Swollen lymph node for months

I was ill in November with bad bacterila tonsillitis and some viral infection that I reacted badly and weirdly to. Since then I have had a swollen lymph node on one side of my neck that hasn't gone down. It is round and moveswhen I press it, and if I poke it a few times then my neck starts to ache but other than that it doesn't hurt.

I then had covid in March and have struggled with a lot of health problems since then, investigations are still ongoing. My blood test have been mostly normal apart from a low MCHC and high ESR. I hadn't really worried about the swollen lymph node before but some of my symptoms match up with lymphoma so I'm wondering if it's something I should mention to my doctor-I feel as though she won't take me seriosuly if I add something else to the list. I have had a cough since November when i first got ill, breathlessness, itchy skin and frequent infections, I have never really recovered since novemeber. I have also had extreme fatigue, fevers that come and go with night sweats(I put these down to post viral fatigue but now I'm wondeirng if it's somethign more)

I also noticed this morning another bigger lump in the other side of my neck at the bottom, same feel and moves like the other one.

Sorry for the long post, I'm not sure if this is something I should mention as my main probelms are musculoskeletal and what I guessed to be post viral fatigue

  • Hi aqt1,

    As with any symptom that doesn't go away after two weeks, you're probably best off mentioning it to your doctor and having it checked to be on the safe side. That said, you mentioned that the lumps move when you press them; this is actually reassuring. Swollen glands that are firm and do not move are the ones that are of greatest concern.

    Considering your recent illnesses, getting enlarged lymph nodes would not be uncommon, but as with any symptom that overstays it's welcome, it needs to be assessed by a medical professional.

    The doctors wil absolutely take it seriously. It's their job, it's what they're there for, and I assure you that you're not going to be the first patient this has happened to.

    Don't get too worried with what it might be. Sometimes when we examine ourselves, our minds jump to the worst possible conclusion, since we don't have the medical training needed, and we're human, so prone to be pessimists! A funny story - I recently went to see the doctor about an enlarged lymph node in my armpit. I was swiftly told after a quick examination that I'm actually feeling a pectoral muscle!

    So please get checked, but don't worry or overthink the situation either. A soft feeling lymph node that moves is often only a sign that your body is fighting off an infection, and nothing more, but a doctor will be able to tell you on more certain terms, and hopefully put your mind to rest on the subject.