[61F] With bruising, lymph node swelling, and persistent cough

Patient Description

A 61-year-old female presents with a two-week history of painful and tender lymph node swelling, predominantly in the inner arms and legs, with a total of 13 swollen nodes. She also reports dark purple bruising on her inner thigh, shin, and upper arm, which appeared over the past week without any preceding injury. The patient experiences early satiety, particularly when consuming fatty foods, and can only eat small amounts every 3 hours to avoid nausea. She has had occasional night sweats but no recent fever, unusual bleeding, or bone pain. Persistent fatigue has been noted. Additionally, the patient had pneumonia in December, and since then, she has had a productive cough with thick to thin yellow-green sputum, which has become moderate in severity over the last 24 hours. No alleviating factors for the cough or the presence of green sputum have been identified.

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Arora's Assessment

What might be happening

Based on the information you have provided, possible diagnoses include:

  • Lymphoma: This is a type of cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system. The symptoms can include swollen, painful lymph nodes, fatigue, and night sweats.

    • Treatment often involves chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and in some cases, stem cell transplantation.
  • Leukemia: This is a type of cancer of the body's blood-forming tissues, including the bone marrow and the lymphatic system. Symptoms can include swollen lymph nodes, bruising or bleeding easily, fever, persistent fatigue, and night sweats.

    • Treatment can involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and targeted therapy.
  • Infection: An infection in the body can cause swollen, painful lymph nodes. The infection could be bacterial, viral, or fungal. The cough and green sputum you're experiencing could be a sign of a respiratory infection.

    • Treatment usually involves antibiotics for bacterial infections. Viral infections often resolve on their own, but antiviral medication can be used in some cases.

What you can do

Given the severity and duration of your symptoms, it's important to seek medical attention as soon as possible.

  1. Make an appointment with your primary care doctor. They can examine you and order tests to help determine the cause of your symptoms.
  2. If you're unable to see your primary care doctor soon, consider going to an urgent care clinic or emergency room.

What you should look out for

Watch for these signs that your condition may be getting worse:

  • Increased size or number of swollen lymph nodes
  • Increased severity or frequency of coughing
  • Development of a fever or chills
  • Increased fatigue or weakness
  • Unexplained weight loss

Remember, I'm an AI and not a doctor. It's important to seek care from a health professional to receive a formal diagnosis and treatment.

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1 yr ago

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People Also Ask


What could cause swollen and painful lymph nodes in multiple areas of the body?

Swollen and painful lymph nodes can be caused by infections, such as bacterial or viral infections, or by more serious conditions like lymphoma or leukemia. It's important to consult a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis.


Why might someone experience bruising without any apparent injury?

Bruising without apparent injury can occur due to conditions that affect blood clotting, such as certain types of leukemia, or due to medications that affect platelet function. It can also be a sign of a more generalized bleeding disorder.


What are common symptoms of lymphoma and leukemia?

Common symptoms of lymphoma and leukemia include swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and easy bruising or bleeding. Both conditions affect the body's immune and blood-forming systems.


What could be the reason for a persistent cough with yellow-green sputum?

A persistent cough with yellow-green sputum is often indicative of a respiratory infection, which could be bacterial or viral. It is important to seek medical evaluation to determine the cause and appropriate treatment.


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