Cancerous neck lump?

Hi! 

About 6 weeks ago I went to my doctor about a large lump in my neck as well as symtoms such as night sweats, sore throat, frequrnt light headeness and headaches as well as general feelings of unwellness. My doctor told me she would run blood tests as she was aware this could be caner, and they showed that I had low levels of red blood cells and platelets and high levels of white bloods cells. The blood test also revealed that I had glandular fever so she concluded that all of the symptoms will be a result of that. This week I went back for a blood test and all of my cell count are now normal, however I have been referred to have an ultrasound on my neck. I was just wondering what the chances are that this could still potentially be cancerous despite my blood counts now being 'normal'. 

 

Any help much appreciated! 

  • Hello Josephineolive and thanks for posting us a question, 

    Having symtpoms that are sometimes linked to cancer can be quite alarming, but most of the time, the very same symtpoms have another more common and less serious reason.

    I would have thought the chances of this lump being cancer are really low - it is much more likely to be a lymph node that has got bigger in response to the glandular fever infection which commonly has this effect.  And the fact that your blood counts have corrected themselves is a good sign too. So I don't think you need to be all that worried, even so, the ultrasound scan is still a good idea to be on the safe side. I hope that when you get the results, you will get peace of mind. 

    Best wishes,

    Julia