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I have painful lymph nodes. Is this linked to cancer?

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Patient's Query

Hello doctor,

I am a 22-year-old male. I do no substance abuse, alcohol, and smoking. I have a painful post auricular lymph node swelling for four days. Yesterday evening one more post auricular lymph node was noticed which is swollen, sudden in onset and painless. I am taking antibiotics Augmentin duo (Amoxicillin and Clavulanic acid) and painkillers for three days. I am worried because one more lymph node started swelling and I even worried about cancer. Please help.

Blood test was done lymphocytes - 55% and neutrophils - 30%, rest all values are normal.
Answered by Dr. Arvind Guru

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

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Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your complaint is suggestive of some ear or scalp infection, as it is painful. Please send a picture of the lesion, as it is possible that what you think is the painful lymph node is actually folliculitis, and the painless thing is actually the real lymph node. The differential diagnosis includes acute lymphadenitis or lymphoma.

In that case, the antibiotics that you are currently taking are appropriate. The dose should be Augmentin Duo 625 (Amoxicillin 500mg and Clavulanic acid 125 mg) twice a day for five days. Do not stop for five days. Take tablet Combiflam (Ibrufen 400mg and Paracetamol 325mg) twice a day for two to three days. Also, you should maintain your scalp hygiene and use hot and cold fomentation.

Regarding the risk of cancer, the size of the painless lymph node is a very important parameter in deciding further investigation. If the size is more than 1.5 cm, then FNAC (fine needle aspiration cytology) of the lymph node is usually recommended. This test needs to be done if, after taking the above-mentioned treatment for five days, the swellings continue to persist.

Regarding follow-up, please take pictures both before administering the medicine and after a week.

Follow-up is a must if the swelling persists for more than a week.

I hope this helps you.

Take care.

Medically reviewed by Dr. Vinodhini J.
Published At January 6, 2020
Reviewed At December 20, 2025

Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

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Education:

BDS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Vinodhini J. is a Dental Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience. She specializes in the diagnosis, prevention, and treatment of dental and oral health issues, including restorative, surgical, and cosmetic procedures. With a patient-centered approach, she focuses on maintaining oral health, alleviating discomfort, and enhancing smiles. Her expertise ensures comprehensive care tailored to each patient’s dental needs and overall wellbeing.

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Same symptoms don't mean you have the same problem. Consult a doctor now!

Dr. Arvind Guru
Dr. Arvind Guru

General Surgery

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Education:

MBBS

Professional Bio:

Dr. Arvind Guru is a Surgeon who specializes in Surgical Oncology (Cancer Surgery). He has served as a faculty member at TMH, Mumbai as a Surgical Oncologist. He is a Specialist Cancer Surgeon with extensive years of clinical experience from the best medical institutions. He also attends gastrointestinal cancer surgery (including laparoscopic) for colon, rectum, stomach, esophagus, pancreas, gall bladder, and liver cancers.

This doctor is not available for online consultations on the platform anymore.

Consult other doctors in the same speciality
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