don't know what to do - Lymphomas Message Board

llloyd · 07-01-2004, 03:32 PM

Banck in august last year I discovered a pea sized node on the right side of my neck, behind the large muscle towards the back of my neck. Went to the doc twice for it, said it was nothing to worry about, I insisted on bloodwork and that was normal. It's still there and I can't stop touching it. Still the same size, about 6mm, clearly oval in shape and very movable, when pressing gently I feel it move under the skin. Last month I found a similar node on the other side of my neck, same feeling and very oval in shape. It's not exactly at the same place as my first one. The first days when I found it and poked it, it hurt but that has stopped now. It's about 6-8mm
Should I insist on a biopsy?
thx

hopi32 · 07-01-2004, 04:17 PM

Yes, I would have a biopsy. If nothing else to put your mind at ease.

Marimac · 07-01-2004, 04:52 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llloyd

Banck in august last year I discovered a pea sized node on the right side of my neck, behind the large muscle towards the back of my neck. Went to the doc twice for it, said it was nothing to worry about, I insisted on bloodwork and that was normal. It's still there and I can't stop touching it. Still the same size, about 6mm, clearly oval in shape and very movable, when pressing gently I feel it move under the skin. Last month I found a similar node on the other side of my neck, same feeling and very oval in shape. It's not exactly at the same place as my first one. The first days when I found it and poked it, it hurt but that has stopped now. It's about 6-8mm
Should I insist on a biopsy?
thx

Ask yourself some questions first.
If you have a biopsy in that area, how will the biopsy effect your neck muscle, nerve ends etc. The biopsy is a cutting proceedure unless a fine needle biopsy is done. A fine needle biopsy is kind of inconclusive sometimes, will that put your mind at rest?
How long have you been worried about this and does it effect your life other than knowing it is present?
How will the quality of your life change if you have it biopsied. How will the quality of your life change if you just watch it for a while, or just forget about it for a couple of months?
How much money will it cost to have it checked?
If you feel satisfied with your answers and it brings you peace of mind, then go ahead and take the action you want to take.

nanci2539 · 07-02-2004, 08:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by llloyd

Banck in august last year I discovered a pea sized node on the right side of my neck, behind the large muscle towards the back of my neck. Went to the doc twice for it, said it was nothing to worry about, I insisted on bloodwork and that was normal. It's still there and I can't stop touching it. Still the same size, about 6mm, clearly oval in shape and very movable, when pressing gently I feel it move under the skin. Last month I found a similar node on the other side of my neck, same feeling and very oval in shape. It's not exactly at the same place as my first one. The first days when I found it and poked it, it hurt but that has stopped now. It's about 6-8mm
Should I insist on a biopsy?
thx

Don't know if this will help but I too found a pea size node on the right side of my neck back in November. I had a bad cold so chalked it up to that. In January I still had it so I went to a surgeon who specializes in cancer - meaning, he was the same guy who checked me out for a cyst found on a mammogram - he had me go for biopsy. He felt it, called it a reactive node but sent me for a chest xray, just for my peace of mind. Xray was fine. Subsequent blood work in April was all in range - had the bloodwork done in m workplace as part of what they call wellness testing. Was that enough for me, nah, I came here and posted several messages, worried as all get go that it had to be something!

Well, I still have it, it's still pea size, movable and hasn't changed. I have an app't with the surgeon for a followup (once you have a biopsy anywhere, even if it's not malignant, they want a three year followup). So, when I go, I will have him check it again and explain in more detail why I still have what he calls a reactive node and what is it reacting to! Could it just be normal for me and part of the aging process; could it be a result of working out with weights (light, 8lbs) a few times a week? As I understand it, pea size is a normal node, at least according to some of the senior people on this board.
I couldn't really get a concrete answer here as far as how long does one have a reactive node or does it ever go away.

But as posted, if you need peace of mind and it's going to drive you crazy, my next stop would be an oncologist or surgeon. They can tell by touch if it warrants further testing. I agree, I don't think I would have a biopsy just now but I would go to an expert instead of a regular GP.

llloyd · 07-07-2004, 02:43 PM

Well, my GP is running a double practise and I visited the other doctor today. She felt it only briefly and said it would be best to order an echography of the neck to see if it's a cyst or a lymph node. I said the the thing was well under a 1 cm and she said it wasn't small but also not big.
When my dad was about my age he had several cysts in his neck surgicaly removed.
I've had echographies before but what could they see on that? Why didn't she ordered a CT scan?
Still it is rather hard, very movable(kind of swimming in water), very oval in shape and defined and not more then 0.7-0.8mm in length.