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Worried about a Swollen Lymph Node

Posted , 3 users are following.

adam12345
adam12345

Hello all,

I noticed a swollen lymph node towards the bottom left of my neck about 3 weeks ago. I haven't noticed any growth in it whatsoever, but it also hasn't gone away. I have no symptoms of illness etc. After monitoring it over this time, I went to my GP last Thursday. He did a very thorough examination of my body to check for any other swollen lymph nodes and couldn't find any.

However he did find the one I noticed. He said it is mobile and about 1cm in terms of size. He then said he could see why I'd think it was cancerous, but isn't concerned about it. He also said to come back if it's still there in 3-4 weeks just to have a blood test to check.

My worry is the wait - what if something goes wrong?

Am I right in thinking that this sounds unlikely to be something to worry about - based on what my GP said? If so, why has this lymph node come up?

I can feel another lymph node below it that seems deeper into my neck but approx the same size - my GP said it is common to feel them a lot of the time.

Any responses would be greatly appreciated.

Thanks,

Adam

0 likes, 4 replies

4 Replies

  • Dr.G
    Dr.G adam12345

    Posted

    I wouldn't worry about it. If it was serious you would have other symptoms. Just wait and see if it gos away and firther test if it doesn't. You may also be feeling a fatty tumor if it doesnt go away in a week or two.

  • JoyKF53
    JoyKF53 adam12345

    Posted

    Hi Adam. I'm not medically trained, I can only relate my own experience. I found a small pea sized lump behind my left ear. My G.P. didn't know what it was so immediately referred me to ENT. A surgical biopsy was done by which time two much smaller ones had appeared below it. I was diagnosed with stage 1A Diffuse Large B Cell Lymphoma (DLBCL). I then had 3 rounds of chemotherapy with Rituximab followed by 17 days of radiotherapy. Today I had a check up (2 years 3 months after my diagnosis) and am fit and well. A blood test would not show if you have lymphoma, my blood tests came back clear before, during and after diagnosis - only a biopsy can give an accurate diagnosis. A FNA (fine needle aspiration) is not as accurate as it can miss some cells, a surgical biopsy is much more reliable. If I was you I would seek a second opinion.

    • Dr.G
      Dr.G JoyKF53

      Posted

      Interesting, did you have other symptoms at the time you made your discovery, such as night sweats, fatigue, sick feeling, or even itching? Also did you notice the lump getting bigger? I agree he should get a second opinion, but also follow up with the doctor. Glad your doing better Joy.
    • JoyKF53
      JoyKF53 Dr.G

      Posted

      I had one night time drenching sweat weeks before I was diagnosed, suddenly couldn't face any dinners with gravy and cigarettes (which I no longer use) tasted vile. The original lump remained the same size, the two smaller ones disappeared after first chemo session.

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