Ultrasound will show the type of cyst and its size but you'll need an MRI scan afterwards as it has better imaging and can show clearer results. Then you might have a blood test taken to see if there's any tumour markers.

I had a dermoid ovarian cyst removed and I'm waiting for biopsy results. If the cyst was a solid mass, that would have been bad news as there would be a higher risk of it being cancerous. I've been told that it appears to be benign but the biopsy will either confirm that or show that it's malignant (small risk of that). My cyst was fast growing and large but I've read that dermoid cysts can keep on growing if left in so even if they're benign, they can cause the ovary to twist which causes blood haemorrhaging. It's really important for benign cysts to be removed as well as malignant ones because they will all keep growing. 

The biopsy is the most accurate and precise test but they do a series of medical tests on you along the way. 

Best of luck with the ultrasound appointment x 

Thank you for your reply. That's really useful to know. 
 

I hope you are recovering well and the results from the biopsy come back quickly with good news. 
 

The waiting can be hard. I'm on urgent referral which I'm told can be 3 weeks and it's just playing on my mind now. Can't wait to be seen and know one way or the other. 
 

wishing you all the best x

Thank you for taking the time to reply and I hope you are on the road to recovery after your diagnosis. 
 

How long after your ultrasound did it take for them to arrange your biopsy? 

I can't remember exactly but it was less than two months from the ultrasound to the biopsy anyway. It wasn't long, 'cause I remember being worried that they arranged it so soon.

And thank you. I am well recovered now. Was diagnosed November 2019, had my operation in early January 2020 and was back at work and pretty much fully recovered a month later.

Hello and thanks for your post,

I am sorry to hear that you are having investigations for a swollen lymph gland. The ultrasound gives the doctors more information about your swollen lymph gland using high frequency sound waves to create a picture of the lymph node in your neck. 

They  will be looking at the shape and the size of the lymph gland which will give the radiologist more of an idea if an area looks suspicious. In order to confirm whether cancer is present they will need to do a biopsy. The cells are then looked at under a microscope by a pathologist.

You can read more about this test here

I hope this helps. If you would like to talk any of this through with one of the nurses on the helpline then do get back to us or give us a ring.  The number to call is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and the lines are open from 9am till 5pm Monday to Friday.

All the Best,

Catherine

Glad to hear you are fully recovered and it was a quick process for you, and thanks again for taking the time to answer my questions. Much appreciated 

Hi Catherine, 

Thanks so much for the detailed response. I understand better now and that helps. 
 

Hopefully I get confirmation of my appointment date soon and can discuss what they find etc

Take care 

Hi, 

I'm in a similar situation to you, I've been to see an ENT today and she's requested an ultrasound on the basis that I have 'a few' swollen neck nodes. I can feel two so I imagine she's found some more. 

Ive had them for over 6 months and went to my gp a few weeks ago as I was concerned with one of them hurting after drinking alcohol.
she didn't seem concerned though which I guess is good.

maybe we can keep each other updated on our progress if you like? 
 

hopefully we both have the all clear and receive good news .

Thanks,

Katie

Hi Katie, 

Thanks for reaching out and that's a great idea. I'd be happy to keep in touch and update each other on our progress and experiences. 
 

Ive had a lump on each side of my neck for over a year now. I didn't go to the doctor originally as they were small and I assumed it was just normal to feel glands. Last week the lump on the right got bigger, and I rang the doctors surgery to see if I should get it checked over. They advised it warranted an urgent face to face appointment at the surgery. 
 

The doctor gave a thorough examination and could feel the gland / lymph node in question. She said it can be a normal reaction to the body fighting infection but as I had it over a year and it had got bigger, rather than disappear or decreased in size in that time, we should get further tests on it. She did an examination to check my armpits and groin for more swollen lymph nodes and couldn't find any. She also checked to feel if my liver or spleen were swollen and she said all seemed well. 
 

So far I've had urgent blood tests, which the receptionist advised came back normal and awaiting an urgent ultrasound appointment with a doctor. I'm told I should be seen in 3 weeks. 
 

As all tests, examinations till this point are normal and of no concern I'm trying to stay calm but I can't help but worry. 
 

I hope you get your ultrasound quickly and get some answers too. 
 

Keep in touch and take care