Neck Lump

Hi, I don't know if anybody is ever really on here but i'm looking for reassurance. i've just turned 18 so please go easy on me because i'm so scared at the moment!So about about late september time i felt a small lump at the bottom of my hairline on the back of my neck. it's not that big but it is kind of hard. i obviously thought to call the doctors. so i booked an appointment and the doctor felt it and told me that it was kind of hard but not solid and that he wanted to see what happened in the next 6 weeks, because it could've been an infection on the way.  

i was still very worried so i decided to request a full blood test to put my mind at ease. the results came back around a week later and my liver and kidney function was fine and so were some of the landmarks that they said they look for with most cancer so there was no real cause for concern. they did say that i had EBV at the time which was such a relief, but i got a call a few days later to say that that wasn't actually the case and it was misread. they did say that my thyroid levels were slightly raised (i have hypothyroidism-under active thyroid) and that could be due to an infection. this was verified by 2 doctors at my GP.

so nothing was that clear to me. i can't just go on like i'm fine, i'm always worrying about it. two weeks ago i booked a phone appointment with the doctor and i went through everything again and he told me that he would refer me to the hospital to get an ultrasound in the next few weeks, but to call back if i get symptoms such as weight loss, night sweats and unusual bruising. i'm still awaiting the referral letter 

the lump seems a lot more raised when i wake up in the morning and seems to calm down slightly as the day goes on, i'm holding onto this fact as i think it's a good sign but i'm not 100% sure. i haven't had any of the symptoms that they are worried about, but i'm making myself feel ill worrying all the time. 

i really hope someone can offer me some reassurance because google obviously isn't helping! 

Thank you :)

  • Hello Emily2002

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with a health concern at the moment. It's good to know that you've already seen your GP who is arranging some tests. Hopefully you won't have to wait too  much longer and the hospital will be able to give you some reassurance. 
    I know that lots of our members here will understand how difficult this time of waiting for appointments can be. Unfortunatley searching Google won't give you answers but it will certainly increase your anxiety so please do try to give it a wide berth. 

    If you're still feeling concerned and would like to speak to one of our nurses you're welcome to give them a call. They're available Monday to Friday 9am to 5pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator