Cancer Research UK main site

Concerned about submandibular gland. Anyone else had this?

Suffolkgirl
Offline

Hi all, 

I think I'm just hoping for some encouragement and someone to talk to. 
I have several of swollen lymph nodes on both sides of my neck. 2 each side, I believe they're reactive so I'm trying not to worry about them. I did see ENT 2 years ago about 2 that were there then and one enlarged tonsil and they didn't seem concerned.  My concern is under the right side of my jaw (same as the one enlarged tonsil) I can feel what I believe is my submandibular gland, no lymph nodes off of it. All I can describe is that it feels like the whole gland is swollen. The doctors want to treat my anxiety over it rather than address what's causing me to be anxious. 
So I'm very lucky to be able to pay for a private ultrasound on the area as I can't let it go and I feel like my doctors just want to put me on anti depressants and tell me not to worry about it. 
My scan is the 19th February and I am terrified they'll find something. 
I generally feel well just run down but I think I'm overly stressed about the whole situation. I guess something to add would be I constantly have a low grade fever and pressure around my jaw. But could be due on stress teeth clenching!
I'm finding it difficult to listen to them because last year it took them 6 months to realise I'd been really ill with pneumonia the whole time that kept coming back. 
Luckily my chest X-ray is clear now and all looks good. 
My bloods are fine I did see the dentist who had a feel and said she couldn't locate the lymph node. 
It's infuriating me as I keep trying to explain it's not lymph node I can feel it's the whole thing. 
One GP believes I've just become 'asymmetrical' but I've tried to explain I've not been asymmetrical for the last 25 1/2 years of my life so why would I be now...

Anyway fingers crossed that next Saturday I get some positive answers and I can finally lay it to bed. My dad is going to come with me just incase. 
This has been going on 5/6 weeks now and I'm just exhausted.

I really am trying to take comfort in the fact the GP's aren't worried but it's proving difficult  

  • I'm sorry for the worry and stress this is causing Suffolkgirl. It sounds like things have been very challenging but I'm glad you've managed to get yourself a private ultrasound and I hope it's able to provide the answers and peace of mind you're seeking.

    I hope some of our members who have been in a similar situation will share their experiences and advice with you soon but in the meantime we're thinking of you and wishing you all the best for Saturday.

    Fingers crossed everything will be o.k Suffolkgirl.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi

    I've just joined this group and feel in the same situation.  I found swollen lymph nodes in my neck and breast/chest following a bad cough in November.  Saw a GP few days before Xmas who confirmed a pea sized swelling in my neck but found nothing in breast area.  She said it was due to the cough I had had and wasn't concerned but requested blood tests anyway.  These came back normal on 4th January but swellings had increased and I became very anxious.  Rang GP back two weeks later who referred me for an ultrasound scan "just to put my mind at rest" and said as bloods were normal she wasn't concerned.  I was also referred to the mental health nurse to help with my anxiety.  I have my ultrasound appointment in 10 days time but now have various aches, pains and feel generally unwell.  Two GPs now think my anxiety is the problem but I am convinced I have something serious and am absolutely terrified and cannot control my panic. 

  • Offline

    So I had my ultrasound today, have not been able to function since all of this started and I am so relieved to say the sonogropher took a really detailed look and has reassured me he can not see anything concerning and the lump I'm feeling is a reactive lymph node all within normal range etc. 
    I hope anyone reading this, the update helps. 
    I am so blessed to have my mind at ease. 

  • Offline in reply to Suffolkgirl

    Hi, I know it's a old post, but can you describe to me how large your submandibular gland felt? I know it was your lymph node but I'm seems I'm going through a similar situation. 

    It feels like a my whole submandibular gland is swollen, if feels like long smooth and puffy, like a leach is the way I can describe it. 

    I'm awaiting a ultrasound appointment. 

    Your description just sounds abit like mine, just wondering if you would kindly elaborate on size and description. 

    I pray you're in good health. 

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.