scared i have lymphoma!

hello i'm a 19 year old female and i'm terrified i have lymphoma or something else (also have extreme heath anxiety/hypochondria/ health ocd) about a month ago i felt one of my lymph nodes was enlarged and felt a lot bigger than when lymph nodes swell due to illness. i feel like it could've been there for longer but i only noticed a month ago - also have a smaller one above it. it's firm and easily moveable and would say it's just smaller than a grape. i went to the doctors and he said he was 100% sure it was nothing to worry about but i'm not convinced. it hasn't changed shape or size since i first noticed it but i've read so many stories about people going to the doctors for swollen lymph nodes and it was nothing at first then a few months later they got more lumps and i'm scared that's going to happen to me. i also get cramps and pains in both legs and do have itchy skin but i feel that could be anxiety related. pls help i'm going insane. 

  • Hello and thanks for your post

    I'm sorry you suffer with health anxiety and appreciate how your symptoms must be playing on your mind.

    I'm afraid this forum is unable to tell anyone what the matter is and even though others may have experienced similar symptoms, it is always difficult to compare stories as the outcomes can often differ. At your age any cancer is rare so there is likely to be a far less serious cause.

    Swollen lymph glands ( lumps) are common, and the majority of times they are due to infection even when a person feels well.  Even after an infection has passed lymph nodes can remain swollen or they don't go back to their original size but it doesn't necessarily mean anything sinister is going on. 

    Health anxiety can be very debilitating and it can have a very negative impact on your quality of life. I am unsure if you have asked your GP for help with this, if not do ask. I don't know if you are aware of an organisation called Anxiety UK. They are a national organisation who help people with anxiety. You may also find the information on the NHS Every Mind Matters website helpful. They have a specific section about anxiety.

    See how things go over the next couple of weeks. If you remain worried or symptoms get worse do get back in touch with your doctor to see what they have to say.

    Take care,

    Celene