Health anxiety and neck swelling.. advice please

When I turn my head to the left I can feel some sort of swelling on the right side of my neck just below and behind my ear it's also visible when my head is turned.

I've been to my GP about 4 times and each time she says she thinks it's just muscular or that is the way my neck is and isnt concerned it hasnt changed or I havent got any symptoms and my FBC has been fine. I noticed it first nearly 2 years ago.

My GP referred me to physio for them to check it out and the physiotherapist said that she isnt concerned either she cant tell me 100% that it's nothing but shes pretty sure, she said she can feel more of a fullness on the right side but she also said if it was anything sinister i would of known about it by now she said that she doesnt seem it necessary to refer me as it would have to go under a sarcoma pathway and she thinks that will just cause panic and stress when she doesnt think it's anything to stress over she even said ent wouldn't see me for it.

But as someone who is really anxious I'm so paranoid about it and have even developed some sort of body dysmorphia around it as I see it much bigger than what it actually is or I'm feeling it all the time panicking it may of changed.

 

  • Hello there

    I am sorry to hear about the health anxiety you have and how this is affecting your thoughts and feelings about this swelling on your neck.

    Unfortunately no one here can say what this is either, but it seems both your GP and physio aren't overly concerned about this otherwise they would be referring you on for more tests.

    As they have said if you have had this for over 2 years you would expect this to be changing and causing other symptoms as well by now, if something sinister was going on.

    Of course if it continues to concern you or you notice anything else do go back to your doctor and see if there is anyone they can refer you to, but do remember there is strict referral criteria needed for urgent referrals and if you don't match these you are unlikely to be seen.

    It may also be worth talking through your health anxiety with your doctor and find out if there is anything else that can do or suggest to help you manage this.

    Anxiety UK here and Mind UK here also have information, tips and help available.

    I hope this helps and you can get some peace of mind soon.

    Take care

    Naomi