Swollen lymph nodes in neck

Hello, 

 

I have never posted in this forum before but hoped my experience may offer some reassurance to other people with similar concerns. I know a few people have posted similar symptoms and I didn't see this guidance within the comments. 

 

In January I noticed a swollen lump on the side of my neck. The lump is about 5mm, and moves around when you touch it. The doctor referred me for an ultrasound and blood tests. The bloods were fine but I waited a further 5 months for an ultrasound given the current Corona restrictions. This wait obviously caused a horrible amount of stress.

 

Long story short, having been rejected for an ultrasound, I went to see another doctor yesterday who told me there is absolutely nothing to worry about. Key things are: the lump is not getting bigger, it moves around when you push it, it is not hard or rough in texture, it is not attached to the skin. It is a swollen lymph node that may never go down in size. She said these lumps can also get bigger if you keep playing with them! 

 

I would urge anyone with lumps and bumps to visit their doctor, this is just the guidance from one doctor. I also want to stress that the reverse of the above characteristics doesn't necessarily mean it is anything scary. 

But for anyone like me who had to wait for appointments due to current circumstances, I hope this gives a little bit of reassurance. 

 

 

  • Hello Caldwell1989,

    Thank you for posting, I'm sure your advice will reassure lots of people on the forum.

    Take care,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Hi , I'm 17 an currently going through the same for about 3-4 months I have had a swollen lymph node on the left and right side of my neck but more prominent on the left it is movable when I press on it I don't think it's gotten bigger or turned hard . I had bloods done 3 times and I was told I am anaemic and was put on tablets because they are so low , they tested me tor glandular fever which disappointingly came back negative and left me wondering what was wrong , they did more bloods checked for things like coeliac disease which was not the case but other then bray my iron levels had been increasing and all my bloods looked perfect but I was referred for an ultrasound to see why they were enlarged as I had no sign of infection I've been waiting 2 months and finally got the letter through my scan is tomorrow and I am petrified , what if I have some form of cancer ? I don't know what to think I did go through a stage of constantly touching and poking but my glands have seemed to go down a little since I stopped I just hope my scan is normal.