I've found a lump & it's growing, what is it?

[Chiccadum]

Over the past couple of months i have had two very bad bouts of cold and towards the end of the second one i found a lump on my neck. It is now the size of a pea and has no head so i know it isn't a spot but it still seems to be growing and if i touch it it is quite hard and sometimes itches, but there are no spots anywhere else, i have been to my doctor about it and she says it's not a spot or boil but as it isn't bothering me not to worry as it could be some after effect of my colds. I am a little nattered as I have always been under the assumption that all lumps should be checked. I'm getting more and more anxious probably made worse as I am still raw about losing my dad.

[Jimjams]

No idea what it is Chiccadum. Could you go back and see another GP/ or see yours again? Or ring NHS Direct maybe? If you're anxious you need someone to tell you what it is- not what it isn't! Maybe it's just a little cyst or something- but I would push for more answers from your GP. Good luck!

[SoupDragon]

I'd recommend going back to your GP and telling her that it's growing and that you are worried about it.

Good luck!

[robinw]

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[janh]

Chiccadum, I agree with robin - I found an alarming lump on my DS2's neck, bigger than pea-sized, behind and below his ear, panicked and rushed off to the GP only to be told it was just his glands. It seems as if something is always swelling up somewhere.

However would also agree that you would benefit from being seen and reassured by your GP. When you are genuinely concerned they honestly don't consider it a waste of time to set your mind at rest - make it clear what is worrying you. Unexplained lumps are always worth sorting out.

[Jimjams]

Interested in this lymph gland business. Ds1's lymph nodes at the back of his neck have been permanently swollen for over a year now. I asked his consultant about this and he muttered something about allergies.

[SofiaAmes]

chiccadum, I'm sure this was discussed by someone else with a similar lump on another thread...try searching for lumps maybe?. Anyway, some years ago after a really bad cold I found 3 pea sized lumps on my neck and rushed off to the doctor convinced that I was dying of some terrible cancer. As it turned out, like janh's ds, it was swollen lymph glands. They did dissappear not long after. I seem to remember the doctor telling me at the time that he could tell the difference between a cancer lump and swollen glands by feeling. But anyway, go back to your doctor and make sure she puts your mind at rest by fully explaining her diagnosis, something she should have done in the first place.

[Frieda]

Agree with everyone else here that you ought to see your doc again for a better explanation & to put your mind at rest. However, I had 2 or 3 such 'large pea' size lumps on my neck a while ago, which I think in retrospect were swollen lymph glands as a result of having about 5 innoculations all at once when I was travelling. I hadn't made the connection and was convinced I'd caught some kind of wierd infection. I understand (though no medical training whatsoever, I might add) the lymphatic system is the main bit of the immune system, and when you have an infection (or a cocktail of immunoglobulins/live viruses/god knows what else, as I did) the lymph system can go into overdrive to deal with it, and these lumps can be a manifestation of this. I know your immune system can take a bashing when you're stressed or upset (after a bereavement, for example) which could be the case in your situation.
As I said, I'm no expert, just guessing from my own experience ? but I'd be interested to know if anyone else knows anything.

[Frieda]

Sorry, didn't preview that ? didn't mean to say the nodes could have swollen because of your stress, but said stress might have made you more prone to infection IFSWIM!
(And the smiley face was just meant to say, sure it'll end up being nothing to worry about & hope you feel better soon!)

[robinw]

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[Caroline5]

Chiccadum, I was the one who mentioned this on another thread. I've still got a pea-sized lump at the top of my neck near my throat, which sometimes itches. It's not growing but never goes away. The GP initially said it was a swollen lymph gland which would clear up in a few weeks, but as this was 4-5 months ago, I'm not so sure. I asked him again the last time I was there but he still seemed to think nothing to worry about. I guess I will keep on mentioning it from time to time.

I would definitely ask your GP again if it hasn't cleared up soon. Best of luck.

[efmach]

Chiccadum, I suddenly developed a pea/marble-sized lump under my jaw line. I visited the G.P. and he said it was a swollen submandibular lymph node that would take about a month to settle down. It has now gone.
Hope you find this reassuring.