Urgent referral for lump on neck.

I have had a lump on my neck for 4/5 weeks. It is quite hard and about 1.5-2cm. I paid privately to see an ENT who referred urgently (2 weeks) for a scan and probable biopsy. i have also had extreme fatigue and jist a general feeling of not feeling myself for a few months prior to discovering the lump. 
as far as I'm aware I haven't had any infections or viruses. The lump is also on my carotid artery (not sure if this is significant).

I have called the hospital who have reveived my referral, but have said i won't be seen until after Christmas (which will be 3/4 weeks after i was referred). Do i have a right to request a sooner appointment? Does anyone have any experience with anything like this?

I have young children and am really struggling to look forward to Christmas with the worry of it all. 


any advice would be appreciated :) x

  • Hi, am due an ultrasound in 2 days as I too have lumps on my neck :-( from my avid googling (which is actually really unhelpful in the long run) I have noticed that lots of people have has swollen glands after the vaccine (in my case, it would be several months after, but lots of reports of this too). So perhaps that's the cause? It could also not be a gland at all but a cyst. Lots of possibilities and most of them not linked to cancer at all. But of course, that's where our brains take us. 
    I have young children too and I'm being crippled by anxiety at the moment despite keeping a positive mindset and reminding myself of the above. So I know it's easier said than done. But remember- it's nothing to worry about until you're told otherwise by a professional. All lumps are investigated urgently on the basis that on the off chance it is something sinister, it can be treated quickly. Also worth noting that lymphoma cancers are highly treatable and have an extremely high cure rate. 
    In my area, the hospital has a phone number for the 2 week pathway procedures. If your area does too, I would call them and say that 4 weeks is double the waiting time and it's unacceptable. Tell them you can fill cancellation slots too. Be pushy, you'll feel more in control! 
    I truly understand and empathise with how you feel right now. I've found that keeping distracted and being very firm with myself are helping. I'm continuing to work, I throw myself full pelt into whatever I'm doing with the kids. I bake, I cook, I read, I go for lovely dog walks, I call my friends and listen to their news and I listen intently. With all my might, I keep my mind away from dark and unhelpful places. 

    Anyway, I'm rambling. Keep us updated with how you get on xx

  • I'm really sorry to hear that you're going through something similar at the moment. It's so worrying isn't it. Thank you for your message though, what you've said is exactly what i needed to hear. 
    how long did you have to wait for your appointment? I am definitely going to call back today and try and push for an earlier appointment. I hope all goes well and the ultrasound can offer some reassurance :) let us know how it goes x

  • I waited 2.5 weeks for my appointment, it should have been within 2 weeks really. I'm guessing your wait is because of the Christmas/New Year period and the backlog caused by coronavirus. Did you get anywhere with calling up? 
    I have my scan today.... so anxious it's unreal xx

  • The scan went well, reactive lymph nodes but nothing suspicious or sinister detected. Best case scenario really xxx

  • That's brilliant news. So happy for you! 
    Do they only biopsy if they feel they need to then? I have my appointment on Monday (decided to go private). Xx

  • Same with me, it's so difficult to stay positive while waiting isn't it. I'm half looking forward to the appointment to hopefully get closer to finding out whats going on, but on the other hand I'm terrified of what they might find. 

  • From my knowledge, they can tell if a swollen gland looks abnormal from the scan and that would then trigger a biopsy. I think if it's bigger than 1cm in diameter they also like to take a biopsy to be on the safe side. 

    You're right, the wait is the hardest part. It sucks. Hope all goes well for you xx

  • Sorry for the late response. I had my ultrasound. I was told that a biopsy wasn’t necessary at the moment as the lymph node looks enlarged but only slightly 0.9cm. However, it’s confused me a little as i have been asked to come nack for a scan 6 weeks later to see if it’s changed and if it would need to be biopsied. I don’t want to sound negative, as if they thought it was something sinister surely they would have done a biopsy there and then? I think i just assumed they would either say there was nothing to worry about, or they needed to biopsy. I feel really in limbo
  • I hope your appointments all went well and you got the reassurance you needed :) 

    I also had a camera up my nose and down my throat (all fine). However, i am really worried as the lump on my neck seemed slightly smaller at one point, but has since got bigger again. I have my 2nd ultrasound next week so hoping for some answers. The waiting and worrying has really taken its toll on my mental health though, i am so anxious. I am getting married this year and i feel like I can't plan or look forward to anything with this hanging over my head.