Cancer Research UK main site

Swollen neck and chest lymph nodes

Shellmap
Offline

Hello
A few months ago I found a swollen lymph node on the side of my neck, a couple of weeks later I noticed another one directly underneath it. 
I saw my gp who referred me to ENT, the ENT then referred me for bloods, ultrasound and MRI. In the meantime I noticed another lymph node on the right side of neck above my collarbone. 
I had my ultrasound and he didn't seem concerned at all, he looked at all of them and said they all seem normal and could have come up from stress. He didn't want to do a biopsy. 
I then got called back to see the ENT, he said my bloods showed small red blood cells and borderline anemic. He said it's good the ultrasound technician felt the lymph nodes were all normal however the MRI showed I had lymph nodes up in my chest too. 
He sent me for CT scan on neck and chest which I have had today. I am out of my mind with worry, I cannot stop crying, I've googled lymph node above collarbone and it says the likelihood it's cancer . I literally feel like I'm going crazy I just need to know. 
The ENT also said lymph nodes don't come up from stress so if the ultrasound tenchnician got that wrong could he have got it wrong that they look normal. 
 

Has anyone else had lymph nodes come up unexplained? Or in the area above collar bone and it's turned out to be ok? 
 

sorry to ramble I am just so petrified I am only 31 with a 12 year old and a 1 year old and I'm suppose to be getting married next year and I feel like everything is about to be ruined! 

  • Hello Shellmap and welcome to the forum.

    I'm sorry to hear about your swollen lymph nodes and for the worry they are causing.

    Many of our members have contended with these so you are not alone and hopefully some of them will be along soon to share their experiences and offer you their support and advice.

    Waiting for results is never easy but I hope the advice given in this article will help to steady your nerves until you know more.

    We're thinking of you Shellmap and will have our fingers crossed for good news.

    Kind regards,

    Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Offline

    Hi, what was the result of this if you don’t mind as I’m going through something similar x 

  • Offline

    Hi

    i feel like our situation is very similar I am 32 with a 12 and 2 year old and I am going out of my mind waiting for my results the anxiety is eating at me!

    I’ve had a persistent cough for 4 months and swollen lymph nodes in both sides of my neck and breast, first my GP referred me as non Hodgkin’s is in my family and I have symptoms such as sweats, nausea, extreme fatigue, and loss of appetite! I was referred to ENT first who sent me for an ultrasound which looked normal and they referred me to heamatology/oncology but I wish they had done a biopsy and I wish I spoke up for myself but I was that scared and overwhelmed I froze in my appointment!

    anyway I have just seen the haematologist and requested a scan so I have just had a CT scan and I’ve just had bloods done but I’ve got to wait until next week for my results so not long but still a painful wait! 

    but I’m confused because it’s pre booked as a telephone appointment but will they surely not ring me before if it’s bad news to tell me to come in? 

    so stressed sending you all the luck in the world with your results

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.