscle pain, and fatigue. I got a combo test done in two months which was negative, another combo test for HIV in three months which came negative, and another antibody test in six months which also came negative. Do I need to get test again, and ar... Read Full »
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. I understand your concern. HIV infection lasts one to three months, during which the tests can have false negative results. According to WHO (World Health Organisation), all tests are considered conclusive at 12 weeks after the last exposure. As your results are negati... Read Full »
I have had swollen lymph nodes below my ears for 12 years. Is this a cancerous condition?
Query: Hi doctor, I have had swollen lymph nodes just under my ears on both sides for 12+ years. I first noticed them after having a skin infection (folliculitis) that took three months to get rid of. They both were hard, fixed, but slightly movable. Once I noticed them, I was always messing with them, pok... Read Full »
Dr. Syed Peerzada Tehmid Ul Haque
Answer: Hi, Welcome to icliniq.com. Eight years is too long for any cancerous tissue to remain dormant, not grow or spread. Most people have benign neck nodes throughout their lives. A subcentimetric node that does not grow and does not change its character is not of concern to us. Yes, chronic skin or sc... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, Six months ago, I noticed a swollen lymph node on the right side of my neck and later discovered another one on the left side. I visited a doctor who reassured me that everything appeared to be fine. They conducted a complete blood count (CBC), which came back normal except for slight... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. There is no need to be concerned. Generally, lymph nodes are distributed throughout the neck, and it is considered normal as long as their size is less than one cm in the short axis. If it were something serious, the lymph nodes would typica... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I have swelling in my gums and my lower lip. Also, sometimes I feel burning sensations inside my mouth and around my lips. I have been having night sweats also. I consulted a doctor and they told me I have mild gum disease, so I started flossing once a day. I also have two palpable, sw... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to the icliniq.com I have read your query and understood your concern. However, without the attachment photographs of the mouth and neck, it is difficult to rule out the reason. Based on your chief complaint, symptoms, and neck swellings, it is definitely an infection.I suggest yo... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I have been exposed to HIV(Human Immunodeficiency Virus) and took two tests on the 17th day after exposure. The first test was the 4th generation, and the second was the HIV-1 RNA (Ribonucleic acid) qualitative test. Both of these tests came back negative from the first day of the exp... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Thank you for your query. I understand your concern. Unprotected sexual exposure is a risk factor for multiple STDs (sexually transmitted diseases), including HIV (human immunodeficiency virus). However, the risk depends upon the exposure, whether there was any homosex... Read Full »
Query: Hello doctor, I had unprotected exposure 7 months ago with a commercial sex worker, and I do not know her HIV status. Since then, I have had multiple fourth-generation tests and a PCR (Polymerase Chain Reaction) test for HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). My fourth-generation HIV test has been nega... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Your tests for sexually transmitted diseases (including HIV) are conclusive. A 4th generation HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) screening test is considered conclusive at six weeks from risk exposure. Most other STDs would also be detectable by laboratory tests by s... Read Full »
I suffer from swollen groin lymph nodes, headache, and dizziness when I stand up. Why?
Query: Hello doctor, I am an 18-year-old female. I suffer from swollen groin lymph nodes, headache, and dizziness when I stand up. I have a fever of 100 degrees Fahrenheit, body aches, and chills. Kindly help. Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fever are a sign of infection around the region where lymph nodes are swollen. Since in your case, groin lymph nodes are swollen and painful it could be an infection around the leg, thigh, or groin region. Have you noticed any swell... Read Full »
What further investigations should I do for HIV?
Query: Hello doctor, I want to present my case to you. Three years ago, I had a relationship with a person, after one year, I started to have symptoms. I did seven HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus) tests in the last six months, and all were negative. However, I still have the following symptoms: sinusitis... Read Full »
Answer: Hello, Welcome to icliniq.com. Can you please tell me the name of the test you underwent? I am looking forward to your response in order to help you. Read Full »