Stressed out, lymph node

@ispecialiseinthis thankyou for replying. Why would the lymph nodes in the parotid gland swell? I've read it could be mumps which he doesn't have but he does have a cold? Not sure if that would make the parotid gland lymph nodes to swell?x

I’ve had one in my neck since 2018.

I saw an ENT consultant through my insurance who scanned it and said it was all good.

I went back to him last year as it was still there - he scanned it again and yep, no worries. He said sometimes you have a reactive node for the rest of your life. By luck, I was referred to him through my insurance as he was the closest and he’s a world leading expert in what he does, so I’ll take his word for it.

I know it’s hard, but try not to worry.

I went to the doctors 2.5 years ago and was told I have a swollen lymph node and that sometimes they swell up but don't go back down again. My doctor was not concerned by it. It's still there. I know it's not cancer as I was on the two week pathway in January and all the tests came back normal. Try not to worry it's probably nothing.

Yes, this is normal - in front of your ear is the parotid gland, which makes saliva. It is normal for the parotid gland to contain lymph nodes. Lymph nodes can fluctuate and it is reassuring that this went down previously. If it doesn’t go down again after a week or two then best to see your GP.

@ispecialiseinthis I know this is old but my son had soft moveable lump infront of his earlobe a few years ago. It went but has now come back in the same place.. is there a lymph node there? Google doesn't show one. Thankyou

I know this is a very old post but wondering if you had answers about this. I have the same thing, I’ve had it for years, recently I considered I needed to get it checked again because last time I was only seen by a nurse who didn’t seem to have a clue what it was and wasn’t really bothered about finding out.

Evening @MelThomas1 just checking in ho see how you are

Very normal for them to do a bit of watchful waiting in the first instance with head and neck nodes! You'll be referred soon enough if it doesn't resolve, and most NHS trusts will have some kind of "one stop" service which will organise an examination, scan +/- biopsy and any other tests needed - more useful than trying to piece things together privately. But if GPs referred absolutely everyone with a raised node, the system would be swamped, and most of them would get better by themselves, leaving those who really need the service waiting longer.

DH had Hodgkin's lymphoma 13 years ago now, and the process was very similar. He's absolutely fine now.

No, a biopsy wouldn’t be done if it looked clearly reactive. Sometimes when they are small it can be difficult to tell on a scanning alone and a biopsy maybe done for confirmation.
I use the term biopsy but usually it is a fine needle aspiration that is performed - as the name suggests, it’s a very thin needle and it goes into the lump for a few seconds.
If the lump settles and the GP and you are happy/reassured them no need for an ultrasound.

I suggested a referral due to a likely 2 week+ wait for an appointment by which time you should know if the lump has resolved or not. If all good, then ensure your appointment for the scan is cancelled.

A fine needle aspiration will cost a lot more than £200 privately (not sure about ultrasound alone), unless insurance is covering some of it. Check with your insurer before you head down that route.

cks.nice.org.uk/topics/neck-lump/diagnosis/assessment/

From what I know. But I'm no expert.

Have a look at nice guidelines.

Jumping on - anyone know if this can happen in the groin if run down / off colour?

Please do cancel in advance if the swelling resolves so the appointment can be offered to someone else.

@MelThomas1
I have name changed - I am a consultant radiologist who specialises in malignancies of the neck and frequently scan patients who present with lumps in the face and neck.
It could just a be a normal or reactive node. It could be a parotid growth - 80% are benign and some of these should still be removed.
It may settle down in a few weeks but if it persists then you should have an ultrasound and, if necessary, a fine needle aspiration or biopsy. Maybe worth asking your GP for referral to a local NHS Trust that offers this service?

Pea sized, fairly solid.

Note the majority of parotid gland tumours are benign, and most of the few that aren't very slow growing so you can afford to wait till the next appt.

(I have one which will be removed at some point btw!)

Ask for a referral to head and neck/ENT. Probably a benign parotid gland tumour. But needs a biopsy to confirm.

If it's still there after antibiotics ime they will do a biopsy rather than a scan.

Hope it goes down soon.

Some lymph nodes can remain enlarged for a long period.

But you are right to get it tested if antibiotics don't clear it up in 2 weeks.

I've got one in a similar state at the moment I've just had a right dose of COVID so I've put it down to that I am still ill even though I'm now testing negative

Why are you questioning the Dr's advice, they said to come back in two weeks if need be? Should they order a plethora of tests just because you think they should? You have not been ignored or given incorrect information this is truly bizarre.

I had this a few months ago..a proper hard lump in my neck in same area you describe. Saw Gp but I couldn't get an appointment for a scan for 6 weeks and was convinced via Dr Google I had either Hodgkinson or non Hodgkinson Lymphoma . I tried for a private scan but that was just as lengthy a wait and £400.

I kept ringing the clinic each day and got a cancellation. I was in a right state on the morning but the 2 clinicians who examined me for the ultrasound were in 100% agreement that it was purely enlarged lymph mode through some infection . I'd had a swollen tonsil on thats side so afterwards it all clicked into place.
Went out of the hospital crying with relief!