Concerned about swollen lymph node

Hi all! The current predicament I'm finding myself in lies with paranoia surrounding this slightly enlarged cervical lymph node that I've had for two years since when I was 19 (just turned 22) that's directly below my right ear and next to the angle of my right jaw and that it might be lymphoma or some other cancer. It's about 1.5cm long and relatively flat and smooth but not rubbery or rock solid. Along with that it's painless and is able to be moved with relative ease from side to side at least. As far as I know it hasn't grown any larger than that size since when I first noticed it's presence back in December 2020 when I was going through a bout of pretty narly nodular acne which I think is what brought it about initially but I can't say for certain if that's the exact cause because it seemed bigger at the time and shrunk somewhat following a few weeks after the fact to the size where it is now. I haven't experienced any of the typical Lymphoma symptoms like night sweats, fatigue, etc aside from the lymph node itself as well though I've felt a tightness within my ears and jaw joint on the right side of my head but nothing was found abnormal there aside from the potential of TMJ. I've had multiple doctors and physicians over these two years examine the node and say its likely just a shotty scared lymph node which I would like to believe fully is true but I can't shake the feeling it's something more sinister. Even after multiple GP visits even the idea of running some tests like an ultrasound never came up so for all I know there's lymphoma that could still be lurking about going undiagnosed, even if that might come off as irrational given how many times I've had it examined and how many times I've been assured it's nothing serious. The only thing I've been diagnosed with is anxiety and OCD, which is definitely something I agree is valid but it still doesn't stop me from still ruminating over the possibility that I've been misdiagnosed given that the node is in a pretty secluded spot. I just want to know if all of what I'm saying is worth having get another look even in spite of the number of times it's been seen already as I've already driven everyone close to me up the wall with the amount of times I've brought all this up and they all seem to think I'm crazy, which I don't blame them for feeling this way as I would probably find it annoying too if I were in their shoes lol. Also the right side of my neck is extremely tight to begin with so maybe that has a part to play in why the node is the way it is. Anyways, I'd appreciate some input on this matter and thanks!

  • Hi there - Student Nurse and thyroid cancer patient here.

    I understand exactly what you're going through and my advice to you would be to try and get an ultrasound done. I went private as it was quicker. It's more than likely not cancer but it's worth checking out. For me- I had swollen lymph nodes that turned out to be papillary thyroid cancer. Although I don't want to panic you as everyone's situation is unique. So yeah go and get an ultrasound and take one step at a time. If it's any comfort - even if it is thyroid cancer for example - the 10 year survival rate is extremely high at 98%. I just got the all clear this morning after surgery and radioiodine therapy. 

  • I'll try and do that. It's just a bit difficult considering everyone around me is insisting against doing an ultrasound because I'm just that clear of any potential ailments in their eyes lol. 

  • Hi there may i ask how large your lymph nodes were?  Mine have been enlarged for 18 months and grown but because they are less than 1cm the doctor will not refer me.