What are the odds that a hard lymph node is serious?!
Question: I've had a swollen lymph node on the side of my neck for nearly two years. It's hard, painless and not moveable. When I first noticed it, it was about the size of a grape. It's now probably closer to a ping-pong ball, although it's not on the surface so it's difficult to say for sure (it's right under the corner of my jaw, in my neck).
I've mentioned it to my doctor before and at first she wasn't able to feel it. The last time I saw her, I pointed it out again and she agreed that it was definitely swollen. I have an appointment in a week where I'll be able to discuss it more with her.
Some of the things I've read on the internet are very frightening. Can anyone tell me how likely this is to be serious as compared to an infection or something else? I know only my doctor can answer that for sure, but does anyone have an idea?
Thanks!
Answers:
I had a similar experience about 6 years back. Although the chances of cancer are small (unless you have a history in your family), you probably don't want to play around here.
My growth was near the surface of my skin, and got big very quickly. I eventually had surgery, and it just turned out to be a rare bacterial infection that can cause swollen lymph nodes. I'm no doctor, but the chances are that you have something like that in some way. there are lots of strange, rare, and really weird infections that can cause similar symptoms.
The other worry, of course, is lymphoma. It's a really scarey thought, and I think the chances are this is not what's going on, but it's good to have it checked out, and quickly. Given that lymphoma spreads quickly, and is very deadly, it's unlikely you have it, since you've had this thing for a couple years.
Either way, get it biopsied! Now! If that means they need to do minor surgery, than so be it. It's better to be safe than dead (because you did nothing).
Other Answers:
You most definitely need a thourough exam of your ears nose and throat, as well as the skin of your head and neck area. Prior to an excisional biopsy, depending on the actual physical exam, some sort of imaging study may be ordered.
You really have to go through the process to get a diagnosis. This type of thing typically requires removal to finalize the diagosis.
Source(s):
MD
A couple of months ago i had the same problem and it turned out to be hodgkins lymphoma.
The number one concern with a hard lymphnode is cancer. But, I'm not convinced it's a lymphnode from what you described. How do you know it is not your submandibular gland? Either way it needs looked at. For this to grow this small amount over two years makes CA seem less likely or at least not an agressive CA if it truly is CA.
A lymph node usually doesn't grow to the size of a ping-pong ball unless it's a lymphoma. It might not be a lymph node but a gland, e.g., a salivary gland. Sometimes too, a fluid-filled cyst could grow to that size, and if it is very tense, it could appear as a hard lump. Regardless, you need to see a doctor soon to have that sorted out. Take care.
I'm not trying to scare you, but my husband had a swollen lymph node in the side of his neck, and it turned out to be Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. (On the flip side, a friend's daughter had the same thing, and it turned out to be nothing.) At the time he was diagnosed, the cancer was already in stage 4 with bone marrow involvement. Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma at his age was was somewhat rare.so his overall health (minus the cancer) and his age worked in his favor.the doctors believed. Ever since he was young he has had several enlarged nodes visible and/or palpable in his body, mostly in his abdomen. The enlarged nodes are still there, even after remission from the lymphoma. Weird, huh?
I'm glad you have an appointment. Most people who post this sort of question: I have a lump in my neck - what is it? relies on other people's opinion instead of advice from a physician. Good luck!
Source(s):
my husband's history of cancer
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