Swollen neck lump with pain - 4 months

Hi guys,

So about 4 months ago I started getting an uncomfortable feeling in the right side of my neck, but nothing major; I thought it was the way I've been sitting so didn't think much of it. The pain gradually got worse, with tingling on that side of the neck and a little in the face, so went to my GP and he said its nothing to worry about. 

There's some small swollen lymphs, but also, in the middle of the side of my right neck, theres like slightly raised tissue which feels odd. I went back the gp and she sent me to ENT urgently. The ENT doc felt my neck and did a camera up my nose and said she's removing me off the urgent list, and that she thinks its reactive. I did mention the raised tissue but she didn't comment. There was an ultrasound in the room but she felt I didn't need it.

It's been gradually getting worse and it now feels like an a constant ache which sometimes increases in intensity.  Also feels like a pressure in the side of my neck all the time, and in the ear on that side. Likewise, I am getting some pain in the lymphs along the jaw line underneath the jaw. Sometimes, the pain is also in my collar area and slightly in the shoulder. 

I've seen 4 different doctors 6 times and they all say its nothing to worry about, but I am freaking out big time. In anycase, i finally got my MRI appointment in a few weeks and I'm dreading it.

All routine bloods normal. LDH blood test normal and a recent blood smear was normal.

Anyone had anything similar?

Thanks in advance

  • Hello Dhicks19, 

    It's very reassuring that you have seen 4 different doctors 6 times including an ENT specialist and none of them seem particularly concerned. But given it's been gradually getting worse and you are getting all this pain, I can completely understand why you would need some clarity and definite answers at this stage. It's normal to be anxious about it especially while waiting for this important MRI appointment. Our website has useful information on what to expect from the MRI scan to help you prepare for your appointment. I hope that you won't have to wait too long and that once you get your results you get the full reassurance you need at the moment. Try if you can not to go online too much to look for answers through Google as this will only make your anxiety worse and won't give you any satisfactory answers. There are helpful tips on this page to help you cope while waiting for important news. 

    I hope it all goes well and that it turns out to be nothing of concern.

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hello, how are you? How did it go? I've had this since November. 2 Ultrasounds, 2 Nasal endoscopy and chest and clavicle x-ray but shows nothing. I'm soo worried. Please can you respond.Thank you