I will be 42 next wk.I have smoked for several yrs.Lately I have gone to my Dr. due to illness. It started as sinus, then went to my chest. I was given augmentin xr 1000 mg x 4 per day. I aslo had been given allergy meds. The Dr. noticed 2 enlarged lymph node's in the right side of my neck. These were tender and sore. Since being off of the antibiotic's I have noticed new lymph node's. They are near my right arm pit, and lower right groin area. The Dr. said that if they do not improve for me to come back. The quickest appt. is for 3/15/03.
I noticed something new last week. I do not know how long it's been there?In the front of my mouth, behind my lower front teeth , toward the bottom is this hard, round knot. It is a little larger than a b'b.It is not sore unless I rub it w/ my toungue.I have had my daughter look at it and I too have tried to look at it with a mirror. The little knot has a whitish color to it.I cannot tell whether the knot is only on the outside or goes deeper toward my teeth.
I am keeping the appt. with my doctor. However, I do not understand why lymph node's continue to swell and now I have this knot in my mouth? I had blood work done on my white blood count and red blood and it all came back w/in normal limit's. Please help me to understand. I look forward to your reply...Jennifer

Obviously you know that do one on the web is going to be able to tell you what is wrong. But here are at least a few things to think about, and perhaps ask our doctor about. Enlarged lymph nodes the majority of the time are a result of infections. Severe infections will not only drain to the local nodes, say your neck from an ear infection, but if untreated, progress to nodes further away (under the arm perhpas). These also become involved as your lymph system attempts to remove the debris of the infection battle. If you had an infection, it is likely that you would see an elevated white count in your blood work, as the body's immune system kicks up production to fight the infection. You haven't said how long you have been on antibiotics, and if the blood work which appeared normal, was before or after the antibiotic treatments. If it was after, the antibiotics may be working, hence the normal lab work, and the white nodule in your mouth may be non-related to an infection you had. If you still have enlarged nodes, the white nodule, etc. after several weeks of treatment, the question to ask is why? Things should resolve or significantly improve in 2-3 weeks with or without treatment. If they do not, then further diagnostic procedures are customary. If this doctor continues to chase this without results for a prolonged period of time, a referral to get a second opinion would be in order. Your history of smoking raises a red flag, and you should be more cautious than most about issue such as these. A doctor who specializes in cancer, or an oral pathologist may be your best course of action next.

Thank you for your reply .I did want to address some of the questions you do have. The blood tests were before and during the anti-biotic treatment. 4000mg a day for 10 day's. I have finished them. The lymph node's continue to enlarge in the area of my groin, armpit and right side of the neck.I can't comprehend why they would enlarge after the antibiotic treatment?
The lump the size of a b'b in my mouth does have a whitish color to it. It is very hard, does not move . I don't know how long it's been there. I just happened to find it last week after the anti-biotic treatments . I found it quite by accident with my tongue.
I have tried to get into my dr's office before the 15th but they seem to be busy. It looks like I'll need to wait.The dr. did mention that the node's should go down in size. They have not.
My smoking is a problem. It seems as though it's been the only vice I've had through-out stressful time's.
I wondered whether anyone on this site would have any idea of what could be going on with this knot in my mouth or what it could be? Thank you for your time and replies, Jennifer

Hello Jennifer, As Brian said no one on this board can give you a difinitive diagnosis. It is best to be seen by a dentist first off for a oral exam.
In my experience, rdh for 16 yrs, the "knot" on the floor of your mouth could possible be a simple as a blocked salivary gland or a cyst. It should be examined by a oral care specialist. If insurance coverage is a factor many teaching facilities will offer exam's for reduced fee's. If there is a dental school in your area that could be an option.
I hope this helps, Linda