Supraclavicular lymph node - enlarged. Advice needed.

Hello there,

I have had a lump in my neck for about 3 months, but about 2 weeks ago I noticed it had got bigger and so I started the process of trying to get a doctor's appointment. Eventually, I got an appointment to see a Physician Associate at my GP surgery. She advised that my supraclavicular lymph node is enlarged (hard, immobile) and sent me for blood tests and ultrasound. 

I had the blood tests done the next day and those came back normal, but a GP has since reviewed my case and as referred me urgently to haematology and for the ultrasound to be done faster (I have those appointments on 11th and 18th October respectively. 

Where it gets a bit complicated is that when I initially heard from the receptionist that the bloods were normal, I started the process of using the private medical insurance that my employer provides. I had an appointment with one of their GPs and she referred me to an ENT consultant to investigate the lump and who I am seeing this Thursday. 

I think it is probably fine for both of these processes to be running concurrently - but I wondered if any one had any advice about how to handle. I know doctor google is the worst thing to refer to, but having googled the supraclavicular lymph node, I am worried that if the problem is elsewhere in my body, there is a chance that it will be missed by both of the specialists I am due to see. 

I also have a lump sort of at the bottom of my sternum - but I forgot to mention this. 

I am female/age 39. 

Any advice on any of the above would be most welcome.

Thank you.

  • Hi sarahrose3662,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. It's good to hear you don't have too long to wait for these appointments. Today at the appointment you can mention the other specialists you are due to see, so that they are aware of what is going on, and can advise on next steps accordingly.

    Once you have seen the specialists, hopefully it won't be long to wait for any results to follow. You'll then have an opportunity to talk things through, including any further concerns that you may have.

    I hope you're able to find out more soon.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Since this initial post, I have had an ultrasound guided biopsy. The initial purpose of the biopsy was to investigate the right supraclavicular lymph node. During the scan, the consultant radiologist noted that as well as the right, the left supraclavicular lymph node is enlarged. In addition, he took a biopsy of my thyroid which I later found out they are “highly suspicious” is malignant based on the scan but awaiting histology. 

    That all happened on 20th October and I am going out of my mind waiting for next steps. I know I am seeing the consultant haematologist on the 8th Nov, and that she has referred me to the endocrine surgeons also (who are discussing my case at the MDT meeting taking place today). But I just want to know what is happening and get to work on treating whatever is going on.

    i have two questions. 
    First, I am struggling to focus at work and feel like I could benefit with time off but everyone is saying to me to keep going to kkeep my mind off it. Is it reasonable to take time off in these circumstances? 

    Also, the language “highly suspicious” to me suggests they are certain that they have seen something cancerous. What is the opinion of others about when this sort of language is used?