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Swollen lymph node on neck for over two months. I am really worried, should I be?

Posted , 4 users are following.

tre698
tre698

Just as he title states I have had a swollen lymph node on the back left side of my neck for over two months. I believe it is posterior cervical or occipital. I can only notice one swollen node and there are no more anywhere else on my body that I can find at he moment. I do believe it is mobile (which is usually a good sign) but it is also completely painless (which is usually a bad sign). Being a major hypochondriac with access to the internet, I have already self-diagnosed myself with several illnesses. My research states that the signs point to cancer (lymphoma or leukemia). I saw the PA af my doctors office last week who did not seem concerned and said she would check my blood work for my white blood cell count and let me know in the next few days. I go in to meet with my GP in two days. I have some seasonal allergy symptoms but the node was swollen well before these symptoms ever started. I get sick several times a year but usually just colds here and there with the occasional sinus infection. I attribute this to the fact that I am incredibly busy/active and often skip out on sleep, but seeing as frequent infections are another indicator of cancer this has not helped alleviate my fears. Again, I only notice one swollen node (as of right now) that is about 1cmx1cm and I do not appear to have any other symptoms. What could this be? I have read that some nodes stay swollen permanently?

1 like, 5 replies

5 Replies

  • bethany04289
    bethany04289 tre698

    Posted

    hello!

    I have exactly the same, one 1cmx1cm swollen lymph node on the back of my neck as well! If the doctors are not concerned then you should not be either, they know what to look for and would realise of it was anything bad. Ones as small as yours are not a cause for concern as far as I know (what my doctor said). Also, I know so many people/have heard of people who have swollen lymph nodes so they are very common, my University doctor said I was the 8th person he has seen two weeks with ones on their neck!! If you are not having any other symptoms like night sweats, fatigue, fever, being really ill etc, then you are okay smile

    • tre698
      tre698 bethany04289

      Posted

      I constantly re-read this when my anxiety starts acting up. I have been to the doctor multiple times and just today conviced myself that I am feeling a lymph node above my collar bone, but for all I know it may be a vein. It is very small, mobile, and could best be described as "squishy". I do not believe that the node in my neck has changed and aside from being sick (sore throat, aches, fever, nausea) last week I have been healthy (other than a ton of muscular issues, which could easily be related to working out, stress, firefighting, etc.). The reassurance means a lot. My doctor is very well known for being a great doctor so I know I should trust him, but with anxiety (which I also self diagnosed, haha) it is hard to do. The other thing that is concerning me right now is that I have lost a fair amount of weight. I went from 225 in february to 188 now. I had just finished a "bulking" phase (where I went from about 185 to 225 by eating a ton and lifting weights) but I have since not been working out due to back and shoulder injuries that improve with physical therapy. Everything has an explanation but I am still driving myself crazy... so I really appreciate you responding to me - all reassurance helps.

  • tre698
    tre698

    Posted

    I should also add that after my first doctors visit, he did state I have a low white blood cell count, but he said it is normal (some people just run low). I would imagine this means he compared it to my previous bloodwork to make sure it had not changed. Other than that my bloodwork was fine and he did say they generally look for other factors when diagnosing any sort of cancer. 
  • aroura
    aroura tre698

    Posted

    Hi!

    I know this is an old post but I'm just wondering how you are now?

    I have the exact same thing for over 3 months Doctor but me on a antibiotic for a baterical infection and there was no change in the node..

    I'm really worried about it as anything I've read online says cancer cancer cancer lol

    Hope you're well x

  • catherine_66533
    catherine_66533 tre698

    Posted

    Sorry I know this is an old post but I was just wondering how you are getting on. I have had a swollen lymph node on the right back side of my neck for almost 5 months now. The doctors didn’t seem too concerned about it despite it being hard and immobile. I had blood work done which showed a low white count but my doctors said this was ok and they just sort of left me with that. I have pretty bad anxiety and tried  really hard to put it to the back of my mind. But now I have a new one of the same point in my neck but the left hand side. It feels the same and hasn’t gone in 3 weeks and I am getting quite concerned . I was hoping to hear if you are ok 
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