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lymph nodes?

rosebushes
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hello everyone. i just want to say first of all this is probably going to be quite long so i apologise for that. 

bascially i'm 17 years old and i'm really worried. around three years ago, i noticed these firm, moveable lumps around my face. there were a few under my jaw, one in front of my ear and one around my cheek, near my jawbone. i was really freaked out at first, i had no idea what they were (i'm thinking now they're lymph nodes). most of them in my jaw have ones in the same spot on the other side, symmetrical. i panicked and i was silly and thought ignoring the problem would make them go away. three years later, and they're still here. there has been no changes to any of them, aside from the one in front of my ear, which fluctuates in size. never gets any smaller than a certain size and never any bigger than a certain size. however towards later last year, i also noticed a firm lump in the side of my neck, and it's also still there. i don't know what this is. i cant tell if it's just muscle, because that's what i thought at first, since i can also feel something on the other side in the same spot, but it isn't as large. again, no pain except sometimes when i turn my head to the left too far, and even then it's only minor. i should also note none of these are large enough to be seen through the skin, i can just feel them underneath. i have no typical symptoms of lymphoma like fever or night sweats. all of these things honestly could have been there for even longer though, as i was never one to check around those places.

i have however for a couple/a few years had itching and a rash on my left foot. not sure if it could be relevant. i've had several creams used on it, but i cant stop itching it (honestly mostly due to boredom) so it doesn't get better. 

my jaw sometimes struggles to open. there's no pain, but it makes a clicking noise at a certain point and feels like it unlocks in a way?? i have crooked teeth as well (need to get it sorted soon as well) but i have autism and dentists and doctors scare me and overwhelm me so much it's difficult to go. 

i've been dealinf with possible allergies for a few years but it could also be due to the fact our house is moldy (the bathroom very bad, and my bedroom around my window and slightly around my bed). i brought it up to my dad and he cleaned it best he could but he didn't do it all so there is still some that is there and spreading again. 

i believe not long before i noticed them around christmas 2017 possibly but i'm not 100% sure, i had either flu or a really bad cold. again not sure if that could be related but i thought it may be worth mentioning.

i asked my mum a few months ago to take me to the dentist, and she said she would look into one that could help me due to my autism but i think he's forgotten. it's been hard for me to bring it back up to her because of anxiety. 

im really worried i might have something like lymphoma or oral cancer, some kind of cancer, and with how long i've left it i'm worried about the consequences. i'm only young and the idea i might have it is terrifying. and facing the reality and telling someone is just as scary. 

could anyone give any advice? 

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    Hi Rosebushes,

    A very warm welcome to our forum. Unfortunately, most of us here have cancer and are not qualified to give medical advice. It is unlikely to be anything sinister at your age, but still could be. Instead of scaring yourself still by consulting 'Dr Google', why not contact your GP? I understand that, because of your autism you are scared to consult doctors and dentists, but surely it is better to rule out the nasty thoughts you've been having rather than perjure yourself with them?

    You may well be right that these started as a result of a previous infection. People often get reactive nodes after a minor infection. In most cases these will gradually resolve, but sometimes they can remain swollen. This doesn't always signify a problem, but occasionally it can, so you are are well to get them checked out for your own peace of mind. Have a word with your mum and ask her to go along with you if this is what you want. 

    Before you see your GP, write down any possible infections you had prior to noticing these nodes and how they've reacted since - if possible with timelines for all.

    Please keep in touch and let us know how you get on. We are always here for you. 

    Kind regards,
    Jolamine xx

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    Hey!

    Have you ever thought about writing an e-Consult to your GP? if you just google their website you can do it on there! They can then evaluate it. 

    The GP is the best person to speak to about that. The jaw clicking and stuff commonly has innocent causes such as TMJ, however I'd say any lumps are best to be examined, for any reason. But, don't worry about it too much. As you say you have a few issues which can cause these, so stick to lesser thoughts for now. easier said than done I know. Your GP may call you, ask you to come to the practice and examine them. They can tell you what they think and they can arrange an ultrasound if needs be or blood tests. These do not take long honestly, and most people even after urgent referral are fine, its just precautionary!

    And as you said before, since they havent grown and go up and down that is a very good sign. I believe a 50p coin size is when panic instills my doctor told me? 

    But again, your GP is qualified so they can give good answers! see them please, i know its hard

    hope you're well 

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