One swollen lymph node on side on my neck

Hi I made this account purely for this!

 

I have had a swollen lymph node on my neck visible from the outside and fatigue for the last 3 years. At first I was silly and ignored it and now I guess I kind of gave up with my gp. Ive been a few times to the same doctor and he just brushes off my symptoms. I'm 23. He hasn't even examined it! Just looked with his eyes and said "oh yes probably a long infection" 2 years later?? He asked if I sweat at night which is a no. he also brushed off the fatigue because "having to look after a toddler is tiring". I live in a small village so there's maybe 3 gps at the surgery. Can I just demand to see a specialist? I still have bad fatigue and the lymph node is still swollen along with one on my chest now. 
 

maybe I'm just freaking myself out and it's "normal" but I'm a single parent to a child (if anything happened where would they go) and both my grandparents and my father currently all have a different type of cancer. 

  • Hello and thank you for your post,

    I am sorry but we unable to tell you if there is anything the matter. However, if your symptoms are not getting better then you should make another GP appointment to find out what , if anything , is the matter. You cannot demand tests, investigations or a referral to see a specialist doctor but you can ask for one.  In terms of your fatigue I wonder if your doctor thinks it is necessary to get you to have a blood test to see if your anaemic.

    Unfortunately nearly every family is affected by cancer however, the risk of cancer being passed down to other family members is uncommon. Particularly if the people with cancer were not close relatives ( a close relative is a parent, child or sibling) and is over the age of 50 or 60.  You can read more about this on our website here 

    Please get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You may find it helpful to talk things through with one of the nurses on our helpline.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

    Take care,

    Caroline