Evening everyone :)
Did you know that you have lymph nodes on the back of your head? They're called the occipital nodes.
I had no idea that was a thing until mine suddenly popped up like a balloon! I work in healthcare, so one of the doctors felt around when I mentioned that my head felt like someone was yanking my hair really tightly, and said that she felt a firm, very hard 2-3cm bump on the back of my head.
My first instinct was that I had banged myself sometime that week, as I'm incredibly clumsy and have a tendency to forget that sort of thing. However, the lump has remained for a good 2-3 months now, and alongside it, the one just behind my ear has started to grow too. The ear one is just a bit bigger than the size of a kidney bean, and is also hard and unmoving. They're both starting to cause me pain as they grow larger, I think because the skin is pulling?
I've had all the usual bloods done, except my red blood cells showing microcytosis. My EBV/Mono screening came back negative as well so I can rule that out.
I was referred to Haematology in December last year for suspected lymphoma, as I had a large swelling on my neck amongst the usual other B symptoms. CT and Ultrasound scans both showed that it was just a likely reactive node that's common for my age (I'm 20 - 21 next week!).
The doctor then found a lump in the space between my armpit and breast, and referred me to the breast clinic for assessment with them. I had yet another ultrasound which came back clear, however they marked the wrong area on my skin so I'm slightly doubtful!
My follow-up appointment with Haematology is next Wednesday, where they'll likely discharge me due to my previous results. I'm just wondering what the best way to discuss these new nodes without seeming pushy? One of the doctors I work with thought I should've been re-referred by my GP as it's a new site, whilst another thinks that I can just mention it next week.
Has anyone had a situation like this before, or even had their occipital node raised/biopsied? I'm curious to know as I've never heard of it before!
Sorry for the ramble, I needed to get it all off my chest! Thank you all xx