I have a small, hard, fixed lymph node behind my jaw. Should I go for an FNAC?

Question

Hi doctor,

Last week, I went to an ENT clinic with a small, hard, fixed lymph node behind my jaw just below my ear for about four months. I have felt otherwise fine. The ENT palpated it and did not seem concerned. She then performed an ultrasound on the node and said that it measured 7x4x2 mm and had benign characteristics. I found that surprising because just by palpation, it feels at least twice as large as 7 mm. Given the fixed nature of the node. Is this testing enough, or should I go for an FNAC? Can an FNAC be performed successfully on a node of this size? Thanks for your help.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Thanks for briefing regarding the problem in concern. It is a thumb rule that when you palpate, the size of the swelling is much more than what it is since you will be considering other neighboring structures that have nothing to do with the enlarged lymph node. Lymph nodes in such an area are designated as level two and usually gets inflamed due to nonspecific ongoing infection or inflammation in the oral cavity, oropharynx, and less commonly in the paranasal sinuses. If the USG has picked up a lymph node of benign etiology, but if you want to be 100 percent sure, an FNAC (Fine needle aspiration cytology) can be done. As such, there is no need for an FNAC, but if you are apprehensive and want to get it done, you can do so. Since the lymph node is small, I would suggest you undergo a USG (ultrasonography) guided FNAC as that would avoid unnecessary pricks and damage to neighboring unrelated structures. I hope this answers your query. If there is anything more that you need to know or enquire, please do let us know, and we will get back to you as soon as possible. Warm regards.