some quick background history...My mom has had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over a year now, i dont' know much about it, except that she had a cancerous lump larger than a tennis ball removed from her neck (jawline under ear). Doctors say everything else she has is benign.

For several months i have had a lump the size of a large marble in that same spot. sometimes it feels bigger than usual, other times it feels pretty small. Sometimes it even is painful. I told my doctor, and she says i should get blood work done becuase of my history. any advice? is this common in someone of age eighteen?

I'm pretty scared and have been haveing bad dreams about it. :-(

if it's changing in size, it's probably nothing serious. I mean if it gets smaller and then large again.
I'm surprised your doctor wanted bloodwork because of the family history. Lymphoma won't show up in the blood unless you have other symptoms...night sweats, fatigue, weight loss.
It's very possible you have an infection and just need antibiotics. The bloodwork might be to check for infection, or mono, or other communicable diseases.

I have the same exact thing!!! My doctor says it is from chronic inflamation. I still worry though.

Please get it checked as the not knowing big question mark is the worst. I had that and my was thyroid and nodules. But not sure it could be your lymph nodes responding to infection. Please see a doctor as it is better than sitting and not knowing. The best is to know and be educated. Please go as we will be here for you all the way!!!!

some quick background history...My mom has had non-Hodgkin's lymphoma for over a year now, i dont' know much about it, except that she had a cancerous lump larger than a tennis ball removed from her neck (jawline under ear). Doctors say everything else she has is benign.

For several months i have had a lump the size of a large marble in that same spot. sometimes it feels bigger than usual, other times it feels pretty small. Sometimes it even is painful. I told my doctor, and she says i should get blood work done becuase of my history. any advice? is this common in someone of age eighteen?

I'm pretty scared and have been haveing bad dreams about it. :-(


Hi, I'm 46 a bit older then you. I don't not mean to cause you any stress , but I would go to see a head and neck Dr. and get that lump checked out as soon as possible. I had a lump like yours in my neck and I was sent to a head and neck surgeon to get it looked at. Get it done. You want to be sure what it is.