Told lymph node could be lymphoma but no tests being done

Hi. So I felt a lump on the back of my ear/ neck about a week ago, so I went online to check, I read it could just be a swollen lymph node. But it is very hard, although the lump isn't huge. I did 111 online and was sent for an appointment in the hospital, the doctors there told me it was definitely not just a swollen lymph node as it is hard and you cannot feel any liquid, it also doesn't move at all. In the department I was sent to I was told they can't run any further tests and I'd have to phone my GP and get them to refer me for further tests. So I phoned the GP was told he would send me for further tests but he also wanted to see it, he then told me he agreed with the hospital that it isn't just a swollen lymph node, he also told me it may be a case of lymphoma, but is refusing to send me for further tests and not to ask another doctor as they will say the same and just laugh at me (I found this very rude). I'm only 17 and find it all very difficult as I struggle with anxiety and especially with my health. Now I'm unsure of what to do as I know even if I try again with my doctor he will not send me as he has refused to send me for tests with another issue in my past. 
any advice on what I should now do? I was thinking about just going to a and e tomorrow and explaining the situation as I have no other way to get this checked. 
the scariest thing is they told me that it could be lymphoma but are refusing to send me for tests! I can't afford to go private either.

  • Hi, I'm sorry you are passing through this. What your GP did sounds terrible for me and shows a big lack of empathy from their side. I would recommend you to look for an alternative GP right away and be clear that you are now very anxious given this recent experience.

    Related to the symptoms if the only thing you have is a swollen lymph node you should try to somehow not worry since this is very common, you can find so many occurrences in this site and other places for example which all turned to be fine, but you should definitely check it and find a GP who will both respect you and be professional to follow up accordingly, since now what you need is peace of mind.

    Hope it all goes well for you

  • Hi! 
    thank you for replying. I've had it in the past with my doctor too it's ridiculous! I was told at the hospital it definitely isn't just a swollen lymph node which obviously is quite concerning and I would rather be fully checked just to be safe!

    im definitely going to try and find a New gp as I've had enough of being fobbed off by him!

  • Hi, I didnt want to read and run.

    I too have written a post regarding a hard lump behind my ear on the side of my neck mine is only visible when turning my neck.

    I've visited the GP 3 times to be told its positional and that's just the way my neck is. I too have health anxiety and really suffer with it, are you sure your GP didnt say LIPOMA?

  • Hi. Thank you for replying,

    once my doctor said lymphoma I asked what that was and he explained. I'm still really worried about it and have spoken to 111, they have said that the doctor is completely in the wrong and I should be sent for tests even if they are just precautionary. I think I am just going to go to a and e for further advice. 

  • I'm sorry you are going through this, it's especially hard at the moment. You need to go back or go and see a different GP. I had a 'suspicious' swollen lymph node in my neck last year and they said to wait 2 weeks, if it's not gone to go back. I waited 2weeks and returned, I was then sent for an ultrasound on the node and my thyroid to rule anything out. It's just a node that is swollen for some reason. Your GP should definitely refer you for a scan to rule out anything untoward. Good luck, hope you get some answers!