Swollen lymph nodes for years :(

I’m currently trying to get an appointment about this, but I am also going to ask here :)

It started as one small swollen lymph node - after a few weeks I went to the doctor about it, he said it was fine and not to worry - this was years ago and that lymph node has never gone, however it has gotten worse - almost all of my lymph nodes (in my neck area) are swollen to quite a large size, and I have been to the doctor several times over the years about this, and I have always been told not to worry, however they can sometimes hurt and I am especially worried as one has now swollen up on the side of my face. I feel like none of the doctors have taken me seriously - the Most one ever did was send my for blood tests, which came back normal. I want to be taken seriously as I have looked all over the internet (unfortunately the NHS site has little Information) which I know is a bad thing to to however I really can’t find much about multiple lymph nodes that have been swollen for years. (I also want to add that whilst they are swollen, none are really visible, however you can feel them very easily.)  I would really appreciate some advice on this :) 

Thank you

  • Hello, and thanks for your post,

    I am sorry to hear that you are worried about your health. I can understand how frustrating it must be for you when you don't feel that you are being properly listened to.

    We all have lymph glands around our body and they act as a filter. They can become swollen when there is an infection or in some cancers where they can become very enlarged. 

    It does sound like you have had them checked on numerous occasions by different doctors. Everyone can feel lymph nodes on their body and if your doctors are not identifying any particular swollen lymph nodes then they sound like they are not too concerned. Doctors are trained to examine lymph nodes and to look out for any warning signs. You have also had a blood test that was in within normal limits.

    We can't diagnose anyone on Cancer Chat, it is only your doctor that can do that.

    Try not to over think it all for now.

    Leading a healthy life and taking regular exercise all help to help prevent cancer. We have some information about how you can look after yourself here

    If you are concerned about any other symptoms then do go back and see your GP. 

    I hope this helps.

    All the best,

    Catherine