Cancer Research UK main site
  • Replies 3 replies
  • Views 526 views
  • Users 0 members are here

Swollen lymph node neck

Nirtac
Offline

Hi all,

My first post here. Im 28 very fit athletic woman. Loves playing sports so very active. I hardly get ill much and so far dodged COVID. 5 weeks ago I started to get a sore throat which i thought was the start of a common cold. I then noticed the same time I had a swollen gland on the left side of my neck behind my ear almost on my hairline. I thought this was obviously my glands fighting off the "cold"? The sore throat never actually turned into a cold and just went but the gland has stayed there since and I am getting a little worried now as obviously went on NHS website and it says if you have a gland more than 2 weeks go to the GP, which i did a few weeks ago. He said if it doesnt hurt its fine and palmed me off (in my opinion).

This past week my neck and back are a little sore, maybe because I keep poking to see if the gland is still there or maybe im just imagining it in my head, Im not sure. But Im obviously quite concered now and it keeps me up at night just thinking about it constantly. I have another appointment tomorrow at the GP so really hoping they can figure out what this is.

Has anyone else has this in the past?

Thanks

  • Offline

    Hiya, I am new to this forum but just had to post as we are in the same boat. 
    I discovered a swollen gland behind my ear about 5 weeks ago. The Dr said it'd go down, I prodded it to death, and it got bigger. In the last week I have decided to only feel it gently once a day and it's got much smaller but is still there. 
    I had bloods done- GP said they were fine. 
    I was booked to see a consultant (at my insistence) end of Nov but the hospital called today to say I need to be seen under the 2 week pathway and I'd get an appt sooner. So that has worried me greatly because I don't know why they've now decided I need fast tracking. 
    Anyway, I came to tell you- don't prod it! It will swell! 
    from my reading, one solitary swollen gland is less concerning than a group. I live in fear I have more that I just can't feel. But I have severe health anxiety so this doesn't help. 
    Hope that helps a bit, and all goes well with you xx

  • Offline in reply to Danzieeeee

    Hi

    thanks for replying. So glad you pushed to see consultant. I think we know our bodies better than anyone and when something isnt right we should always push the doctors even if you annoy them.

    It sounds to me they are getting you on the 2 week pathway simply so you can get an appoitment earlier. Maybe they have on notes you have anxiety and would like to put you at ease?

    I hope your consultation goes okay. Im very nervous about tomorrow at the GP but its better to do something instead of letting it bother you for even longer. I try not to touch it but its very hard not to when its always on your mind 

    xxxxxxxxx

  • Offline in reply to Nirtac

    I really hope you're right and they have put me on the two week pathway because of my anxiety, and at least I will know whether it's something to worry about sooner rather than later. 

    Best of luck for your GP appt. The worry really is sickening, I know it so well. You are being proactive, that's the main thing. It will all be resolved much quicker because you are pushing things on. 
     

    Please take my advice and don't Google too much, or touch the lump. Do it gently once a day if you have to. Write down if you think its got bigger or smaller (it's good to have an idea of how big you think it is to start with- eg size of a lentil, size of a pea). If you feel the need to touch it again, re read what you wrote- as touching it again won't tell you anything new! Just tips that have helped me xxxx
     

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.