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Biopsy on lump above left collar bone

LB26
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Hi all, 

I discovered a lump above my left collar bone roughly about 6 weeks ago which appeared from nowhere. Since that time I have had an ultrasound and nasal endoscopy (all clear). The doctor however did want to have a Biopsy carried out to make sure it's nothing nasty. He did say to me that it's usually from an infection but regardless, I always assume the worst. 

Prior to this I did have quite a nasty stomach infection that left me with nausea and acid reflux for many months,  of which I had to have an endoscopy (all clear). Not sure if this is related or not.

I am set to have the biopsy carried out tomorrow morning, which is only 3 days after I saw ENT for the nasal endoscopy. I am nervous as this biopsy has been scheduled so quick. Should I be worried?

I just wanted to hear about people's experiences with this type of biopsy, as I'm not sure what to expect. Also if you don't mind me asking where people's results just an infection? As he has already said mine is more thank likely a swollen lymph node.

Sorry if this post offends anyone as I know I have not been diagnosed with cancer. It could be nothing, but I just wanted to vent as I don't feel I have many people to talk to this about. 

Thanks :)

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    Hi there,

    Don't worry about offence, you're asking a perfectly valid question and you are understandably concerned.

    My situation of a collar bone lump won't be relevant as I already had breast cancer, but I can assure you the biopsy was simple.  Lumps like these are incredibly common and are almost always the body's correct response to illness (often even illness that hasn't been noticed).  The fact that you have had some illness recently hopefully explains your swollen lymph node.

    Let us know how you get on.  Fingers crossed!

    LJ

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    Hey can I ask what your outcome was please

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    Hi

    so I will preface this by saying that a neck lump that I had DID turn out to be a cancerous swollen lymph node. But don't panic - my story is not your story

    as far as the status of your swollen node please try not to worry. The truth of the matter is, it's impossible for a professional to tell the status of that lump without the biopsy, so in truth, telling you it's likely to be anything is only but a guess. But the dr will have an indication based on other symptoms you may be presenting.

     

    swollen lymph nodes are, definitely more likely to be a response to an infection in the body, and not cancer. Lymph nodes pop up all the time, sometimes for not much reason at all

     

    all the best with the biopsy

  • Offline in reply to elena902407

    Hi Elena,

    Unfortunately the lump was cancerous. I was diagnosed with stage 2 hodgkins lyphoma shortly after the original post.

    Fortunately the cancer was very treatable! I recieved 2 months of ABVD, then a further 4 months of AVD. After the 2nd treatment the pet scan showed no sign of cancer in my body.

    Post chemotherapy I had quarterly blood tests and have recently been discharged in full. I'm happy to say I now feel 100%.

    Peoples situations will differ from person to person, so not every lump found will be cancerous, lymph nodes can swell for a numner of reasons, even a common cold or infection. However, it is always important to be checked over by a doctor. 

    LB

  • Offline in reply to LB26

    Thank you so much for responding!

     

    my mum has a lump, it's hard, feels like part of her bone.. on the end of her collar bone the size of a 10 pence. It's a tiny bit tender to touch and she also has indigestion and feels like something is stuck in her throat.

     

    does that sound similar to you?

     

    did you have any other symptoms?! A rash, fever, weight loss etc?  Was your lump also very solid? 
     

    thank you so much 

  • Offline in reply to elena902407

    Not a problem :)

    The lump was above my left collar bone, quite alot bigger than a ten pence coin and was unmovable.

    My other symptoms were drenching night sweats, dizzyness/vertigo at random times of the day. My appetite was non existant which caused weight loss and I always felt very tired/no energy.

    I hope your mom will be ok, it could be something completely unrelated to this. 

    LB

  • Offline in reply to elena902407

    Hi, 

    my mum has almost same what you have described. What was out one with your mum? Hope all was well with her. 

    It would be great to know xx

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