Enlarged lymph node in my neck

Hi there, 

I first noticed a lump in my neck back in April because of a sore left sided neck I was experiencing and ear/jaw pain. I immediately scared myself to death by googling my symptoms but I took myself to the GP and they sent me for an ultrasound. The radiographer told me the enlarged gland looks normal and nothing out of the ordinary and it was in fact “the normal” for me. I took reassurance from this. There was mild soreness from time to time but nothing that seemed a cause of concern. 

Now in July, it’s come back again. The same side of the neck is badly hurting again as well as my jaw/head on the same side. I am also getting the earache and am scared that this could be something more serious and sinister. I’m only 19 and have scared myself so much over this. 

Not sure if I should go back to my doctor about it because they’ve already sent me for an ultrasound before that’s come back normal. Shall I request for some more tests like CT/MRI? Shall I wait a few more weeks to see if the pain goes away? I don’t feel ill or anything but do feel quite tired these days and have had blocked sinus since March! I do get ill frequently (maybe about 5 times since December) and have recurring thrush. But blood tests have all come back normal yet I’m still scared I may have something like leukaemia or lymphoma. 

If anyone has any advice on the steps I should take next or any reassurance they can give me it would be greatly appreciated. Thank you 

  • Lymph nodes can be enlarged for a number of reasons. If you are not showing any other symtoms i feel they will just keep and eye on it. Ive had frequent infections and been on 12 different types of antibiotics since December. Ive been getting fevers of up to 39.5 daily even after doing 10 mins of cleaning or housework my temp would be 39 and im dripping with sweat. No lumps on my lymphnodes so this has been ongoing since october. Only when i started getting weight loss and itchyness all over with no rash they have started to take me seriously as potentionally these are b type symtoms of lymphpma. I have a app wednesday for hemaotology through 2 week referal cancer rule. After monthly blood tests since feb a chest xray and hip xray its taken a long time to get this appt. Symtoms started in october last year! But keep being persistant. 

  • Hi there, 

    Thank you for your response and I am very sorry that you’ve been experiencing these symptoms since October!! I too have noticed I am sweating more often. Since around a month ago, I’ve had terrible sweating at night even when it is cool and have to take almost all clothes off when sleeping. I too sweat after doing some work around the house or walking for a while. I’ve not experienced any weight loss but instead I’ve managed to gain weight since December (3kg). I have gotten the cold/flu/sore throat quite frequently this year and have thrush that doesn’t go away. I do find myself quite itchy at times but nothing that seems out of the ordinary. I also get frequent pains around my chest area and upper/lower back. I will be sure to book an appointment with my GP for some further testing as I do want to rule out anything sinister. I also suffer from anxiety especially when it comes to my health so this may be playing a part but I doubt it is causing my symptoms. Thank you again for your reply and please keep me updated on how things go. I really hope you start to feel better and get answers soon 

  • I will do and please mention to GP every symtom it helps if you write it down and when you noticed these symtoms. Hopefully they will refer you for a blood test at least. 

  • Hi 

     

    I'm really sorry that you are going through this, I am having the exact symptoms now and the anxiety is killing me, I can't sleep or eat well. I had an appointment over the phone and the doctor said there is no need to go to the GP since this is normal. 
     

    Just know that you are not alone in this, I'm just praying that the results came back well for you and you're doing great now.