Presentation:
Movable, ball-like node on right side of neck
Visible only on bending the neck
Associated with cold, cough, mucus in throat and chest
No fever, body pain, or systemic symptoms
📌 Most Likely Diagnosis:
🟢 Reactive Cervical Lymphadenopathy
Common with upper respiratory tract infections
Nodes become temporarily enlarged and mobile
Tenderness or swelling may vary with head movement
Typically resolves with resolution of infection
✅ When It’s Normal (per Harrison’s):
Size <1 cm, mobile, soft, and not fixed
Associated with recent viral/bacterial illness
No constitutional symptoms (fever, weight loss, night sweats)
❗ When to Investigate Further:
Refer if any of the following are present:
Size >2 cm, hard, fixed, or painless
Persisting >2–3 weeks without reduction
Associated weight loss, fever, or night sweats
Progressive enlargement or generalized lymphadenopathy
🩺 Suggested Action:
Symptomatic treatment of cold/cough (antihistamine, hydration, steam inhalation)
Observe the lymph node for 2–3 weeks
If persistent or enlarges, get an ENT/medicine evaluation + ultrasound neck if needed
📘 Reference:
Harrison’s Manual of Medicine, Lymphadenopathy chapter: Cervical lymph nodes commonly enlarge due to local infections; no intervention needed if self-limited and non-alarming in character.
Next Steps
Would you like a monitoring checklist for lymph node changes and cold symptoms?