Aa
Aa
A
A
A
Close
Avatar universal

Please help- should I be concerned by these lymph nodes?

Hi all,

Around a year and a half ago I first noticed a palpable lymph node in my groin (it may have been there a lot longer). I can also feel a few in that side of my neck (I am quite thin), but this one is a lot bigger, around 1.5cm long. It is hard to tell exactly, but it seems to have gotten a few millilitres bigger since I first found it. It is movable and painless, and although it isn’t rock hard it isn’t too far off- it’s very firm and rubbery (definitely not soft/flexible). The nodes in my neck are the same texture-wise.

Around 8 months ago I also found a much smaller groin node a couple of cm aside from the other, around 2mm long. It has the same texture, but the area gets tender when I poke around with it, and it feels like it might be fixed. I don’t think it was there when I first felt the larger one a year and a half ago, and it also seems to have gotten larger and more prominent since I found it (although still small it may have doubled in size).

Neither feel ‘swollen’ as such- there is no visible bump out of the skin like I can see when I google photos of swollen nodes. If my legs were less thin I probably wouldn’t be able to feel them at all.

I am most concerned about the hardness/rubberiness of them, as from what I’ve read a normal lymph node should always be soft and flexible, and also the fact that they feel slightly bigger than they were. I have had no infection that I’m aware of that would’ve affected my groin area.

I went to see my GP about it, and she seemed quite concerned and asked me if I had any family with lymphoma. She also took some blood tests. She referred me to get an ultrasound and said she would refer me as a ‘priority’- however the receptionist told me that I had been referred for a non-urgent routine scan, which I read could take around 4.5 months.

I am very worried about this and I don’t think I can wait that long, especially as I’ve read that lymphoma can be curable but only if it’s found early which I’m guessing it still may be if I have it. I am considering paying for a private ultrasound as I could get one in around a week, but I am a student and it would be very expensive for me.

I would be grateful if anybody knows whether I should be concerned about this and go private, or whether waiting would be more sensible.

Thank you very much!
1 Responses
Sort by: Helpful Oldest Newest
1081992 tn?1389903637
COMMUNITY LEADER
"She referred me to get an ultrasound and said she would refer me as a ‘priority’"

Hi, I don't see reason to be seriously alarmed by what you have described. But neither would I just let it sit and wait.

Therefore, I would ASAP call the doc and say that "the receptionist told me that I had been referred for a non-urgent routine scan, which I read could take around 4.5 months."

There seem so to be some miscommunication.


Aside from that, I'd tell you that the shape of the largest node is what I'd focus on for now. Rounded is generally but not always bad, while long and thin (oavl) is not so bad.

I can go into much more detail, but I find that most people don't want that. Let me know.  


You're not urgent, neither are you in the wait-4-months group. PLEASE don't pay for an ultrasound without asking me first  what to specify. If you merely get a report giving the dimensions, and not giving the internal architecture, you've wasted your money.


Do you go around barefoot? Do you have a cat?
Helpful - 0
Have an Answer?

You are reading content posted in the Leukemia and Lymphoma Community

Top Leukemia & Lymphoma Answerers
1081992 tn?1389903637
PA
Learn About Top Answerers
Didn't find the answer you were looking for?
Ask a question
Popular Resources
An interview with the co-discoverer of one of the biggest breakthroughs in cancer research
From causes to treatment options, get answers to your questions about CML, a type of blood cancer
New drug options on the horizon may make CML, a type of blood cancer, one of the few success stories in cancer treatment
A list of national and international resources and hotlines to help connect you to needed health and medical services.
Herpes sores blister, then burst, scab and heal.
Herpes spreads by oral, vaginal and anal sex.