Hello Tml111 and thanks for posting,

I am not sure if anyone else will come along and post, if they do it might not shine much light on your lump because everyone's situation is different.

I can appreciate that unexplained symptoms can be a worry and especially for anyone with health anxiety, but most of the time thyroid lumps (nodules) are benign (not caused by cancer). 

I'm afraid we can't tell anyone what might be causing their symptoms, but if a GP has a concern about thyroid cancer they can make an urgent referral. So this is something to talk over with your GP and let them know how long you will be waiting for the ultrasound (which I assume is non urgent). 

Although it can be tricky to assess if a lump if growing because it is quite subjective,  I think you probably need to keep an eye on this in case is gets any bigger and let your GP know if it does.

Some people who are very worried decide to pay to have a scan in the hope of getting peace of mind sooner. You could also ask your GP about this.

We sometimes suggest the NHS website Every Mind Matters as it has tips to help people cope with anxiety. 

Give us a call if you want to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are around weekdays from 9-5.

All the best,

Julia

Hi,

Thank you for your response. I went back to the GP. She confirmed it is firm but not rock solid although feels rock solid to me. She said she thinks it is a lymph node. It did not move when I put my tongue out and swallowed. I also have recurring ulcers so she has got me blood tests for my ulcers (b12) and for my lump. She said the blood test should pick up anything if it is cancerous and if it does she will make me a urgent referral for a ultrasound.

i am still very worried, if she is correct and it's a lymph node not a thyroid nodule, there is a big chance it will be cancerous isn't there? A lymph node that doesn't move, is firm and has been there for around 2 months?

Is there something else that it could possibly be?

Thank you 

Hello and thanks for getting back in touch

It is good to hear you have seen your GP and they aren't overly concerned. Hopefully the blood tests will come back soon and you can be reassured by those.

Lymph nodes are commonly raised because of a current or recent infection but some can be part of our normal anatomy and if not changing are unlikely to be anything of concern.

Of course if it changes or you notice any other symptoms talk them through with your GP.

Wish you all the best

Take care

Naomi

Hey there again

Glad your bloods all came back normal, this must ease your mind a little.

As difficult as this must be for you suffering from health anxiety try not to let your thoughts run away with you and start worrying about a different type of cancer.

If you remain worried I suggest you speak with your GP sharing your thoughts and feelings with them.  They are in the best place to re-assess you and ensure you have had all the appropriate tests. 

There are several different parts that make up the area of the throat so any cancer in this area are usually referred to according to the part of the throat affected, such as thyroid. 

Sometimes blood tests can highlight an out of range reading if cancer is present but often more than one test is needed to diagnose a cancer.

Speak to your doctor when you can and I hope you can get some help in manging your anxiety levels. 

Take care

Naomi