In December, I was diagnosed (by ultrasound) with several enlarged lymph nodes on the right side of my neck (lower cervical area). The funny thing is I thought I felt a difference in my neck all last year and I went to 3 different doctors on 4 occasions who all said my neck was fine. My PCP did a chest xray and blood work which was normal. I also had a fine needs aspiration biopsy of the largest node which came back negative for malignancy and negative for B & T cell lymphoma. I then went to an ENT specialist who did an exam (normal) and put me on antibiotics for 1 month. The problem is I have been on antibiotics for over 3 weeks and the nodes are still enlarged. They are also sore, both when touched, when I turn my neck a certain way and even sometimes I get pain off and on without doing anything. Ironically, this all seems to have gotten worse after the needle biopsy, which seems to have made the nodes sorer and even more enlarged. The needle biopsy was 4 weeks ago. I also have severe health anxiety and am convinced I have lymphoma. I don't have any other symptoms such as fevers, night sweats, etc. I did read on the internet that if you have lymphoma, the glands will hurt more after drinking. Well for the last week or two, this seems to happen to me immediately after I drink and then it goes away. I don't know if I an anticipating this will happen since I am so convinced I have lymphoma or it is real. I feel so worn out with worry. I don't understand why these glands are swollen other than something very serious. Has anyone else had this and if so, how long did the glands stay swollen and sore and what was the cause? Thank you for your response.
Mary Ann