Question

A 59-year-old male client comes to the clinic and reports his concern over a lump that, "just popped up on my neck about a week ago." In performing an examination of the lump, the nurse palpates a large, nontender, hardened left subclavian lymph node. There is not overlying tissue inflammation. What do these findings suggest

Answer 1

A 59-year-old male with a hardened, non-tender subclavian lymph node suggests a potential concern for malignancies like lymphoma, especially if there are no signs of local infection. A lymph node biopsy may be needed to determine the presence of cancerous cells, differentiating it from infectious causes.

Step-by-step explanation:

Understanding Lymph Node Swelling

A 59-year-old male with a hardened left subclavian lymph node that is not tender and without overlying tissue inflammation could be indicative of several medical conditions. While infections are a common cause of swollen lymph nodes, the sudden appearance and the hardened nature of this lump raise concerns for potential malignancies, such as lymphoma. In younger individuals, the likelihood of infection is higher, and an antibiotic prescription might suffice. However, persistent enlargement despite treatment or in the context of certain risk factors could warrant additional diagnostic steps, such as a lymph node biopsy. This procedure helps in determining whether cancerous cells are present. It is critical to differentiate between infectious and malignant causes of lymph node swelling to provide appropriate treatment and management.