About Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Expertise I am a board-certified otolaryngologist with additional subspecialty training in otology, neurotology, and skull base surgery. This is the subspecialty of otolaryngology that involves the ear, hearing, balance organs, the facial nerve, and surgery of the skull base including surgery for acoustic neuroma and other benign and malignant tumors of the base of the skull.
Experience Medical school, residency in otolaryngology, fellowship in otology/neurotology/skull base surgery
Organizations American Academy of Otolaryngology-Head and Neck Surgery North American Skull Base Society American Neurotology Society
Publications Laryngoscope Otology and Neurotology
Education/Credentials MD Stanford University School of Medicine, Palo Alto, CA 2001 Otolaryngology Residency, University of Iowa Department of Otolaryngology, Iowa City, IA Otology/Neurotology Fellowship, House Ear Clinic, Los Angeles, CA
Expert: Eric P. Wilkinson, MD Date: 9/26/2007 Subject: Swollen lymph nodes, neck
Question Sir, my wife, 52years old, has a swelling on the left side of her neck, below the jaw line, extending from about a half inch below her ear to about 1 inch forward.
The swelling varies in size and firmness at times. Gets larger when she has cold or feels sick. Two doctors have said it most likely is her Lymph nodes. This has been occurring for about 3 years now. One doctor said it might be the paratid gland. He did a CT scan. Ruled that out and another said the swelling was to low to be the paratid gland.
Her main medical problems are Myasthenia Gravis, which she is currently in her first remission period and took Mestinon for 10 years. Her only other problem is Endometriosis.
My wife has always had a slightly lower than normal immune system. What can be done to solve this problem. Any specific remedies or treatments. Would warm compresses be advisable? Certain Vitamins or Minerals? Her diet is fairly balanced.
We are currently stationed in the Philippines. That is why I am seeking your advice. Regards.
Answer It sounds like a parotid mass, but certainly the differential includes lymphadenopathy. I would have a CT scan of the neck with contrast, extending from the skull base to the clavicles to assess this mass. An MRI is another alternative but I would start with CT scan. If a mass is found, a needle biopsy should be performed (also called "fine needle aspiration cytology.")
