Question 1

two swollen lymph nodes on my sternum and i get them often around my menstrual cycle.  is this normal or cause for concern? thanks for your time!

Accepted Answer

Unusual: It is unusual to have this occur. You should your doctor in an nonurgent fashion to see if you have lymph nodes that are enlarged anywhere else. These might need biopsied. Should see your doctor around the time of your period when these are enlarged.
BEst wishes.

Question 2

are there lymph nodes in the skin covering the sternum? (not behind the sternum but over it)

Accepted Answer

Generally, no: The lymph node chain in the mid chest runs behind the sternum.  Though there can the occasional lymph node palpable under the skin, typically there are not prominent nodes overlying the sternum.

Question 3

what could be the significance of enlarged painful lymph nodes at the base of the sternum and along the rib line?

Accepted Answer

A recent infection-: -is the best bet. Especially if you are sick now. But they may appear later @ you notice them when you are well. If no recent illness @ you are worried, have it evaluated by your PCP.

Question 4

hello, i feel a couple of small (2 mm) tender moving lump over central area of my sternum just under the skin: are those lymph nodes or fat? thanks!

Accepted Answer

That's small: 2 mm is about half the size of the diameter of a headphone jack on a cell phone or laptop. Lymph nodes are not that small, and fat globules that small probably would feel like normal skin. A tiny 2mm lump in the skin covering the sternum might be a comedone, because comedones do occur in that area, and they would be about that size. Of course, it takes an exam to help decide what the tiny lump is.

Question 5

lymph nodes in the middle of my chest mean high chance of cancer?

Accepted Answer

Maybe: Enlarged lymph nodes in the chest (mediastinum or lung hilum) can be due to chronic infections such as tb, or fungal lung infections like histoplasmosis and coccidioidomycosis, but also can be due to cancers.  Sometimes the clinical history and appearance of the nodes on ct can imply a benign cause.  Normal sized nodes are not a problem.  When in doubt, biopsy is needed.

Question 6

how can i know if i have any chest lymph nodes, are they palpable?

Accepted Answer

Lymphadenopathy: This depends upon where the nodes are located. If they are superficial, in the axillae or the supraclavicular area they are easily palpated, but nodes in the mediastinum must be detected using imaging studies.

Question 7

what is the definition or description of: enlarged chest lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

Multiple: There are multiple lymph node stations in the chest. In general enlargement is considered in nodes greater than 15-20mm in size. Reasons for enlargement are too numerous to list but include infection,inflammatory conditions,many types of cancer and other more obscure diagnosis. Usually found on imaging like CT, then need tissue diagnosis if no obvious reason for enlargement

Question 8

is 11mm enlarged chest lymph nodes dangerous, what is the cause of it ?

Accepted Answer

Needs follow up: It may or not be a reason for concern, but needs follow up by your doctor. Lymph nodes enlarge to help us fight off infection. A persistent lymph node larger than one cm probably needs a biopsy or at least close follow up.

Question 9

what are the names of the lymph nodes located directly underneath the top most portion of the breastbone-are these considered cervical lymph nodes?

Accepted Answer

Not cervical: If it's above your clavicles, i.e., breastbone, then it's supraclavicular lymph nodes. The cervical lymph nodes are around the neck either anteriorly  under the chin/jaw, or posteriorly next to the cervical vertebrae.

Question 10

i feel very small circles under my skin on chest and near shldrs when i press hard, seems as if muscles are tore, can these be lymph nodes in nrml siz?

Accepted Answer

Unlikley: A localized physical exam would be necessary to venture an opinion, but subcutaneous lymph nodes are not generally seen in the areas you describe. If you are overweight that could be subcutaneous fat. Regardless, muscle soreness should be separately evaluated. Are you weight lifting?

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Doctor answers about:

Lymph nodes sternum

A member asked:

Two swollen lymph nodes on my sternum and i get them often around my menstrual cycle. is this normal or cause for concern? thanks for your time!

A member asked:

Are there lymph nodes in the skin covering the sternum? (not behind the sternum but over it)

A member asked:

What could be the significance of enlarged painful lymph nodes at the base of the sternum and along the rib line?

A member asked:

Hello, i feel a couple of small (2 mm) tender moving lump over central area of my sternum just under the skin: are those lymph nodes or fat? thanks!

A member asked:

Lymph nodes in the middle of my chest mean high chance of cancer?

A member asked:

How can i know if i have any chest lymph nodes, are they palpable?

A member asked:

What is the definition or description of: enlarged chest lymph nodes?

A member asked:

Is 11mm enlarged chest lymph nodes dangerous, what is the cause of it ?

A member asked:

What are the names of the lymph nodes located directly underneath the top most portion of the breastbone-are these considered cervical lymph nodes?

A member asked:

I feel very small circles under my skin on chest and near shldrs when i press hard, seems as if muscles are tore, can these be lymph nodes in nrml siz?

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