18 Months ago I had tongue cancer surgery and lost a small part of my tongue and 42 lymph nodes. Today I was stung by a yellow jacket on the inside of my lip while drinking from a can. Should I be concerned because of the node removal?
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Hello, guest.
Experiencing a yellow jacket sting on the inside of your lip can be painful and cause local reactions like swelling, redness, and pain. Given your history of tongue cancer surgery and the removal of lymph nodes, it is understandable to be concerned about how your body might react to such a sting.
Most insect stings, including those from yellow jackets, cause a local reaction. You might experience swelling, redness, and pain at the site of the sting. Given the location of the sting on your lip, these symptoms can be more uncomfortable and may interfere with eating or speaking.
A more serious concern is an allergic reaction, which can occur in some individuals after an insect sting. Symptoms of a severe allergic reaction (anaphylaxis) include difficulty breathing, hives, swelling of the face, throat, or mouth, rapid pulse, dizziness, and a severe drop in blood pressure. This is a medical emergency and requires immediate attention.
The removal of lymph nodes can affect the way your body handles inflammation and infection in the specific area where the nodes were removed. However, an insect sting on the lip primarily causes a local reaction, and the body's response is not solely dependent on the lymphatic system in that area.
It's important to monitor your symptoms closely. If the swelling is significant, if you experience difficulty breathing, or if the pain and redness worsen, you should seek medical attention promptly.
For a typical reaction, applying a cold pack to the sting site can help reduce swelling and pain. Avoid scratching or puncturing the sting area, as this can increase the risk of infection.
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