I think any cancer or suspicious presentation of lymph nodes can definitely be spotted via ultrasound so this should put your mind at ease somewhat. 

I had an ultrasound for enlarged lymph nodes 4 weeks ago, the lymph nodes on my neck are big and superficial to the surface which is why I can feel them so much, however they don’t look suspicious at all and 3 doctors have seen them (1 a specialist, 1 radiologist doctor, 1 ENT surgeon) and they all say they look normal, however incidentally they did find a tumour in my thyroid gland and they were on high alert straight away, they classed it as suspicious because of the presentation of it, hypervascular, hypoechoic, solid, no halo etc etc, I’m having surgery on Friday, after biopsy results were inconclusive, to have it removed then will discuss ct scans etc. 

If they don’t seem fussed then it’s not going to be anything sinister in that area of your body x

Unfortunately this mindset can lead to a lot of future anxiety if it spirals. I too for a long time was certain that they MUST be swollen for a reason, and was very unhappy with no explanation, and in fact I am about to undergo therapy for health anxiety specifically because of the pattern of this kind of thinking. It is in our best interests to trust our doctors judgements. I’m not a medic, but I am also aware that it is possible to have swollen lymph nodes for “no reason” - that being, reasons which aren’t visible to us. Sometimes our body is fighting off a virus without us outwardly showing symptoms, and lymph nodes can remain swollen for a long long time after a virus or illness has left the body, and may never return their previous size. All symptoms should be checked out by a dr, but it is important to try and trust their judgements as best we can!

That being said, i had been having bowel issues and gynae issues, which led to a colonoscopy (which was normal) and now my GP has said we need to consider endometriosis. Not sure if that could be related to my swollen glands too, but if it is, i’ll sure be happy for an explanation!

Really sorry to hear of your diagnosis charrrrhx, I hope you are doing ok x

Dave, if you are feeling unwell then of course it makes sense to want to know why it happened and how to stop it happening again - its really frustrating to not know a reason and that doesn’t make you a wuss at all! I think its always important to persevere when you feel that something isn’t quite right and make sure you have all the appropriate tests/scans that you need, get a second opinion if necessary (I did), but if they come back with a clear result & multiple doctors aren’t worried then thats all that can be done for now and we should let ourselves  be happy in that there is no explanation rather than a diagnosis of cancer! And I say “let” because if anyones a bit like me, anxiety can still try to steal that happiness even in periods of what should be great relief - the damn thing!

Cheers Em, that’s a helpful post!

I’m actually less anxious than a few weeks ago (especially given the clear chest X-ray and faded shortness of breath which was thankfully short-lived).

I’ll try to ensure the ENT guy takes me seriously despite the clear ultrasound.

Good that they seemed unconcerned. Everything online is so negative and scary about collar bone nodes! Hope that it reassured you and you can get some proper answers soon.

I think you’re right, it’s a dangerous mindset. Obviously I’m hoping that the gp says it’s nothing to worry about and that’s the end of it - however, I already know that the relief would be momentary and half an hour later I’ll be wondering if she’s missed something/not taken me seriously. I’m dreading the appointment to be honest. I’ve seen her a lot recently for various things that I’ve panicked over, and I really think she’ll be rolling her eyes when she sees it’s ne again! I have a few minor symptoms and I’m not sure if I should mention them as they’re quite non specific and might just be anxiety. I feel the more random little things I come out with the less seriously she’ll take me.

Interesting you should say that about non-specific symptoms. The ENT guy reiterated that the ultrasound was clear but wasn’t interested in my eyesight issues, tinnitus and headaches - and suggested I see a neurologist if I’m really that concerned. When I suggested the Omeprazole he’d prescribed could be causing the tinnitus, he was non-committal and just said I should continue the remaining month of the 6-week course!

So, I need to decide weather to wait for an improvement or see a GP to get referred to a neurologist. I’m sounding ungrateful again aren’t I?!

It’s difficult when you have lots of different symptoms that you feel maybe connected but each specialist is only interested in theirs in isolation. I think I’m guilty of trying to tie everything together as I’d like a nice neat answer and possibly that means I see connection that aren’t there (not suggesting you’re doing that though!) can’t hurt to go back to your gp about those issues, if you’re like me you probably won’t rest until you do! Have you had any tests for autoimmune conditions? Headaches are pretty common with many I think (along with swollen lymph nodes) and may fit your symptoms? Just a thought.

Hi Becky,

He said my blood test results showed no signs of autoimmune syndromes but that hayfever came up as 2.5 when most are < 0.3. But that wasn’t news to me as I know I’m allergic to grass pollen (May/June months being worst). All a bit weird that my eyesight prescription has noticeably worsened in recent weeks and I have tinnitus and mild headaches. 

Maybe I’ll see a GP at the end of the week if the headaches persist.........I am like you in that I want to know ‘why’. Maybe I should temporarily stop taking the Omeprazole and see if that ceases the symptoms!