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Lumps in Neck

Lj1608
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Hi everyone,

I'm just posting to see if anyone has had a similar experience to me at all and if so what the outcome was!

I found a swollen lymph node in my neck 5 months ago now and went to the doctors after it had been there for a month. He wasn't too concerned, he sent me for bloods and said to come back if it got any bigger (my bloods came back normal). That lump hasn't grown at all however around 1 month after going to the doctors I got 2 very large new lumps either side of my neck, over time more and more swollen lymph nodes have also popped up on both sides of my neck and down towards my collarbone. I went back to the doctor about this and he said he could feel that quite a few lymph nodes were swollen but he was unsure that the 2 new "large lumps" were lymph nodes as the positioning wasn't right, he said he couldn't say for certain but thought it could be that my thyroid is extremely swollen as its around that area (but said he'd never felt anything like it before which was not comforting to say the least ). He referred me for an ultrasound for that and the multiple swollen lymph nodes which I have at the start of March so I know I will find out more then so am trying to stay positive and not worry!

I was just interested in seeing if anyones experienced similar and what the outcomes were.

Also wondering if people got told at the ultrasound the results or had to wait for them to be written up and sent back to the doctor. I know this really does just depend on the person doing the scan and where it is but would still be interested in knowing other people's experiences!

 

Thank you in advance

  • Hello LJ1608

    I'm sorry to hear that you've had some ongoing health concerns with lumps over the past few months. you've done exactly the right thing in seeing your GP about these and it's good to know that they have started investigations with blood tests and an ultrasound. 

    As I'm sure you've seen, people's experiences really do vary quite considerably. Hopefully, you won't have to wait too long for the results of the ultrasound and you will be given some reassurance. 

    In the meantime try and stay as positive as you can and let us know how you get on. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi there

    I had similar...lumps in neck thought to be lymph nodes and one that wasn't. That turned out to be a saliva gland

    Anyway my doctor also wasn't very concerned and said I'd be referred to ENT. After two months of hearing nothing I rang the surgery to ask when the ENT appt might come through. I was told that due to covid it could be up to two years.

    I decided I didn't want to wait that long so went private

    I saw someone the following week and then had ultra sound scan and biospy of the largest lump within a couple of days

    I have now also had a PETCT scan.

    Thank god i went private

    I've now been told I have follicular lymnphoma and start chemo next week

    Ive been referred back to the NHS as now they know what it is the private route would now be no quicker

    So, my advice is if you can affrod a few hunderd quid to get seen by a consulatnt privately DO IT
    don't wait around. Get the diagnosis then go back through the usual channel

    Im not writing this to scare you but to help you appreciate how imprtant it is to get a speedy diagnosis. I could still have been waiting just to see someone or to get results. Results with the private sector are back in a matter of a couple of days.

    It also means you are freeing up an appointment slot for someone who isn't lucky enough to go that route.

    If that is you then please keep pestering them for scan results and biopsy as quickly as you can.

    My lymphoma showed itself in my neck and saliva gland, but it has been found to already be well established in my spleen and bones. I had no idea, no symptoms, no pain, I'm in the gym five days a week and would never have guessed this outcome.

    Any one out there got a positive message about getting to remission in similar circumstances please share!!!

     

     

  • Offline in reply to mumminz

    Hi mumminz,

    Thank you so much for your response. I'm so sorry to hear about your diagnosis and am wish you all the best for starting chemo this week, will be keeping you in my thoughts

    Unfortunately going private isn't an option for me however I'm just glad I managed to get an ultrasound booked in for so soon! I think I'm definitely going to try and push for a biopsy as well as the lumps seem to be getting bigger and more are also popping up. I've also noticed I'm getting out of breath a lot easier and quicker although this could just be anxiety! Either way definitely just want to put my mind at ease as best I can, trying to keep myself busy until my scan!

    All the best x

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