Swollen Lymph Nodes

[ag11]

Hello

I have swollen painless lymph nodes in my groin, armpits and neck area. The ones in my neck are very small and the armpit ones are small and grainy. The ones in my groin are slightly larger but they can all be moved and are not firm but not soft either.

I have had these swollen lymph nodes for about 10 weeks now, i am becoming rely worried and have been searching the internet (like a fool) for answers. I have course come across lymphoma which is making my anxiety levels hit the roof. I have no other symptoms and have been to the doctors twice and have had bloods done twice, both coming back normal. The doctor did not seem to concerned but i seem to keep finding new little ones in my neck, im not sure if this is because i am constantly prodding around purposely looking for a problem or not. I do not seem to have any known infections that i am aware of. I was put on antibiotics however i am in day 5 of the cycle and nothing seems to have changed. I have already made another appointment to see my gp again as i am getting increasingly worried.

Another thing is that i started an anabolic steroid cycle 3 weeks prior to these lumps popping up. The first one appeared in my groin after a gym session and was rather tender but since then has not been painful. I continued with the cycle until 2 weeks ago where i stopped as my anxiety was getting far worse and i thought this could be a potential course. However my lymph nodes 2 weeks later are still as they was.

Before when being on a anabolic steroid cycle i also had a lymph node enlarge near my armpit however this went away, this time they have all stayed and seem to be increasing in numbers.

I also have a under-active thyroid condition which i am not sure could be causing this...

When i go back to my doctors i am going to push for a biopsy or ultrasound as i am having sleepless nights now and making my self ill with worry. If it is lymphoma i cant help but think i caused this myself by suppressing my immune system as i have read this increases your chances of getting lymphoma.

Anyways thanks for listening and was just wondering if anyone had any suggestions or has been in a similar situation.

[Fishmanpa]

Having been in these boards for a while I have my questions when I hear a node is "swollen". In the same sentence you used "swollen" and then go on describe normal nodes. That fact you've found them in all those places indicates quite a bit of poking and prodding too! Constant poking and prodding can and does aggravate nodes and can cause them to swell or even become shotty.

A doctor will not do a biopsy nor an ultrasound for nodes that are not clinically swollen nor suspicious.

I'm actually more concerned with the fact you're taking anabolic steroids which are known to cause health issues. As an ex-natural body builder, I've seen what they can do to people.

Good luck and as always

Positive thoughts

[mark84]

Hey,
its most likely just you prodding around.
As for the steroids, that might be adding to the issue- i'm guessing your bodyfat is low meaning it' easy to feel any tiny insignificant bump.

[p282]

Do they feel like the size of a pea? That is how mine feel. As long as they are not larger than 2CM and don't feel like hard rocks, don't be worried. Don't be worried at all actually. It is very very very common to have swollen lymph nodes from being sick to any infection. Trust me, you know when your lymph nodes are swollen, you can see them like a marble on your neck, they stick out.

[ag11]

Hey, i went back to the doctors and she said that if lymph nodes persist after a third visit the protocol is to refer me to a specialist. However she did not want to do this, as she was rely not worried. However i have not received a explanation as to why they are like this for so long, hey do seem to have stopped spreading now.

Some are pea sized , some are slightly larger in the groin area, more like a kidney bean. They can all be moved and are not soft but not hard either.

[Fishmanpa]

Again, you're describing "swollen" for what all intents and purposes are "normal" nodes. We have over 600 lymph nodes in our bodies. They range from a couple of millimeters to 2 centimeters in size.

I had "swollen" nodes on my neck when I had cancer. They were visible and grew as the disease progressed. There was no mistaking it. When they were removed, they were over 5cm in size! They were hard and fixed. Your doctor is not concerned nor should you be. (Does your doctor know of your steroid use?)

I would strongly advise against continued steroid use as its proven to cause long term health issues. I also would strongly advise against poking and prodding as it can and does irritate and cause normal nodes to swell and you risk the node becoming shotty (permanently swollen).

Positive thoughts

[ag11]

Yes she does know but i have stopped now.

My groin and armpit ones are visible my groin one especially. It sticks out a little bit.

[p282]

Hey ag11,

You might be interested in this forum

"Can you feel glands/lymph nodes in your neck."

http://www.nomorepanic.co.uk/showthread.php?t=49912