Health Anxiety - Lump in Neck

[beerlyn]

I’d like some reassurance about a fatty lump I found in my neck above the left collarbone. About a month ago, after finishing my daily workout, I noticed a soft lump at the base of my neck. When I touch it, it feels like small, kidney bean-shaped structures, which I think might be lymph nodes.

I saw a doctor two days later, who ordered a neck ultrasound. I also had a chest X-ray, which showed clear lungs and a normal-sized heart. The doctor wasn’t concerned and mentioned the nodes weren’t enlarged.

Now, month later, the lump is still there. It’s not noticeable when I’m in a normal posture but becomes visible when I push my shoulder back. I don’t have any other symptoms, but my health anxiety is overwhelming. I’ve been Googling, and it’s only adding to my stress. What could this lump be?

Did the GP tell you what it was? Is it different to when you saw theGP? If you're worried then go again. I recall that lymph nodes do take ages to go away once inflamed. Also remember that all of those tests done were negative.
It's clearly affecting you so do go see the GP again

Hi @FloofPaws It hasn’t changed since the day I discovered this lump. It hasn’t gotten bigger. My doctor advised me to monitor it to see if it grows. If it doesn’t but still doesn’t go away after a year, we’ll do another neck ultrasound. It just bothers me every time I see it in the mirror. And there’s always the fear of lymphoma, you know, because of all the things I’ve read online. Thank you for your reply. I really appreciate it.

I had a lump on my neck which sounds a bit similar.

I put warm compresses on it and then massaged very gently. Maybe it was just coincidence but it started shrinking and then disappeared.

Reassurance isn’t going to help you, it’s just going to feed the cycle of anxiety.

I’m not saying that to be unkind. It’s a bit like smoking - each cigarette provides momentary relief but then just restarts the cravings.

Other posters mean well but are not helping you by reassuring you.

Have you ever had any help with your health anxiety? Would recommend looking into talking therapies through your GP or Anxiety UK may be helpful.

Agree with above. It is important people do not respond to those who have stated they have health anxiety.

The act of seeking constant reassurance exacerbates the health anxiety so it is akin to giving an anorexic diet tips

OP, You have sought medical help. They have ordered appropriate tests and you have been given the results. If necessary they will follow you up.

Now deal with your health anxiety and stop posting - it is exacerbating your worries.

Some help below:
https://www.nhs.uk/mental-health/conditions/health-anxiety/
https://www.mind.org.uk/information-support/types-of-mental-health-problems/anxiety-and-panic-attacks/about-anxiety/

Thank you for your responses. Perhaps I'm just concerned because it hasn't resolved the way I anticipated after some time.