Lump/mass in my neck for at least 5 weeks

Hi everyone,

 

I'm 34 single mum to 3 kids and going out of my mind with worry, doctor has referred me for a scan over a week ago now still waiting to hear anything to get one. I have had a swelling on the right side of my neck and it's starting to get bigger that my ears feel full it doesn't hurt as such but does feel tight in the area from time to time. Waiting around is awful can they tell you at the scan if anything is their? If they do see anything do they do a biopsy their and then or does the doctor have to request this? Thanks for reading. 

  • I had a thyroid nodule so this might be different if yours is something like a swollen lymph node, but I will tell you my experience for what it is worth. At least with regard to the thyroid, the scan doesn't really tell all that much; it can't diagnose cancer. What they did in my case was they sent the report to my GP and I had an appointment with her...maybe a week later? And then she made a referral for a biopsy. The biopsy was with a completely different medical establishment than the ultrasound, so I had to wait for an appointment letter from them (however, I am Irish and I get the impression the NHS is a whole lot more efficient than our system and that if they do think you need a biopsy, they are likely to do it on the two-week pathway, so you probably wouldn't be waiting as long in the UK as here).

    Then a couple of weeks later, I got a letter giving me the appointment for the biopsy and then I had another appointment a week after that to get the results.

  • Thanks for the reply, doctor did mention 2 weeks I'm just so nervous with all the waiting round I hope all is well now. X

  • Hello there

    Can I just ask how you got on with this as I have very similar symptoms to you.

    I seen the doctor on 27 January and he's made a referral for an ultrasound for me but I'm still waiting to hear and I feel like the swelling is getting bigger. 

    Thank you x