It is very common for nodes to remain enlarged to an extent after they flare up, and never return to their undetectable size. I still have enlarged nodes on my neck here and there from when i used to suffer badly from tonsillitis as a kid. One in particular still raises the eyebrows of any new gp i have seen, but it's been there since i was 16, and I'm now 49. It's never changed, but is about the size of a grape. The area has been scanned twice previously during other things, but it's always mentioned that it's non suspicious due to the look and duration it has been there.

What you should be asking yourself, what would actually put your mind at ease. A biopsy? If a biopsy is what you need, you would probably have to go private if the NHS has deemed it non suspicious. Even then, it's not nailed on that you'd get it done privately, either. Short of what you've had, and obtaining a biopsy, there's not much else they can do. The biopsy seems a bit extreme if you've had it checked out more than once. But it's your body.

Hi donLon123 and thanks for posting.

I'm sorry to hear that this lymph node is causing you such worry.

As ProfBaw has mentioned it is common for lymph nodes to remain swollen, and sometimes they will never return to their normal size. This can be worrying, especially when it remains there for a long time.  Although it changes in size, it does not sound as if it is getting consistently bigger.

Size is usually a factor in assessing lymph nodes and as a general rule, lymph nodes less than a centimetre aren't usually anything to worry about. Larger nodes might not turn out to be either but they would need assessing as yours has been.  It should be reassuring that the specialist has said that the node is nothing to worry about after it has been assessed three times.

You have posted in the ask the nurses section, you may get some more comments if you post in another section, but please remember that no one has the same experience and outcomes can be different for everyone, even if they situation sounds very similar.

I hope this is helpful but please do get back to us if you need any more information or support.  You might like 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,

Rachel