Firstly, probably relevant to say I have a history of health anxiety, but anyway...
About 3 months ago I was absent mindedly rubbing the area at the base of my neck when I thought it felt a bit lumpy. Specifically, I found what feels like a small, moveable lymph node no bigger than a small pea just above my left collarbone There's possibly another one a bit higher up but that may just be lumpy muscle or something. Both disappear if I turn my head to the side. I wasn't too worried initially as I have something similar much higher up my neck on the same side that's been there at least 18 months, probably longer as I'm sure it's the same one I felt 4 years ago when worried about a lump on DS's neck. DH has one too so came to the conclusion it's normal to sometimes feel lymph nodes.
I've only just started worrying now as I was preoccupied with a different health worry, now resolved. I of course googled and read that nodes near the collarbone are more concerning and "more likely to be cancer" especially in the over 40s (I'm over 50!). Another site even said ALL palpable nodes near the collarbone should be considered suspicious - yikes!!
I can't stop touching it so it feels more prominent and the area is now red. If I do manage to leave it alone it seems to go down a bit and I usually have to poke round a bit to find it. DH claims to have a palpable node in the same place but I cannot feel it, although he can barely feel mine either!
Normally, I would ask the GP to check, although the thought of potentially being sent for tests and waiting for results terrifies me. However, we've been told not to book appointments for non-urgent matters and sending a photo/video is pointless as nothing to see! I'm thinking of trying not to touch it for a few weeks (easier said than done) and try to book an appointment if still there, if allowed by then.
I swing between thinking I'm being ridiculous and it's health anxiety talking and thinking it's a sign of something serious!
Any thought? Apologies for the rambling.
Thanks.