For about a year now I have had small lymphnodes on my neck. I don't worry about them because they never get any bigger. I had mono 5 years ago and I know how big they could get. I had a huge mound on my neck and it was sore. My nodes now are very small and they do not hurt. The problem is they never go away. My question is, could this be normal? Should I get it tested or would I know by now if it was serious related to lymphoma?

[This message has been edited by Christopher74 (edited 08-12-2001).]

Dear Christopher,
I am currently in remission and have been going on 3 years. With Hodgkins Lyphoma. It started with small nodules in the lymph nodes in my neck. It progressed into the last stage of the cancer 4B. The doctors weren't concerned as to the nodules in my neck as they werent growing. However, this was not the case it was growing throughout my entire body. There is a link between MONO and Hodgkins. It may just be that the lymph nodes in your neck are nothing and just a result of your recent exposure to mono which is very common. However, the possibility that it could be something else would send me straight to the doctor. Dont let them dismiss the notion that it could be cancer as they are quick to do so. Insist on certainty through biopsy or CT scans not an opionion as my doctor just chalked it up to swollen lymph nodes due to recent infection so for 6 months the cancer just spread everywhere. With an early diagnosis and todays treatment HODGKINS lymphoma is highly treatable depending on your age and the stage of your cancer. Good luck to you and please if not just for your peace of mind have it checked out throughly.

Hi Lyonscampbell:

I was hoping to ask you a few questions. For one, how long did you feel the knots in your neck? How big were the knots (were they visible)? And did you say they didn't grow at all, ever? Did you have any of the symptoms of lymphoma (nightsweats, chills, etc)? Finally, how are you doing? You said you were in remission, being as I am not that informed about cancer, is that good?

Thanks and I hope everything works out for you.