Extreme swelling and tenderness of lymph node

Nurses General Nursing

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I wanted to ask what might cause extreme swelling and tenderness unilaterally in the submandibular lymph node? My left lymph node is so swollen you can almost see it just through inspection. It's also fairly tender and I have also have pain when talking that originates at the base of my tongue (almost where my tonsils are at). It happened overnight and I'm to the point where I'm not sure if I should go the the ED. I tried looking in my mouth to the spot where the pain was on my tongue and it almost looks as though there is a chancre or some sort of lesion there. But I'm not sure because of how far back it is, I had a hard time moving my tongue out of the way. Could that be causing the severe swelling in the lymph? And should I be worried enough to go to the ED?

I have also had a fever since last Tuesday that has gone up and down, but usually stays around 99-100. And last week, I had incredible joint soreness, but I attributed that to the 102 fever I had on Wednesday. My throat has also been extremely sore to the point I went to the doctor yesterday for a strep test. That came back negative and unfortunately, my lymph node was not in this condition nor did I have the pain on the posterior of my tongue when I was at the physicians.

Specializes in LTC,Hospice/palliative care,acute care.
Originally posted by RNnTraining1973

I've been suspecting mono for the past day. The funny thing is, the left lymph node subsides in swelling a few hours after waking up. And it's not from drainage because I don't sleep on either side all night long..I'm back and forth. I can barely palpate it now, but I can almost promise that in the morning, the pain in the back of my tongue and the swelling will be back. And the worst part that leads me to think something like mono? The tiredness I feel. I am getting winded walking up stairs, carrying a few books, etc. That's not my normal self. UGH...I don't have time for this with school, holidays, family, etc. :o :( :o :(

WHAT!!! You have not been to the doc yet? Get thee to thy physician,girlie girl...Or you will miss lots of school and be sick and miserable through the holidays and your family will suffer too...This won't resolve on it's own....You are real nurse material-most of us wait until we are half dead before seeking medical attention.. Be well....
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enlarged lymph node anywhere is a response of an internal infection. I had one when I was getting rubella the size of a golf ball in my neck, I know, showing my age again. If it was in your groin, I would worry. If you have a primary doctor, go see him. If you have patience or time, wait it out. Aren't you sposta go away this week with the family?

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Specializes in ICU, psych, corrections.

We leave tomorrow morning and I was unable to get in to my physician. I will say that I feel a little bit better. The result of a full night's sleep, perhaps? My lymph node was still swollen when I woke up, but not nearly as big as it's been. I don't have a temp anymore, which is a big relief. I'm going to keep an eye on it and just try to keep my distance from the family so I don't spread it around. My kids have been fastidious in washing their hands and have remained illness-free (knock on wood!!).

I am very bad when it comes to going to the doctor. I don't believe in taking tons and tons of medications (especially antibiotics) and will usually wait for the illness to run its course. Unless, of course, it's an illness that HAS TO have medical attention (i.e. bronchitis). But with things like the flu, colds, etc. I don't even take cough syrup and such. I am so bad when it comes to being sick, but I have learned that getting ill like this and being so exhausted is taking its toll on school. I'm really far behind and have a ton of projects due Monday. I will be working my tail off over the holidays even though we are flying to see my dad. Kind of sucks, but that's life. I have learned....take my vitamins, drink lots of water, and most important, GET LOTS of sleep!!! I think that's what brought me down in the first place. Easier said than done in nursing school, I know.

Thanks for all the advice, suggestions, and opinions. I will keep you posted if I don't get well or it gets worse and I have to seek medical care. Hopefully, this won't happen!!

Have a great Thanksgiving everyone!!!

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I had these symptoms when I had an impacted molar. Is that a possibility for you? If so, it still needs to be seen ASAP, because it's nothing to play around with.

I thought it was against the terms of the website to post asking for medical opinions? i posted asking about the SAME thing, same swollen lymph node and my post was closed saying that it was against the terms to post asking about personal medical problems. :confused:

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Specializes in Oncology.
I thought it was against the terms of the website to post asking for medical opinions? i posted asking about the SAME thing, same swollen lymph node and my post was closed saying that it was against the terms to post asking about personal medical problems. :confused:

This is from 2003, a lot can change in 7 years. Now that you bumped it I guarantee it will get locked.

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