Swollen glands in neck urgent ent referral **UPDATE**

So here goes. I've had a reactive node in my neck for years now, had 2 ultrasounds in the past both came back clear. At the start of the summer the node seemed to be getting bigger I dismissed it until 2 months later when more lumps appeared so I have one round moveable lump just above my collar bone I'd say it feels a bit like a small bouncy ball then the original large node now I have 3 more smaller harder ones in neck.

Eventually took myself to the doctors who referred me under urgent 2 week ent appointment. Been today camera down nose and now the want a biopsy ultrasound and full ct scan with dye.

its really not looking good is it? I can't think what else it could possible be except some type of cancer.

Im only 35 I have 3 children 13 year old daughter 11 year old son and 5 year old daughter.

Im petrified of what's going to happen. I lost my own mum to breast cancer at 13 years old. I'm scared history is repeating itself. My 5 year old wouldn't even have memories of me she's forget me. I'm so scared.

we have no family around us just myself husband and kids he's a firefighter he works shifts 6-6 I'm thinking the worst. I've no life insurance (stupid yes I know but you don't think about these things till you get a scare like this)

sorry about the long rambling post. I'm just looking for positives could it be something else has anyone had this and it not been cancer.

is anyone going through treatment and had positive stories. The wait is terrible.

  • Hi there sorry for my late reply to your questions. Glad to hear you've got the ultra sound and biopsy over but it is the case that sometimes they need to do a further biopsy if the sample is inconclusive. We didnt get the results until they had the histology and CT results so had a clear picture of what was goung on but to be honest our consultant had warned us that he was pretty sure it was cancer. The biggest lymph node was 30mm with 3 other smaller ones. It must have been scarey for you and your friend when he caught the vein. 
    The CT scan is looking for structures that are abnormal and they use the special dye called contrast material to help highlight the areas of your body being examined. The contrast material blocks X-rays and appears white on images, which can help emphasize blood vessels, intestines or other structures. It doesnt hurt but you may get a warm feeling and sometimes people feel like theyve wet themselves though they havent !

    This is all part of the process and fingers crossed it will rule out anything serious for you.

    Good luck and hang in there - try to keep busy - I know easier said than done as at the moment Im sure its difficult to think of anything else. 
    Feel free to ask any more questions.

    best wishes

    Emma

     

  • Well I went for the biopsy and the cat scan and then a biopsy under anaesthetic.......I have TB of the lymph nodes 6 months of treatmeabt because it's active TB not latent and all household to be screened however it's not cancer.

    Im so relieved it's not cancer. I started my treatment last week and they stopped it again I had a reaction. Have to reintroduce it slowly. Nothing ever simple.

     

    I just wanted to let people know it can be other things it's not always the worse news. Although TB isn't great news and the treatment is pretty pants it's cureable.