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Original poster

I’m really worried about swollen lymph node

19 replies

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:11

I will book an appointment with my GP this week.

About 5 weeks ago I noticed that I could feel a noticeable swelling in one of the lymph nodes in my groin. I can feel them on both sides but it’s definitely bigger on my right side. It doesn’t hurt and is mobile - it feels exactly the same as the other one except bigger.

I went to the GP and he felt it as well as my neck/armpits and he said that it didn’t seem concerning, but to come back if it didn’t go away in 6 weeks. It’s exactly the same now 😔

I’ve just had a whole issue with having to have a colposcopy after an abnormal smear/hpv diagnosis - being told it was high grade changes and then getting the biopsy back and finding it was just hpv so I’m just a bit on edge - I didn’t worry about this while it was going on because I knew it would be fine either way but I think I’m just a bit worn down.

Any similar experiences?

OP posts:

kitcat15 · 10/12/2022 20:19

6 weeks is the NHS pathway....if its still there after 6 weeks you will be referred to investigate...but gp should offer routine bloods before that....thats what happened with my DD ...they are looking at worst case scenario ...eg lymphoma .
.so bloods first...push for blood tests

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:20

I had a full blood count recently and it was all clear. @kitcat15 i hope your DD is ok! How worrying for you 💐

OP posts:

carefulcalculator · 10/12/2022 20:22

Ask for blood tests and referral. It has to be checked but as with all symptoms statistically most are not cancer. I know that doesn't help with the waiting

I do know two people with alarming lumps that were nothing, but you know why it has to be checked.

stillvicarinatutu · 10/12/2022 20:25

My dd has this issue- when checked she was told it was because she's not got much fat on her so they can be felt - I'd still get checked though.

MrsPnut · 10/12/2022 20:26

I’d ask for a referral back to gynae and a PET scan, the HPV with lymph node involvement is quite concerning.

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:30

MrsPnut · 10/12/2022 20:26

I’d ask for a referral back to gynae and a PET scan, the HPV with lymph node involvement is quite concerning.

It definitely won’t be cervical cancer. I suppose it could be another type of gynae cancer 🤷‍♀️

OP posts:

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:31

stillvicarinatutu · 10/12/2022 20:25

My dd has this issue- when checked she was told it was because she's not got much fat on her so they can be felt - I'd still get checked though.

Yes, I don’t have very much fat in that area at all and I’ve always been able to feel them, but I can just feel that the one side is larger.

OP posts:

EachandEveryone · 10/12/2022 20:34

Go back to your gp Monday ask them to refer you for an urgent ultrasound. Its good you noticed it.

olympicsrock · 10/12/2022 20:35

Are you slim? Have you have any viral illnesses recently?

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:36

olympicsrock · 10/12/2022 20:35

Are you slim? Have you have any viral illnesses recently?

Yes I’m slim and I’ve had a few viral infections recently but they’ve all been since I found the lymph node.

The GP basically said it was barely swollen and was only the size of a pea. He said it would have to be bigger for it to be concerning.

OP posts:

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:37

But to me it’s absolutely, definitely swollen compared to the other one!

OP posts:

Saltysnack2003 · 10/12/2022 20:37

I had lymphoma this year and have experience of the 2 week wait pathway. Making you wait 6 weeks seems excessive to me.

My lymph nodes grew bigger very quickly. If they have remained the same, then this is reassuring. 90% of people referred do not have cancer. However, I understand the worry and it is important you have all the checks you need. Do you have any other symptoms ?

My advice would be to keep hassling and ask for a referral for an X Ray or ultrasound, or both. Say you are worried. I found that being pushy and asking for what you want really helps get things moving. GPs are so busy so it is important to persist.

Saltysnack2003 · 10/12/2022 20:39

Ps, I was referred immediately as soon as I went in with a lump. I had a telephone appt and saw the GP that day, who then referred me. I didn't have to wait 6 weeks and my lump was v small at this point.

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:39

@Saltysnack2003 No other symptoms. I just noticed it one day and it’s been exactly the same since.

He basically just said no, it’s fine, I can feel it on the other side and it’s barely swollen etc but it still worries me a little. I’ll make an appointment on Monday and I’m definitely not opposed to being pushy!

I am very very prone to skin infections in that area after shaving etc so I wonder if it could be linked.

OP posts:

hotchocolate6 · 10/12/2022 20:41

Hello, my dad had a swollen lymph node in his groin which turned out to be lymphoma 8 years ago. It was very swollen - to the point that he thought it could be a hernia. He went to the GP and they immediately referred him for a scan on seeing the lump.

Lymphoma is quite treatable so he had surgery to remove the node and a bit of radiotherapy and he's been fine ever since! It's unlikely yours is this - like I said my dad's was very big and swollen! - but even if it was, a positive story for you.

Saltysnack2003 · 10/12/2022 20:44

That is good that you don't have any other symptoms. In my experience, people who have cancer (and I now sadly know a lot of them) usually have other symptoms. I hope this reassures you as I know how worrying it is when you think something may be wrong.

Keep pushing for your x ray/ ultrasound. Say you are really worried as I find this helps get things moving.

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:47

hotchocolate6 · 10/12/2022 20:41

I’m so glad your dad is ok! My aunt also had lymphoma and she is fine now. I honestly am not overly worried if it is - obviously I don’t want it to be!! But I also know that of all the cancers, it’s not one of the worst. I’m more worried about it being a secondary cancer that has spread or something like that.

OP posts:

Original poster

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:49

I can’t feel it at all if I don’t press down hard 🤔

OP posts:

OlympicsRock2 · 10/12/2022 21:18

alittlelifex · 10/12/2022 20:36

Yes I’m slim and I’ve had a few viral infections recently but they’ve all been since I found the lymph node.

The GP basically said it was barely swollen and was only the size of a pea. He said it would have to be bigger for it to be concerning.

Show quote history

I strongly suspect this is going to be fine. That is very small . Lymph nodes are variable in size. We all have a mixture of them. Completely normal in a slim person to be able to feel groin lymph nodes. Good to have it checked out though .

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