Enlarged Lymph Nodes

[BoneyC]

Whilst awaiting elbow replacement surgery, I was more recently added to surgery list for shoulder replacement also.

Shoulder required a CT scan as well as x-ray which I had on Tuesday. On Wednesday, the Surgeon's Nurse Practitioner phoned to say I needed another CT scan of thorax, abdomen and pelvis as they had seen enlarged lymph nodes on the shoulder scan, so went for second CT on Thursday. Now waiting for outcome. Hope it doesn't delay my elbow surgery which I desperately need.

Naturally, I searched Dr. Google which revealed enlarged lymph nodes common in 89% of RA patients. I'm hoping it's nothing more sinister, but wonder has anyone else been told they have enlarged lymph nodes and it's been down to RA? If I had not had the CT scan, nobody would have known. Rheumatology are unaware as they never request a CT.

[medway-lady]

I’ve just read and praying your nodules are nothing sinister. Xx

[BoneyC in reply to medway-lady]

Thanks.

[HGCCNM]

Hello! Yes, have enlarged lymph nodes in both armpits and behind my left clavicle. Sometimes they are larger and tender, especially after immunizations. I’ve had two ultrasounds showing they are about 1 cm in size and have a fatty layer around them — both good signs not cancer, but related to autoimmunity.

They are disconcerting and often uncomfortable, and I asked to have them removed. The surgeon said it is not necessary and that others would likely enlarge due to RA (and Hashimoto’s).

I’m planning to talk with my rheumatologist about switching from oral to injectable MTX…hope the injections don’t exacerbate the lymph node enlargement…

[BoneyC in reply to HGCCNM]

Thanks fr your reply. I am assuming you became aware of enlarged lymph nodes because they were becoming a problem, i.e. painful?

I was totally unaware of mine being enlarged as I have no symptoms. If I had not asked for a shoulder replacement and had a CT scan for that, nobody would be any wiser. I am hoping mine are also due to RA/autoimmunity and the second CT scan of thorax, abdomen and pelvis doesn't show up anything more, but find it incredible that Dr. Google says they are common with RA and yet no Rheumatologist has ever mentioned it or done any checks.

I've been on MTX for over 40 years, about 10 years on injectable. I do have Sjogren's Syndrome which apparently can cause them, but will have to wait to be contacted by the hospital with the results.

[HGCCNM in reply to BoneyC]

It was the surgeon, not the rheumatologist who told me about lymph node enlargement and autoimmunity. Good that you’re having a CT — wishing you well.

[Hidden]

I had painful enlarged lymph nodes in my chest, on the left side below my clavicle and above my breast, about 30 years ago, having had RA for about 10 years. The nodes were very enlarged. The joints around the clavicle had been painful for some time and I had been given steroid injections there ,which did little. I was referred for a scan and surgery. The nodes were removed and found to be benign. The biopsy showed it was linked to my RA and they had become enlarged and blocked . My glands under my arm swell even now, and are painful when I have an RA flair. I have had RA for around 40 years. I can understand your worry as we can easily fear enlarged glands show something sinister. Our regular blood tests are essential and help provide a better picture of our health which is assessed by our rheumatologist. However do talk to your GP about any concerns. We know our own bodies best. Good luck.