Hard non-moveable lump

Hi, I am 26 I have had a hard non-moveable lump at the very top of my neck under my chin for at least a month. I went straight to to the doctors when I first noticed it, they said it could be a thyroid nodule and to go back if it's still there in 4 weeks go back. I rang back before then asking for a ultrasound because I have major health anxiety especially cancer. They agreed to refer me for a scan. The waiting time for a scan is 5/6 months. So I'm the meantime I am really worrying especially with having children.
 

It's hard, doesn't move, not painful, it feels almost like it's length ways. I can feel it more now than I could before however not sure if that is because I'm feeling for it more. Has anyone else had this? 
 

Is a hard lump that doesn't move and been there for that long ever not cancer? I'm convinced my self it is as what other explanation could there be? 

  • Hi Tml111,

    A very warm welcome to our forum.

    I am sorry to hear that you are having concerns over this lump. Five-six months does seem a long wait for an ultrasound. Would it be worth phoning the department to say that you are willing to take any cancellations that come up? This can often get you seen sooner. 

    In answer to your question, not all lumps are cancerous. Sometimes lymph nodes swell in response to even a mild infection, toothache, etc. Try not to consult 'Dr Google', as you will only end up terrifying yourself and won't find it helpful.

    If the swelling continues to be obvious, don't hesitate to contact your GP again and ask for a referral to see a consultant.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi,

    Thank you for getting back to me. It is a long wait I'm going to ring the GP in the morning and explain I'm not sleeping and it's causing me really bad anxiety. I have two young children and I'm petrified. 
     

    i know most lumps are not cancerous however they say not to worry if it moves and is soft however this is rock solid, a odd shape and does not move. It has also been there for over a month :-( 

    Not sure what the point of my post was however needed to get off my chest.

    Thank you 

  •  

    Hi Tml111,

    The good thing about this forum is that there doesn't have to be a point to any post. Most of us find that even writing down how we feel helps. Most of us have been through the same experience previousy and know just how hard it is to get through it.

    5-6 months does seem a long time to wait for an ultrasound. It might be worth asking your GP if you can be referred under a more urgent pathway. This is usually done, where cancer is a possibility.

    Good luck with the phone call and I hope that your GP can expedite things.

    Please let us know how you get on.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi,

    Just a update. I went back to the GP. She confirmed it is firm but not rock solid although feels rock solid to me. She said she thinks it is a lymph node. It did not move when I put my tongue out and swallowed. I also have recurring ulcers so she has got me blood tests for my ulcers (b12) and for my lump. She said the blood test should pick up anything if it is cancerous and if it does she will make me a urgent referral for a ultrasound. My blood test is Friday and will get the results the following Wednesday. 

    i am still very worried, if she is correct and it's a lymph node not a thyroid nodule, there is a big chance it will be cancerous isn't there? A lymph node that doesn't move, is firm and has been there for around 2 months?

    Is there something else that it could possibly be?

    Thank you 

  •  

    HI TmI111,

    I am glad that you have had another chat with your GP asnd that she has arranged some blood tests for this Friday. I am sure that if she thought that there was anything suspicious, she would have referred you urgently by now. There is always a slim chance that any lump is cancerous, but most tend to appear for other reasons.

    As I said in my first post, lymph nodes can swell due to a mild infection, such as a sore throat or a toothache. Most will settle down again, but some never do, even when there is nothing untoward. It is heartening that your GP doesn't feel that the lump is rock solid. 

    Please let us know how your blood tests go. Hopefully, there'll be no need for further follow up, but even if there is, it doesn't always mean bad news.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Hi,

    Just a update my bloods came back normal yay!! Just have a question though, I pushed down on my (grape sized) lump and it feels fixed on the windpipe (or throat) could there be a possibility of throat cancer? Would throat cancer be indicated in the bloods? I know bloods are unable to diganose or say if it is C however would my bloods be abnormal with throat cancer?

    Thank you 

  •  HI Tml11,

    I'm delighted to hear that your bloods are normal. I am sorry, I am not a doctor, so am not sure how much bloods can show, when cancer is suspected. If you want to phone one of the nurses on this site, they should be able to answer your question. You can contact them on 0808 800 4040. There are available MOn - Fri from 9.00am - 5.00pm.

    Kind regards,

    Jolamine xx

  • Did you ever find out what it was?