Worried - any advice. ENT 2WW pathway

Overherelikeeeyore · 2026-02-14T19:16:30+00:00

Hi all, Ive had a lump in my neck for a few months. Ignored it as it pops up now and again when im ill but it’s been there constantly. Also having massive night sweats and tired all the time. I google (I know) and it mentioned the big c so I made a doctors appointment. GP rang me back and had me in same day. She examined me and also found lumps in my groin. I’ve been referred on the 2 week pathway. I’m seeing the ENT specialist in 2WW on Tuesday. anyone know what I should expect. Absolutely shitting it. My bloods all came back normal (including hormone tests for menopause). im 39.

mindutopia · 14/02/2026 19:33

I don’t have experience with lymphoma (I assume this is what you’re concerned about), but I do have experience with cancer that has spread to lymph nodes.

What will likely happen is the doctor will have a feel of all the swollen lymph nodes. If they think it warrants further investigation (and certainly it probably does to rule anything knarly out), you’ll be referred for a fine needle aspiration biopsy and/or a CT scan. The FNA is where they’ll use an ultrasound to have a look at the lymph nodes and then will use a small needle to take a biopsy. You’ll be numbed like at the dentist so you won’t feel any pain. It’s a very simple procedure. Takes like 20 minutes. They may take a sample from each, but they may just start with the one in your neck as probably easiest to reach.

I was booked in for my CT scan and biopsy quite quickly, within a week or so. The results take about 2 weeks. You’ll come back to the consultant for the results and then they’ll go from there with next steps.

Original poster

Overherelikeeeyore · 14/02/2026 20:01

mindutopia · 14/02/2026 19:33

I don’t have experience with lymphoma (I assume this is what you’re concerned about), but I do have experience with cancer that has spread to lymph nodes.

What will likely happen is the doctor will have a feel of all the swollen lymph nodes. If they think it warrants further investigation (and certainly it probably does to rule anything knarly out), you’ll be referred for a fine needle aspiration biopsy and/or a CT scan. The FNA is where they’ll use an ultrasound to have a look at the lymph nodes and then will use a small needle to take a biopsy. You’ll be numbed like at the dentist so you won’t feel any pain. It’s a very simple procedure. Takes like 20 minutes. They may take a sample from each, but they may just start with the one in your neck as probably easiest to reach.

I was booked in for my CT scan and biopsy quite quickly, within a week or so. The results take about 2 weeks. You’ll come back to the consultant for the results and then they’ll go from there with next steps.

Thank you. Both my grandads died from NHL so I’m massively worried. I was hoping that my hormones tests would come back abnormal and it would be menopause but they are all fine 😢 only had my GP appointment on Wednesday so I’m glad I’ve not had to wait too long. X

OP posts:

wishfulthinking25 · 14/02/2026 20:32

My dad was recently diagnosed with throat cancer. They only picked it up as he had a PET scan for potential lung cancer and his throat was the hot spot. The day before we got these results a lump in the side of his neck appeared (swollen lymph node). He was referred to ENT who looked down his throat with something I can’t remember what it’s called sorry! He also had a biopsy of the lymph node that same day. The ENT consultant pretty much diagnosed it as cancer there and then but would have to await results. He got the results and it was stage 3 squamous cell cancer in his throat. Went back a few weeks later for another procedure of a camera down his throat to see if they could pinpoint where it started, which they did. Currently going through radiation / chemo now so we all have our fingers crossed. I hope all goes well for you OP.