Like for like scan

Hiya and firstly thanks for taking time to read my worries. 
 

so in august of this year I noticed a lymph node on my neck, it felt generally pea sized and I wasn't overly concerned so I forgot about it. I was on holiday at the beginning of October and notice a lump under my chin (soft, moveable) but definitely there. I decided to wait 4 weeks and to see if it went down..... 

to my surprise 4 weeks later it was there. I called the gp and she said it felt like a lymph node but asked me if I had any of the normal lymphoma symptoms, to which I haven't and said she would send me for a ultrasound anyway. 

today I had a ultrasound on the lump under my chin. He scanned and said He was pretty sure that's it was a lymph node but he also scanned my neck. When he scanned my neck he said that he found 4 lymphnodes that were slightly enlarged biggest one measuring 7mm. He said we would perform a like for like scan in three months time and that he wasn't overly concerned but if they were still there he'd biopsy anyway Of course I know they've been there a while so I assume they will still be present. To be fair I don't know the reason of this post other than I'm riddled with anxiety and could do with something or someone's story to calm me down. I had read that anything under 1cm wasn't alarming but clearly Google got that bit wrong. I'm trying to take the it is what it is approach but I can't help but worry. 
 

thanks for reading 

  • Hello Ohdear123

    I'm sorry to hear that you're dealing with some ongoing health concerns at the moment. It's natural that you're feeling anxious. 

    It sounds positive that the radiographer didn't have any immediate cause for concerns at your recent scan although it's understandable that you're still feeling a little worried. 

    Often it can help to talk things through with someone and I wonder if our team of nurses may be able to give you some reassurance and help put your mind at rest. If you'd like to chat with them you're welcome to call them on 0808 800 4040, Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm. 

    In the meantime, try to give google a wide berth. Lots of the information is inaccurate, outdated, or just scare-mongering. It won't give you firm answers on your diagnosis but it will leave you feeling more worried. Try to take things a day at a time and don't look too far ahead.

    I hope that you have some reassurance soon. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

     

  • From our oncologist appointment last week, it was mentioned anything over 1cm in the neck is considered swollen. 2cm is when alarm bells begin to ring and when they should be investigated properly.  7mm isn't 1cm, so this could be normal for you.

    Plus it's very common after nodes swell (a sign of a working immune system) for them to remain palpable. Some never go back to their normal pre infection size.