Lump in neck- doc sent cancer referral!!

[WazzaWoo]

Had a lump in my neck since just after xmas, went to the docs in January and they advised swollen lymph node and if it haddent gone by 6 week's to return.

Went back this morning (a different doc) and she advised itsnot a lymph node, doesnt know what it is and she wants tI refer me to hospital, then sat there filling in a urgent cancer referral form.

I am now complelety shitting myself, anyone had anything similar? It's roughly 2cm, she Said triangle shape lump? Hadn't grown any bigger but hasnt got smaller.

MTIA

Yes! I did. It wasn't cancer. They sent me for a scan and were able to tell me there and then it was in fact swollen lymph nodes. They have never gone back to normal size.

Try not to worry just yet.

Thank you for your response, trying not to worry but it's hard x

This happened to my then three year old, urgent referral for suspected lymphoma. I was shitting it but as soon as consultant had a feel he put our minds at rest straight away.

My friend's daughter (in her late twenties) also had a lump, was referred and the lump was taken out and biopsied but it was nothing.

Hope that puts your mind at rest a little bit anyway

There are lots of causes of lumps in the neck, you can't tell what they are by feeling the lump and unfortunately cancer can be a cause.

I hope you can try to find it reassuring that the doctor took you so seriously and you are going to get a diagnosis (and hopefully put your mind at rest) so soon - again even if it is the worst, you'll be getting the right treatment fast.

Waiting is the worst time, hope you find out soon.

Thank you to all who took the time to reply, today is a new day and I'm going to try and stay positive! X

Hi, try not to worry. I had exactly this, turned out to be salivary gland in abnormal position. Waiting was the worsttime. Its really good you are getting it checked out.

I had this too - another one where it was just a gland. Try not to panic xx

Totally normal to refer aftee the lump not going away on its own.

The hospital will have a whole "neck lump clinic" - that's how common this is. I had a needle biopsy on the day of my clinic appt (and there were 2 terrified looking med students sitting in which made me feel just marvellous about my chances ) but it turned out to be a lymph node and eventually wemt away of its own accord.

Me too, and I had loads to worry about as had breast cancer two years previously. Was just a lymph node. Try not to fret too much x

Try not to panic just yet.

I had a really quite large lump at the front of my neck round about where my thyroid is. Doctor's opinion, "could be something, could be nothing". Turned out to be a cyst. Because it wasn't causing me any discomfort whatsoever I elected to leave it alone (hate having any medical procedure if I can possibly help it) and 4 or so years on it is still there, although it's shrunk in size.

Lumps in the neck are extremely common & rarely caused by anything sinister. Plus, if it turns out to be a cancer on your thyroid (very unlikely) then be reassured that almost everybody is cured of this - it's about the most beatable type of cancer there is.

Good luck :)

Thank you everyone for responding, hospital have rang. Appointment next tuesday so not too long to wait x

I also had/have two lumps (can feel them rather than see them) and it is lymph nodes, had the scan etc. Scary time but (in hindsight) nothing at all to worry about.

Good luck

Thanks JandT, mine is similar only visible when you put your head to the side! Yes hopefully it will be nothing to worry about x

It is very common and even if it is sinister as others have said, it is very treatable especially if you go and get it investigated.

Yes, had a lump that had already been there 6 weeks when I went to docs. Had urgent referral , gp said the texture was concerning which terrified me!! Any way, it's still there exactly the same, 7 years later!! ENT examined and scanned and said it was fine.
Hope yours is too. Shame we have to wait once we are worrying.

My dp is going to have his lump on thyroid at base if his neck on Monday.
First referred in November so been a long worrying process.
Said it was nodules about 33 millimetres in size, we will find out for sure during the op, but I have to say the advice and info given to me on my thread has been a HUGE support, and yes apparently if anything nasty, is very very treatable. Please let us know how you get on. Where exactly is your lump situated on your neck OP ?

Thank you, it's based about two inches down from the top of my ear x

Yep know where you mean, just wanted to mention when I have a cold I always get very sore tiny lumps there, that are quite sore to touch, had them since I was young and GP said they are little nodes when my glands are up, just wondered if you had experienced that before, as the nodes are in exact area. Maybe one of yours has or a bit big for its boots !
Hope all is ok, try not to worry too much.

Yes that was exactly what the first doc said in January but when I went back yesterday another doctor said it's not in the same place as nodes and is a funny shape?! So hopefully just covering themselves!- doesnt stop the worry tho x

Hi all,

Sorry for the delay, consultant Said it is a reactive lymph node so I am extremely relieved!!

Thanks to everyone who took the time to respond and especially to Lisad123 for checking back in xx

That's great news! So pleased all ok

No just had ultrasound they didnt feel the need to do a biopsy! Think the doctor I saw was being cautious!