Please help

Hi there I'm 21 and I've literally ruined my life the last year worrying about these stupid lumps. I've always had one lump in my neck and a few others around where that one is. When I was 16 I was sent to specialist ENT who looked at them and basically told me to get out as I was being ridiculous. Overtime a few more have popped up. I've had a fare share of dental work done. So with these lumps noticible I've really given myself on weeks to live without a proper diagnosis. I've been looked at by 5 doctors in a space of a year and I just don't understand why they won't send me for a scan. 3 blood tests and everything has come back normal. The drs always say to me hey they will most likely go down. I've got around 5 under my neck alone. And the dr always felt these and said mmmm nah you are ok ! Fit young healthy guy. But I don't feel like it and that's because of this health anxiety. I've been doing a course to help me with my health anxiety but waking up everyday and really thinking you will die today is such a horrible feeling! I hope someone can settle my nerves. Eating fine. No weight loss and non of the symptoms. First lump has been there since 2015 ! ... also I keep touching and feeling them and maybe that's not the best thing to do.  

  • Often when we're young we expect uniformity to our bodies, largely because of the images we receive from popular media but most of us have areas that can be a little different yet still be healthy. If many doctors are assuring you not to be concerned I'd try to respect it and hold on to that for your own peace of mind. Health anxiety is horrible. I'm sorry you're suffering from it. Getting support with any anxiety is important if it becomes detrimental to your quality of life. Wishing you the best and hoping you find a way to relax soon.

  • Hi Ronan,

    I've been in a similar position to you over the last few weeks. I have a lump in my neck that popped up from no where back in October, grew quite large post COVID jab and reduced back down to the size it was in october a few weeks later.

     

    I seen a ENT consultant today and they advised as the lump is smaller than 1cm, movable and pain free it's not of any concern. It's a lymph node that has raised post infection and has remained slightly raised but it's nothing further to worry about. Do any of these apply to your lumps as it my put your mind at ease if they are similar in presentation?
     

    She gave me a list of things to look out for over the next few months-any change in size, if the lump becomes hard and non movable, if night sweets became more severe and any sudden weight lost then to give them a call and they will re-review.

     

    I hope this helps and gives you some reassurance that they are not dismissing you