Hello,

I posted here a while ago when my obsession over lymphoma was at a highpoint. I've been able to forget about it for a while...I've been so busy with college apps that I just didn't have time to think about it every waking minute. But my obsession has begun again.

I've had two hard, bumpy lumps at the back of my neck, under the hairline, for probably over four years (if not more). Everyone I've talked to has told me not to worry (From what I've read, that seems to be the general advice given to all us worry-warts). Anywho...I've been plagued with ear pain on and off for over a year and I just can't override my symptoms any longer.

I also have neck pain from time to time (my parents tell me it's from stress). Well, whatever it is, here are my questions:

I've heard that the back of the neck isn't as likely a location for lymphoma to begin as the front of the neck. How true is that?

My lumps haven't changed/grown one bit since I first spotted them four years ago. Does that mean anything (anything good, that is)?

One of them seems attached to my skin (When I pinch it, I can move it away from my muscle, but it doesn't detatch itself from my skin).

There's no history of cancer in my immediate family (aunts/uncles/cousins/grandparents/and parents of course)...Good/Bad?

Oh, and finally, I'm only eighteen (as you probably have figured out already) and I've repeatedly read that younger ppl. usually get the agressive forms of this cancer. "Usually", of course, must mean that it is possible for us to get the indolent form. If that's so, how curable is the indolent form of cancer? I've read that it isn't curable at all...that doctors are most interested in perserving the "Quality of Life" of patients with this diagnosis, instead of treating their disease.

Ok, First it is correct that Lymphoma first usually manifests in the front of the body. That is because that is conveniently where most people can easily see in the mirror that something is unusual. The lumps at your hair line may be sebacceous cysts. They move, they are rubbery and they appear to be something threatening. But, what they are, are glands. Sometimes if they start to swell, they eventually will ripen, will rupture, and a cheesy looking smelly bacterial infected goo will emerge. Then the swelling will go down until the next time it builds. Men have them more frequently than women. They are very likely to form around the nape of the neck and other places where oil glands are located. Arm pits are notorious for getting these little aggravations. My husband once had one the size of a golf ball on his shoulder between his neck and his upper arm. When it looked like it was going to burst, the doctor lanced it in his office, dug out all the stuff he could see, treated it with a antibacterial/fungus cream and sewed it up with stitches. He now has a neat little scar that only I can see.(Cause I know where it is). My hubby says it felt like a weight was lifted off his shoulder when it was gone. Beyond that suggestion, you will have to get your doctor to talk to you about what that is on your neck. The other suggestion is a lipoma which is a fatty tissue designed to cushion nerves so they do not jiggle around. You don't want to mess with it unless it is not doing its job.

Thank you for responding. I've been wanting to visit my doctor for a while now...but, as I said before, I've been downright busy. I've called to make an appointment for spring break (since I've waited this long...what's another month, right?)

Until then,I have two more questions. You mentioned lipomas and cysts, but how likely do you think it is that I could have lymphoma? Since I've had these small lumps for four years now (since seventh grade)...wouldn't it be less likely that they are cancerous? That and, my family definitely does not have a history in cancers...though my dad did have a cyst on his jaw when he was my age, which he removed for comsetic purposes. Everyone who has taken a look at my lumps thus far (including my general practioner and a family friend who has had lymphoma some years back) seems not to be concerned.

And, isn't it true that the indolent form of lymphoma is incurable?

Thanks again for your response