Swollen lymph nodes with large neck lump

Hi all,

just wondering if anyone is/was in a similar situation to me. Around 4 weeks ago I noticed a lump on my neck, just under my jaw. It has increasingly got bigger, and caused me real problems eating and sleeping as it has been super sore and tender. Went to GP and tried antibiotics, which didn't touch it at all. Been referred to ENT on the urgent two week suspected cancer referall. My bloods came back with raised inflammatory markers, and after having my ENT appointment today it was seen in the ultrasound that two of my lymph nodes are inflamed. They did a biopsy (I think the fine needle one?) and the doctor has advised I will likely need another biopsy, or a procedure to take out one lymph node. 
obviously I'm pretty worried, I'm only 20 and all I've been getting from doctors is they just don't know what is causing the inflammation. Of course I've been googling and I'm worried it could be a possible lymphoma, just wondering if anyone has been diagnosed with this and if so what symptoms did they have?ive had inconsistent night sweats, been itchy (I am very suggestive though) and I've felt generally quite tired. My lump has also gone from incredibly tender to painless which seems odd.

hope someone has some advice! 
thanks :) 

  • hello,

    I'm 23 and currently waiting for a biopsy on one of my lymph nodes,  had it swollen for a while but since early-mid october i noticed it got bigger, like it felt almost double the size it was.. went to GP and they put me on the urgent ENT.. went there around a month ago and he done the usual checks, said they will need to do ultrasound and MRI with a possible biopsy, had ultrasound and the woman there said the lump was a lymph node and it looked healthy and fine, just slightly large (11mm), had the scan done a year ago and it was (7mm) so that reassured me a bit that it maybe hasn't got as big as i first thought, then had an hour long MRI which wasn't great but after that i was feeling a bit better, got a call last week saying a biopsy should've been done so they can rule out everything 100%.. then had a call that the consultant wanted to see me last saturday, went in and he explained that one of my blood tests come back slightly raised.. which could be due to my work as i have quite a physical job  but doesn't want to sit on it as it could also be a low grade lymphoma.. so wants to remove the lymph node completely for a biopsy..  started to worry a lot when he mentioned lymphoma but trying to keep positive about it, understand why you're worried as well, hope everything goes alright 

  • The fact you have raised inflammation markers would explain why your nodes are swollen- they swell to combat infection. It's great you're having a biopsy as this is the most reliable way to rule out cancer. Most lumps are dealt with on the 2week wait, it's par for the course- they rule out worst case scenario first. 
    The anxiety is awful isn't it. I feel your pain. Stay busy, do things you enjoy. Sending positive energy x