Cancer health anxiety !!!!

I'm 16 and have been having swollen glands in my neck for over 2 months I went to be doctors and got told it was just a throat infection, my health anxiety is really really bad, and was still constantly worrying thinking he had just tried to put it down as the most obvious thing and told me to come back if it carries on.

Another month went by, and they still hasn't gone down so this morning I went back to the doctors and told her they are still up she looked at my past blood tests and said everything seemed fine and she began to do normal checks on me. She then said she's going to send me for an ultra sound on the lump and now I'm really worrying - I'm worrying I've got lymphoma or throat cancer and it's causing me to have a lot of panic attacks even thinking about it. It was not an urgent scan and I'm not sure when it's going to be but now I'm worrying she thinks I've got cancer too.

i have been having bad anxiety lately and lots of stress and I'm not sure if that could be something - I'm constantly poking it to try and see if it's got worse or gone down. Im always taking photos of my neck to see if I can see anything and if I see the slight thing I go into panic mode.

Im not sure if this is relatable but I'm really freaking out I have no other symptoms other then the little lumps in my neck which I'm genuinely not sure if they are glands or lumps to be worried about.

PLEASE SOMEONE HELP !!

  • Hello leouna2013 and thanks for posting, 

    I am sorry to learn how worried you are about these swollen glands, but I am pleased that you have seen your doctor and that they are sorting you out. I expect the ultrasound scan is to be thorough and, as it isn't urgent, it doesn't seem as if your doctor is worried so try and take some reassurance from this. 

    I'm afraid no one here on Cancer Chat can make a diagnosis (say what is causing anyone's symptoms) so we aren't in a position to say for sure that there is nothing the matter, however cancer in teenagers is rare so another explanation for these swollen glands is much more likely. 

    Health anxiety is very difficult to cope with. It may help to talk a look at some tips on the NHS website at this link .

    Try not to poke and feel the glands and distract your thoughts if you can. Do your best to keep an open mind and take things one step at a time. 

    If things are getting too much get back in touch with your GP and ask them for some help with the anxiety and to tell you more about the scan.

    You are welcome to call us if you want to talk on Freephone 0808 800 4040, we are around weekdays 9-5. 

    Best wishes, 

    Julia