Hi Maddie and welcome to the forum.

It's good to see that your dad's first set of bloods have come back clear but I know the worry will still be with you until you know more.

I hope your dad's biopsy goes well today and he is able to find out a bit more from the consultant. 

Fingers crossed everything will be o.k Maddie.

Kind regards,

Steph, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Maddie, 

So sorry to hear you are going through this. I just wanted to chime in with my experience as I find when you look symptoms you online it's always the worst case that shows up, because let's be honest, people don't tend to report back when things are fine. 
 

I have been going through the same thing as your dad - large (golf ball sized) lump on the back of my neck. Wasn't painful to the touch, couldn't be moved and appeared to be a solid mass. 
 

I initially went to my doctors and had bloods done, which came back clear which instantly sent me into panic that it was lymphoma. From there I had more bloods, a CT scan and a ultrasound guided biopsy, complete with being referred to A&E because one day my eye on that side wouldn't open.... 

I feared the worst throughout and had genuinely prepared myself for the worst case, I put everything on hold and didn't enjoy Christmas or new year with worry. As soon as the doctors told me they were concerned it could be lymphoma my life went into shut down. 

However, all of the tests were relatively painless and at my biopsy despite all of the doctors thinking it was a solid mass it showed it was liquid filled, and today I got the call to say that it's nothing sinister. It's some kind of cyst that will need removed but I am SO relieved.

Please remember that people forget about this chat room when they have the all clear - because they are out celebrating! Fingers crossed your dad is in the same situ as me.

abbey x

Hi Abbey, 

Thank you so much for your detailed message about your experience. I am so happy that it was nothing sinister and you're well. I'm sorry to hear it ruined your Christmas and NY, but I hope now you can look forward to the year ahead. 

My dad went for his biopsy yesterday and he did mention to the consultant his concerns re: non Hodgkin's and Hodgkin's lymphoma. She explained that although she couldn't rule anything out, she said the lump was too hard. In fact, she was quite baffled as to what it could potentially be - what she did say, was that it could be a saliva build up/infection. She felt all over his neck and there were no other lumps, so she is sending him for a scan. An element of me has become less consumed by it, but I just am so sceptical. The thought of losing him puts the fear of god in me. My parents are so important to me and I struggle to cope with the thought of losing them. 
 

Once again, thank you so much for replying to my message. 
 

I'm so glad my message helped even at little. That's a good sign as they're usually for telling you worst case, so if they're not thinking it's that - it's probbably a good sign. 
 

Also, even if (which I'm sure it won't be) it did end up being the big C, HL and NHL are seriously curable these days. My partner has had a very advanced and aggressive form of Lukemia twice (talk about bad luck) and is now fine and dandy, so I feel like there's hope for everyone. Don't fear loosing him, all will be fine ️

Yeah! Although it's scary hearing how common it is, I take great comfort knowing so many people have survived and thrived after cancer, it is reassuring that it's possible. 
 

please let us know how your dad gets on! Thinking of you both! X 

Hello, 

so he's had his biopsy results and it is sadly the big c. I don't have much more to update, but they have said they need to do more tests and will cut it out. 
 

I'm beside myself with worry and I'm so sad. 
 

xx

Hello just seen your comment, do you know if there is a cancer lump, is it too solid that it doesn't move as I have a pea size lump in my neck under my jaw bone but does move around. 

hi Misskaeli, I have same symptom with you. how are you? any update?

Hello, I am only 21 years old and I have the same problem. I'm actually so scared I can't sleep, I have a scan on the 5th of this month... And I just don't know what I would do if it is the big C.. I know I might be worrying for no reason but it is still so scary