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Could It Be Cancer?
Roughly two years ago a large bump grew seemingly out of nowhere on the back right side of my neck. It was probably the size of a nickel and very noticeable. I joked about growing a 3rd eye. It didn't necessarily hurt, but it was irritated. After a couple weeks the swelling started to go down and was no longer visible. If I feel around I can still feel the bump. Much smaller, I would guess a centimeter or so. It doesn't hurt and it is not visible.
My doctor didn't notice it until I pointed it out.
He told me the good news was that cancerous lumps tend to not just shrink. He also said it's a good sign that it has not increased in size since it shrank. However, he said the fact that it is painless and been there so long is concerning. He has referred me to an ENT for a second opinion.
I'm so concerned about it being cancerous. He did not think it was a cyst, because he said swelling would typically take longer than a couple weeks to go down. He did think it was a lymph node but he said it was questionable/not certain.
Is there any reason a lymph node could stay swollen this long that is not cancer?
Can you share insight about my story, the placement, etc.?
Anything would be helpful.
My doctor didn't notice it until I pointed it out.
He told me the good news was that cancerous lumps tend to not just shrink. He also said it's a good sign that it has not increased in size since it shrank. However, he said the fact that it is painless and been there so long is concerning. He has referred me to an ENT for a second opinion.
I'm so concerned about it being cancerous. He did not think it was a cyst, because he said swelling would typically take longer than a couple weeks to go down. He did think it was a lymph node but he said it was questionable/not certain.
Is there any reason a lymph node could stay swollen this long that is not cancer?
Can you share insight about my story, the placement, etc.?
Anything would be helpful.
I have spotted a typo and am sorry about that.
Shotty lymph nodes must be non-tender, moveable. If they seem fixed or irregularly shaped - it is usually a cause of concern.
Shotty lymph nodes must be non-tender, moveable. If they seem fixed or irregularly shaped - it is usually a cause of concern.
You had this lump for quite a long time. You did not develop any symptoms, such as fatigue, night sweats, extreme itching or cough. Am I right?
You also mentioned that the lump is much smaller now (approx. 1cm) and is hardly noticeable.
It seems as if you were fighting off some kind of infection in the past and thus developed a swollen lymph node which did not return to its original size. Such lymph nodes are known as "shotty" ones. Keep in mind that "shotty" lymph nodes are considered abnormal unless they are bigger than 1cm. They also must be non-tender, moveable, fixed or irregularly shaped.
It is great that you have been referred to ENT because he or she will be able to evaluate your case properly.
Do not worry and keep in mind that lumps smaller than 2cm are rarely cancerous, especially in those younger than 50.
Please keep us updated!
Best of luck,
E.B.
You also mentioned that the lump is much smaller now (approx. 1cm) and is hardly noticeable.
It seems as if you were fighting off some kind of infection in the past and thus developed a swollen lymph node which did not return to its original size. Such lymph nodes are known as "shotty" ones. Keep in mind that "shotty" lymph nodes are considered abnormal unless they are bigger than 1cm. They also must be non-tender, moveable, fixed or irregularly shaped.
It is great that you have been referred to ENT because he or she will be able to evaluate your case properly.
Do not worry and keep in mind that lumps smaller than 2cm are rarely cancerous, especially in those younger than 50.
Please keep us updated!
Best of luck,
E.B.
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