Hard Lump on the Back of Neck

Hey Guys, 

So I’ve reached a point where I literally cannot stop thinking/worrying about this lump on the back of my neck. It’s on my hair line to the left of the back of my neck. It’s a hard, non-moveable lump that feels around 2-3cm diameter. I rarely self-diagnose because I know how horrifying Dr. Google can be, but since I’ve already lost someone to cancer, every hard lump is a bit of a red flag. I’ve suddenly also started getting really bad migraines which make me feel so dizzy, am constantly tired with joint and muscle aches, and I have both back pains (lower back and sometimes around shoulder blades) and a super intense chest pain that comes and goes (particularly when I drink gin, which is unfortunate to say the least!). I’m also struggling quite a bit to breathe recently - it just feels like my chest is constantly tight with some relatively infrequent coughing.

I have been to the GP who just believed that it’s a lymph node that’s naturally sticking out a bit (which is what I originally thought anyway), but it’s now been a week and it seems to be getting bigger (I was also wondering if lymph nodes in their natural state should be solid and non-moveable?). I was given a PPI and sent on my way (to deal with the chest pains). I’m presenting barely any classic infection symptoms which initially got me worried; so naturally my worryful mind immediately thought it could be the worst case scenario. 

I’ve seen many posts here about the same kind of issue, but I was wondering if back pains, migraines and chest pains/breathlessness have any connections to neck lumps with regards to those who have been through the process. 

Thanks so much! 

Parents
  • Dear Rob123, 

    Sorry to hear about your lump. You have done the correct thing to get it seen to by a doctor. It seems you are still concerned as you mention the lump is getting bigger. You could make another appointment to get it checked out again, either with the same doctor you saw at your initial appointment or a different doctor within the practice if you feel you want a second opinion.

    Dr Google's diagnosis on lumps sometimes leads to a "diagnosis" of "C" but lumps could be benign, ie non cancerous. 

    I'm not a doctor or nurse but I do know that apparently there are times when a lymph node comes up e.g. When the body is run down or if you've been unwell (I've had this).

    You mention some other symptoms you have been experiencing. It is difficult to say whether they are all due to the lump or if they are a separate issue/issues. One suggestion is to keep a "symptoms diary" which may help you (and the doctor) to see how often you experience particular symptoms, how painful it is, and if it is triggered by something. 

    Keeping stress levels as low as possible can also help. I know it's easier said than done! 

    Hope things get sorted soon. Feel free to keep us posted.

    Lipop

     

Reply
  • Dear Rob123, 

    Sorry to hear about your lump. You have done the correct thing to get it seen to by a doctor. It seems you are still concerned as you mention the lump is getting bigger. You could make another appointment to get it checked out again, either with the same doctor you saw at your initial appointment or a different doctor within the practice if you feel you want a second opinion.

    Dr Google's diagnosis on lumps sometimes leads to a "diagnosis" of "C" but lumps could be benign, ie non cancerous. 

    I'm not a doctor or nurse but I do know that apparently there are times when a lymph node comes up e.g. When the body is run down or if you've been unwell (I've had this).

    You mention some other symptoms you have been experiencing. It is difficult to say whether they are all due to the lump or if they are a separate issue/issues. One suggestion is to keep a "symptoms diary" which may help you (and the doctor) to see how often you experience particular symptoms, how painful it is, and if it is triggered by something. 

    Keeping stress levels as low as possible can also help. I know it's easier said than done! 

    Hope things get sorted soon. Feel free to keep us posted.

    Lipop

     

Children