Freaking out a little- swollen lymph node in neck? Maybe?

[JTsMom]

I'm going to call a doctor in the am, but since we moved here kind of recently, I don't have one, so it may take a while to get in. How freaked out should I be here?

A while back- can't remember exactly how long, but maybe 2 months or so ago, I noticed what I thought was a pimple or a mosquito bite on my neck, about 2 inches above my collar bone- if you drew a straight line down from the front of my ear, it's there- hope that makes sense.

Didn't think much of it, until I recently noticed it's still there. Still, I didn't really stress- just figured it was a little cyst or something. But today, I was watching Dr. Oz on Oprah, and he was talking about how that can be a sign of breast cancer. So tonight I googled "neck lump" and omg, I'm freaking out right now!!! It's firm, but not hard, moves really easily, is somewhat warm, doesn't bother me unless I touch it a lot- then it gets a little sensitive, but not terribly painful or anything.

What are the odds that this is something serious? I feel fine, but I've been having some dental issues that need addressing, so maybe it's an infection or something.



ETA: It's about the size of a pea

[gatorsmom]

My friend died at age 13 of brain cancer. I'm still close to some of my middle school classmates and they admitted to the same thing as me- for years after he died we all immediately assumed when we got a head ache that it was cancer. So, chances are good you are just worrying about this because of the TV show.

On the other hand, just make an appointment asap to get it checked out. Call around and I"m sure you'll be able to find some clinic that will take you sooner rather than later. GL!

Lisa
Mom to Gator July 2003
And Cha-Cha July 2005
and surprise! twins due 11/07!

[JTsMom]

Thanks Lisa. I think it was more the Google search than Oprah. And I know better than doing that at this time of night!

[JTsMom]

Yikes, nobody has had one of these? Now I'm really stressing out! I made a Dr. appointment, but the earliest they could get me in is a week from tomorrow. I may try to find someone who could get me in sooner- 8 days is a long time to freak out for.

[megs4413]

i wouldln't freak out. i'd just get to the doc ASAP so you can figure out what it is.

[missym]

I would get it checked out and not let the doctor blow it off. The vast majority of lumps are totally benign, but it's not something to mess around with. If it is a mass and not a cyst, ask for a needle biopsy. I am honestly not trying to freak you out, just speaking from experience.

Oh, and step away from Google. ;)

Missy, mom to Gwen 03/03 and Rebecca 09/05

http://bf.lilypie.com/r2Qhm4.png

[Jo..]

Okay I have this and have for at least 10 years. It is a lump in my neck under my ear, about 3 inches down. I can SEE it when I look in the mirror if the lighting and angle are right. eta mine is approx the size of a large pea.

I went to a dermatologist and he said it was probably a cyst and not to worry unless it changes (10 years ago). Today, I went to another dermatologist for a full body scan (get those moles checked, because I too am terrified of cancer), and I had her check the lump. She said it was most likely either a cyst or a swollen lymph node and she PROBABLY wouldn't worry, but if I decided I wanted it removed or examined further I should go to an ENT specialist because it was beyond her scope. Other than that, watch for changes, because cancers generally change or grow.

So, i am really not that worried about it, but I may make an appt with an ENT specialist just to be certain! HTH!

[lisams]

Whenever I have one of those deep pimples under the skin on my chin that same lymph node gets swollen. Usually it takes at least a few weeks to go down, sometimes longer.

DD had swollen lymph nodes on her neck from seasonal allergies and the dr. said they can stay swollen for a few months, and sure enough they did, but eventually went down. Funny thing is her dentist noticed them first and said it is very common for children with allergies to have swollen lymph nodes. I think they check the glands at the dentist since any infection with the teeth or mouth can cause them to be swollen.

I really wouldn't worry, but just get it checked out. I'd make an appt. with the dentist too, it sounds like it may be related. Honestly I'd be more worried about breast cancer if it was a lymph node in my armpit that was swollen.

[Piglet]

I had something like this when I was in college. It was caused by a small infection that I didn't even realize I had. The doctor found that I had a minor skin infection on my head and gave me antibiotic cream. Once the infection went away, the lump shrunk as well. It was a lymph node and it was doing its job - just like your tonsils swell when you have a cold/infection. I would venture a guess that your dental issues might be the cause, but get it checked out to be sure.

Hugs,

[brittone2]

DS started w/ some swollen lymph nodes in the back of his head after a tick bite (no other symptoms). They are still enlarged but haven't changed. He has an upcoming well check where I'll mention it, but I know it started w/ the bite this summer. Sometimes I think they can really linger quite a while. If you have an ongoing dental issue, it could be from that.

I just had a breast lump checked that was mobile and had rounded edges. The ultrasound was reviewed by the radiologist that thought it was probably a swollen lymph node. I'm supposed to just watch and recheck it.

I'm definitely not a physician, but I think there are a lot of reasons a lymph node can swell a bit, and a lot of those reasons aren't cancer. But of course, it is something you should have checked just to be sure, since it can be one of several reasons that a lymph node can swell.

Hopefully everything will turn out just fine, but you'll feel better if you get it checked.

[n2ou]

OK, I have had one and still have it (at least 1.5 years). After, extensive bloodwork, even an ultrasound of my lymphnodes, I have a lymphnode that is always there, just about 4 fingers below my right ear. It does not totally go away, ever.

That's my story - lol.

[LarsMal]

I JUST went to the drs for this- yesterday. I noticed mine on Friday evening when I was scratching an itch in my neck. Mine is at the base of my neck, where my neck and collar bone (I think) meet. I went to a doc-in-the-box on Friday night b/c I was freaked out. The guy asked me two questions that I could answer "yes" to. Did my scalp itch and did I have any sinus issues, drainage. The nurse has also asked me if I had a bad tooth. I have had a toothache for the past couple weeks, so maybe that turned into an infection. As I posted over in the bitching post, that doc said, "Well, it's probably from drainage, or it could be cancer." NICE!!!

I went and saw my PCP yesterday who didn't seem concerned at all. He said it was probably from drainage. He also mentioned (w/o me saying anything) that it can be caused by as toothache, too.

So, definitely get it checked out, but don't lose sleep over it. I'm on antibiotics and it feels like it's gone down a little bit, but it's still there. After reading the posts here, I feel better knowing that others have had them stick around for a while.

Good luck!

[JTsMom]

Thanks guys. I feel a lot better hearing everyone's stories. Beth- wow, that must have been scary! I'm glad everything checked out ok.

[caheinz]

I had lymph nodes swell up (larger than pea sized) back when I was a young teen.

Doc told me not to worry about it as long as they didn't hurt or change. Years and years later, they still don't hurt and haven't changed :)

The only time it ever comes up is when I go to the doc with a sinus infection. They always feel my neck and notice, and when I tell them they've been like that for years and years, they move on.

So yep, have it checked out, but don't get too worried. (And don't Google.)