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AIBU?

Share your dilemmas and get honest opinions from other Mumsnetters.

Original poster

Stressed out, lymph node

31 replies

MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 16:23

Hi,

I wanted anyone with experience or a medical background to help me calm down. I found a lymph node in front of my ear, where the partoid gland is. I've been to the GP, she gave me antibiotics and said come back if it is still there after two weeks.

It's moving from side to side. But it's a ball shape and the GP said it is a lymph node. I haven't been overtly ill, been feeling fine.

I've googled (and I shouldn't have) and I can't get cancer out of my mind, I can't sleep properly, keep thinking the worst.

Shouldn't the GP have ordered bloods and a scan? I'm just so worried. I'm co Templeton getting a private scan, but I don't want to spend £200+ pounds when that could be used for my children.

Am I being unreasonable? Do I need to calm down?

OP posts:
APMom6 · 14/10/2023 16:52

My dd had a scan recently for one of these and while they say there is a lymph node they’re not concerned and to go back in 6mths if she can still feel it. I can’t remember if she had bloods done.

Lonecatwithkitten · 14/10/2023 16:54

I have had one enlarged in a similar position since 1999 consult ENT surgeon hasn't been concerned about it.

Nightell · 14/10/2023 16:56

Lymph nodes can come up and down all the time for no particular reason. I wouldn't worry too much OP.

Original poster
MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 17:09

In my original post it should have said I'm contemplating a private scan*

OP posts:
SleepingisanArt · 14/10/2023 17:11

Just because you haven’t been feeling unwell doesn't mean you haven't had a mild virus. The lymph nodes behind my right ear are always swelling and then going down. They are my first responders! If I'm ill then others will come up, usually in my neck and once the infection has gone they all go down. If it's sore take painkillers otherwise anti inflammatory meds will help (ibuprofen).

Funderthighs · 14/10/2023 17:16

I had one come up in my neck a few years ago. It felt very uncomfortable whenever I wore a scarf for a necklace. After 6 months of it sitting there, the GP sent me for a scan. It was all fine and about 3 months later, it disappeared. In all that time, I never felt ill. Try not to worry.?

Gatekeeper · 14/10/2023 17:36

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!

SiousieSoo · 14/10/2023 18:08

MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 16:23

Hi,

I wanted anyone with experience or a medical background to help me calm down. I found a lymph node in front of my ear, where the partoid gland is. I've been to the GP, she gave me antibiotics and said come back if it is still there after two weeks.

It's moving from side to side. But it's a ball shape and the GP said it is a lymph node. I haven't been overtly ill, been feeling fine.

I've googled (and I shouldn't have) and I can't get cancer out of my mind, I can't sleep properly, keep thinking the worst.

Shouldn't the GP have ordered bloods and a scan? I'm just so worried. I'm co Templeton getting a private scan, but I don't want to spend £200+ pounds when that could be used for my children.

Am I being unreasonable? Do I need to calm down?

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.

Poppysmom22 · 14/10/2023 19:01

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

itsgettingweird · 14/10/2023 19:04

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.

Original poster
MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 19:48

itsgettingweird - is that normal procedure to do a biopsy? I'm just scared. I've read highline lymph nodes are movable and round.

OP posts:
Original poster
MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 19:48

Hodgkins lymph nodes*

OP posts:
titchy · 14/10/2023 19:55

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

titchy · 14/10/2023 19:57

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!)

Original poster
MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 20:00

How does your tumour feel? GP said mine was a lymph node.

OP posts:
titchy · 14/10/2023 20:23

Pea sized, fairly solid.

ispecialiseinthis · 14/10/2023 20:26

@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?

ispecialiseinthis · 14/10/2023 20:28

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

Original poster
MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 20:32

ispecialiseinthis · 14/10/2023 20:26

@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?

Thank you for your response. It doesn't feel hard or stuck. It moves from one side to the other. The GP said I had a very slight fever when she checked my temperature hence why she has given antibiotics for the fever even though I don't feel unwell.

Would a biopsy still be done if the lymph node looked like a reactive node on the ultrasound? My partner wants me ti get a private neck ultrasound as I'm worried so much.

OP posts:
Lancrelady80 · 14/10/2023 20:38

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

itsgettingweird · 14/10/2023 20:51

MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 19:48

itsgettingweird - is that normal procedure to do a biopsy? I'm just scared. I've read highline lymph nodes are movable and round.

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

Have a look at nice guidelines.

itsgettingweird · 14/10/2023 20:53

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

ispecialiseinthis · 14/10/2023 21:29

MelThomas1 · 14/10/2023 20:32

Thank you for your response. It doesn't feel hard or stuck. It moves from one side to the other. The GP said I had a very slight fever when she checked my temperature hence why she has given antibiotics for the fever even though I don't feel unwell.

Would a biopsy still be done if the lymph node looked like a reactive node on the ultrasound? My partner wants me ti get a private neck ultrasound as I'm worried so much.

Show quote history

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.

SockQueen · 14/10/2023 21:50

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.

Gatekeeper · 07/11/2023 21:22

Evening @MelThomas1 just checking in ho see how you are