Worried

Hey, I have a lymph node on the right side of my jaw which is just below half an Inch in size. Its very movable. The node on the other side of my jaw is also just pea sized and very small. I'm also very slim. I have no symtoms of lyphoma. I also got the lymph node scanned around 2 years ago and they couldn't see anything but I don't know if the lymph node has been enlarged for them 2 years or just reappeared. Before I got the scan done it was swollen for around 3 months then I got it checked. Could this be cancerous? Online is says that a lymph node that is more than 1cm is considerd abnormal. That is why I'm concerned that mine is just below half an inch. 

  • Hello, and thank you for posting.

    I am afraid I do not know if there is anything the matter or if the node is abnormal, the internet is also unable to tell you as it can't assess you properly.

    If anyone notices anything that concerns them they need  to call the GP surgery and arrange a telephone appointment. The Doctor can then decide if this needs to be investigated further.

    Take care, and hopefully you will know more soon.

    Sarah.

  • Bradley, the internet is great at frightening us, but follow the nurse's advice and get it checked. There's nothing wrong with asking to see a doctor if you're worried. Also, make sure you have regular dental check-ups as they are usually very good at spotting the early signs of mouth cancer. I had a 'floating node' which turned out to be nothing to worry about - but I got it checked, so make that appointment!

  • They told me it's not at all uncommon, a node in the jaw that feels like a little lump that seems to slip away to the side when you press slightly with your finger. It wasn't a painful lump. But as I said, if there's anything suspicious, get it checked - better safe than sorry and if they catch mouth cancer you're so much more likely to have a good outcome. Good luck with it.

  • Mine is exactly like that. It's like a little pebble about half an inch and it slides about. I also have pea sized nodes in my neck and groin and stuff tho but thats just because I'm slim. Do you still your bump? Mine might just be similar to yours since I have no symtoms or indications of it being caused by cancer as all I hsve is a node that won't go away.

  • Why would I have a better outcome if it was mouth cancer?...

  • First of all mine was not as big as half an inch, and after some time it appeared to have gone away as I can no longer feel it as I did. Maybe it's moved a little to an area where I can't feel it. But you seem to have misunderstood what I meant about a good outcome. Of course it would NOT be better if you had mouth cancer. What I meant was that although the lump may be nothing to worry about it I would strongly advise you to get it checked by a doctor, or even a dentist. If there are any concerns that it may be a cause for concern they would refer you to a specialist who can ascertain just what it is. At that point, IF it turned out to be mouth cancer (and I hope that wouldn't be the case) the sooner it is caught the more likely you are to have it dealt with while it is a small tumour, whereas if it was left and got larger it could spread and require more extensive work. I hope it turns out to be nothing, but you headed your post "Worried" and the best way to stop worrying is to make sure it is nothing to worry about. Get it checked, it's better for your peace of mind. Good luck with it all BradleyG.