Lump on neck

Worried you might have a blood cancer?
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Hello.

Just looking for a bit of reassurance, guidance or information. Noticed a painless lump on my neck about 2 months ago which has just remained in place, I don’t think it has got any bigger. It’s hard and seems pretty fixed. The only symptoms I am experiencing is tiredness and muscle aches, however the doctors unfortunately have only just informed me that I am iron deficient despite my bloods being taken 4minths ago. This would definitely explain those symptoms. I’m also taking thyroxine for an underactive thyroid which was caused by postpartum. (Currently 7month Postpartum and exclusively breast feeding) I was told it’s unlikely this lump is anything to do with my thyroid due to where it is. Working in the NHS myself I Don’t like to speak negatively but unfortunately the GP I saw that day wasn’t upfront and didn’t share with me any of his concerns at the appointment. It wasn’t until I received a letter the next day for urgent referral. Thank goodness I don’t have health anxiety is all I can say! I’m certain it’s nothing worrysome, at least that’s what I’m telling myself but as you all know it’s still in my thoughts a lot. Just seeking reassurance and some advice that should have been given during my appointment.

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Hi @Funkylucy a great big welcome to our forum.
We really are complex individuals and personally ( I am not medically trained) makes a diagnosis so difficult.
I had a similar experience with another condition and it turned out that the medical person I saw said after he saw me , as usual practice, he takes his cases to a MDT meeting. (Multi Disciplinary Team) and it was decided that I should be checked out by another specialism to rule conditions in or out, to be thorough. It was an urgent referral otherwise I would have gone to the back of a long queue for an appointment.
Yes, my thoughts and feelings would be all over the place, for me it is the waiting and not knowing.
But please do talk to your GP about your letter not mirroring your appointment and the affect it had on you.
Look after yourself and perhaps you might not need our forum.
Be very kind and look after yourself and please do let us know how you get on

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Hi @Funkylucy
Thank you for your post.

We are sorry to hear that you have had some communication issues with your GP.
It sounds like your GP has taken the correct steps in referring you. Please could I ask if this is to haematology? Hopefully you will gain some reassurance at this appointment.

However, it does sound a little confusing that they didn’t communicate this at your GP appointment. I would agree with Erica that you could speak to the GP or surgery to query about why they didn’t mention the referral to you.

There are many different reasons for enlarged lymphnodes, this can range from recent infections (even if you haven’t realised you have had one), reactive lymphnodes or allergies. You may find our 'Blood cancer symptoms and signs’ page helpful to read - it contains information on what to look out for, as well as prompts for questions you might like to ask your doctor which could help at further appointments.

As it explains on the webpage:

"Most people who have symptoms described on this page won’t have blood cancer. But it’s worrying to have symptoms you can’t explain, and important to find out what’s causing them, if only to set your mind at rest.

If you have just one symptom that you can’t explain, that goes on for a long time, or is unusual for you, book an appointment with your GP. If you suddenly feel very unwell at any time, get medical help straight away by calling 999 or going to A&E."

One of the first tests that would be done to investigate someone’s health is a full blood count (full blood count), which measures the number of each type of cell in your blood: red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets. We have information about normal ranges on our website, and you can read more about each of the tests that might be done to confirm or rule out blood cancer here: bloodcancer.org.uk/understanding-blood-cancer/tests-diagnosis.

In terms of the next steps, I would imagine that if you have not already, you will have some bloods taken such as the one mentioned above and then perhaps an ultrasound scan of the lump. These test results should then be discussed with yourself.

If you would like to talk things through with us, please get in contact with our support line team on 0808 2080 888

Take care,
Emma (support services nurse)

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Thank you Erica. I am sorry it’s taken such a long time to get back to you but I appreciate your kind words. Unfortunately my results from the biopsy showed up as thyroid cancer which has spread to my lymph nodes. Good news it’s treatable. Thanks again for taking time out of your day. All the best to you and anyone else who ends up on this forum for any questions and answers.

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Thank you Emma. I am sorry it’s taken such a long time to get back to you but I appreciate your kind words. Unfortunately my results from the biopsy showed up as thyroid cancer which has spread to my lymph nodes. Good news it’s treatable. Thanks again for taking time out of your day. All the best to you and anyone else who ends up on this forum for any questions and answers.

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Oh @Funkylucy thank you for taking the time to let us know the outcome of your results.
So the biopsy showed that you have thyroid cancer.
Really be kind to yourself and really look after yourself.