Swollen cervical lymph nodes for eight months.

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have had swollen cervical lymph nodes for 8 months. they were biopsied and came back as epstien barr. that was 4 months ago and they are still swollen and non tender. the biggest measures just over 2cm. my ent says we can only keep an an eye on it, but i dont know if he is right. why are they still there and shopuld i be conscerned?

Dear Ayla: Infectious mononucleosis is a viral infection caused by Epstein-Barr virus. Spread of the infection is through saliva and may present with fever, sore throat, swollen and tender lymph nodes. The disease is self-limiting and most recover completely within 1-2 months.  In certain cases the symptoms may last even upto 6-10 months. If the swellings do not resolve after a year, your doctor may investigate to see if you have chronic fatigue syndrome which may be attributed to the Epstein-Barr virus infection.