Hi Sarah, I can't help much but I'm in a very similar situation. I first noticed a lump at the side/back of my neck in February 2020, around my 21st birthday. I'd recently had a cold so thought it was likely nothing. I forgot all about it until a few months later. While in hospital for a different issue, I spoke to a doctor about the lump. She didn't even check it, didn't seem worried at all, just said "it's common. You're young and healthy, it'll go away on its own after a few months" so I left it at that.

A month later, I got pregnant. So with having regular blood tests etc I assumed all was fine otherwise bloods would have picked it up. I had my baby 3 months ago, and not long after that I noticed discomfort in my neck lump. So I've been trying to get a doctors appointment for all this time, but kept getting fobbed off. I finally managed to get in last week and a nurse checked the lump, didn't seem happy at all and took some blood. The results came back showing AKI which I've read is associated strongly with Lymphoma. The next day (2 days ago) I woke up and saw on my NHS app that shes put in a "Fast track referral for suspected head and neck cancer". They haven't contacted me to tell me any of this, I'm just waiting for some answers.

I'm terrified, with having a 3 month old baby and also a 3 year old, I just want to know what's happening so that I can move to the next stage. 
 

If it helps to put your mind at ease, as far as I know they tend to do the fast track referrals if they're concerned. If they're letting you go for 6 weeks before having a scan, I would think they don't suspect anything bad! I really hope it turns out well for you

Lauren x

Hello Sarahp246 and thanks for posting,

I am sorry to learn about your uncle and can appreciate that what happened to him makes this situation more concerning for you. However the percentage of young people (under 40) with swollen lymph nodes who turn out to have cancer really is very low, so although cancer isn't impossible, another cause is much more likely.  And as Lauren said if the GP suspected cancer I think he would have arranged for a more urgent (2 week) referral. But even when people are referred urgently, by far the majority don't have cancer. The psoriasis could have something to do with this swollen node, but the best thing to do is to have the scan so the GP can be more sure about what is going on.

Things like this are inevitably stressful and a lot of people look to the internet for answers or reassurance. I don't think it always helps that much and can take you around in circles without being any the wiser - only your doctor can diagnose and reassure you properly. Do what you can to look after yourself while you are waiting and try to distract your mind from worrying.

Best wishes,

Julia   

Hello Laurenv, 

It is stressful having an urgent fast tracked referral but most people referred this way don't turn out to have cancer at the end of the day. Unfortunately no one can tell you anything much at the moment and it is a waiting game to find out more which is inevitably worrying. 

Try not to spend too much time online looking for answers, it seldom helps much and can make you fret more. Staying busy is often a good coping stragety but I expect you have your hands full already. 

I hope you hear about your appointment soon.

Take care,

Julia ,