Lump in neck

[Meandmyfeelings]

Dh found a lump or rather a swelling in his neck 2 weeks ago. He managed to see a GP before Christmas and she has referred him under the 2 week rule to see a ENT consultant. It is on the side of his neck about half way down. It just feels swollen and not a lump exactly. The swelling is visible. He says his neck feels tight. I’m trying not to fear the worst but I’m swinging between head snd neck cancer or lymphoma.Any experience please?

I actually know 2 people who’ve had lumps removed from their neck. They were both blockages. MIL had it and left it far too long and it was more complicated to fix. Both were fine afterwards. Neighbours was sorted as a day patient.

@LeggyLegsEleven - thanks for your reply…. Do you salivary gland blockage or some other blockage ?

When my DS was much younger, he had a lump on his neck that was clearly visible. GP referred us to the hospital and consultant said he'd like to remove it. Consultant came to see him before he went down for surgery and said he thought the lump was smaller and to leave it. (I didn't know whether to laugh or cry!)
DS then came down with chicken pox shortly after. Still don't know if it was just a swollen lymph node from the virus.

It was something else. All I remember with MIL is that it was pushing against a vein so it effected the circulation. The lump itself wasn’t an issue and could’ve been sorted as an out patient if seen fast.

I developed lumps on my neck and had them removed and tested in one overnight hospital procedure.

Turns out it was caused by toxoplasmosis, either caused from consuming undercooked infected lamb or cat scratches/infected cat litter.

In my case I think it was cat scratches as I visited a friend with a new rescue cat who proceeded to cling to my arm with all its claws.

Is it a lump or swelling? Lump is likely a lymph node. Swelling could be a swollen muscle, which I had recently. A physio did some gentle work on it and got rid of it in two days!

I had a lump on my neck years ago. It went down with antibiotics and was diagnosed as an infected lymph node

Is it external or internal? Sil is having a biopsy tonight on an internal growth after having a camera up her nose on Christmas Eve. They move swiftly with these things

I had a lump in my neck. Was sent to hospital to see ENT. Convinced myself it was a lymph gland and some kind of cancer. Surgeon said it was most likely nothing -'gristle'. I asked how he knew and he said just experience and blood tests/scan. I asked what he would advise his wife to do in this situation and he said go away and forget about it- stop over-thinking.

I did - that was 20 years ago.

My husband has the same problem right now. He's had what felt like a sore throat for about 3 weeks before Xmas with swollen glands. GP felt a lump in his neck and the GP has now referred him for urgent ultrasound under 2ww. We're so worried about it being cancer. I'm hoping it's just a swollen or infected node or something benign. He was a smoker and this is why he's so worried. He's 44.

Hi OP,
i would say the vast majority of neck lumps are lymph nodes. They are a normal part of your immune response and enlarge when you’ve got an infection. They can also enlarge when you’ve got cancer or lymphoma, but there are usually other “red flag” symptoms like weight loss etc.

The ENT doctor will examine him, and take a look at his throat. He will probably have an US or an MRI, depending on what they find. If necessary he may have a biopsy which is a day/outpatient procedure and takes about 20 minutes.

But in the majority, it’s a reaction to infection. You’ve got to take it one step at a time, but the odds are quite good. Hope you find this reassuring.

Just a little update. Dh has been told he has cancer. Suspected head and neck possibly throat or base of tongue. Awaiting a pet scan.

I had throat cancer 3 years ago, treatment is harsh but is doable. If you want to dm me would be happy to offer support. I remember first being diagnosed and not knowing what was ahead of me. I was treated very quickly and well by the NHS though.

@Meandmyfeelings Argh so sorry to hear this. How are you all doing with things at the moment? You can vent to us here.

My sibling has just had a tonsillectomy after they found a lump, has had a sore throat for a year but didn't want to fuss. Histology will be a fortnight so waiting...Sorry for hijacking, MMF.

So sorry to read this; I hope you're both ok in light of the news. Hugs x

Thanks both. Feeling a bit in shock right now. Think when we get a plan of treatment we will feel better. It’s the waiting that is the hardest thing. I hate seeing my usually so positive and happy husband so upset. Neither of us are sleeping either so we are both feeling feeling very drained. We haven’t told our teenagers yet. We thought we would wait until we know exactly what we are facing x

So sorry. I hope that your DH gets the treatment he needs quickly.

My DH had something very similar a couple of years ago.
He's all clear and very well now.
He had a small, thumb pad shaped lump in his neck. Biopsy came back clear but he opted for surgery to remove the lump. The tests on the lump came back positive for cancer. Head and neck cancer. His was at the base of his tongue.
He had radiotherapy and chemotherapy (brutal) but came out the other end cured and very well.
If I can help with anything please do ask - I know how difficult this is.
I hope he feels better soon.

Thanks so much for your messages. Good to know your husband is doing well now @ruby1234. It’s so good to hear positive stories.

Hi @Meandmyfeelings how did your DH treatment play out? I’ve found this thread after hearing the news that my lovely sister has something similar so is being fast tracked for all the tests to determine a treatment plan.

Hi @LoveRules . So sorry to hear of your sisters diagnosis. My husband is in remission and doing well. Treatment was very brutal and last year was incredibly tough. He had nearly a year off work and had 2 lots of surgery, radiotherapy and chemo. Regular 3 monthly check ups at the moment but back at work full time and back to riding his bike. Please feel free to message me anytime.

Thank you @Meandmyfeelings for the reply and update. I am so pleased to hear of your DH in remission after such brutal treatment. It’s the treatment I am worried about for my sister tbh as has young autistic kids and effectively a single parent. It’s good to know that the combination of surgery, radiotherapy and chemo can have a good outcome. Many thanks and best wishes to you and your DH.

@LoveRules . One thing I would mention is try and push for your sister to have a feeding tube fitted before treatment begins. Some health authorities do and some don’t. Very few can get through the treatment without one but it’s much harder if they really have to struggle first before one is fitted. Keeping calories and fluid up when you can’t swallow really helps them from needing a hospital admission. I did absolutely everything for my husband for months so your sister will need a lot of support. The head and neck forum online at MacMillan offers amazing support. Wishing your sister all the best x