painless nodes in neck....very worried - Lymphomas Message Board

serpentgirl · 07-11-2004, 09:55 AM

Hi,

I'm posting because 3 days ago, I noticed a small lump on the left side of my neck. It is most noticable when I lift my head all the way back. It's also noticeable because I am thin. I felt it and noticed it consisted of 4 palpable, slightly swollen nodes. The nodes are each about the size of a baked bean. I went to the doctor who told me they were probably just from an infection and not to worry. He ordered a CBC test to be sure and I got the bloodwork drawn Friday. I'm now waiting for the results and scared to death!!! My main cause of concern is that the nodes are painless. Aren't nodes caused by infection suppoed to cause pain? Everything I've looked at on line says that painless nodes indicate cancer. Could there be anything else that could cause nodes to swell up slightly but not cause pain??? I have bad allergies. I've had a post nasal drip for 2 years straight and recently I've been coughing and my nose has been running more. I also have TMJ, which I've heard could cause nodes to swell up, but these nodes are not really near the jaw joint. Thirdly, I'm a singer. I haven't sang too much recently because my band broke up, but I still walk around singing in the shower and such. Also, I've had a couple other nodes swollen to the same size on the other side of my neck for years that I was told not to worry about (these are single nodes though, not a cluster as the new ones are) and my mom has mentioned she has nodes in her neck that have been swollen for years. I will be 27 next month and I have no other symptoms of lymphoma. Thanks for any insight you can provide!!!

Best wishes,
-S

paterin · 07-11-2004, 10:26 AM

You really need to get the bloodwork back, and then probably see the ENT, to determine if it a problem lymph node or a syst. Is this lump hard? moving around? does it hurt? These are things that you need to know.
Take care, feel better... Keep singing!
Paterin

Marimac · 07-11-2004, 10:58 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by serpentgirl

Hi,

I'm posting because 3 days ago, I noticed a small lump on the left side of my neck. It is most noticable when I lift my head all the way back. It's also noticeable because I am thin. I felt it and noticed it consisted of 4 palpable, slightly swollen nodes. The nodes are each about the size of a baked bean. I went to the doctor who told me they were probably just from an infection and not to worry. He ordered a CBC test to be sure and I got the bloodwork drawn Friday. I'm now waiting for the results and scared to death!!! My main cause of concern is that the nodes are painless. Aren't nodes caused by infection suppoed to cause pain? Everything I've looked at on line says that painless nodes indicate cancer. Could there be anything else that could cause nodes to swell up slightly but not cause pain??? I have bad allergies. I've had a post nasal drip for 2 years straight and recently I've been coughing and my nose has been running more. I also have TMJ, which I've heard could cause nodes to swell up, but these nodes are not really near the jaw joint. Thirdly, I'm a singer. I haven't sang too much recently because my band broke up, but I still walk around singing in the shower and such. Also, I've had a couple other nodes swollen to the same size on the other side of my neck for years that I was told not to worry about (these are single nodes though, not a cluster as the new ones are) and my mom has mentioned she has nodes in her neck that have been swollen for years. I will be 27 next month and I have no other symptoms of lymphoma. Thanks for any insight you can provide!!!

Best wishes,
-S

Lymphoma is the last thing on the list of things to be concerned about. The CBC may indicate anemia which could cause swollen lymph nodes. I hope everything works out for the best. Worrying too much will cause stress and reduce your ability to fight infection. Take Care.

paterin · 07-11-2004, 11:06 AM

Marimac:
You are a wise individual, and have kind words for those looking for answers to fears of the unknown. Thaks for being here..
Pat

ysco · 07-11-2004, 08:11 PM

Cervical lymph nodes are quite common and can be caused by numerous factors, too many to list. Since you mentioned you were thin your nodes may be palpable but perfectly normal, or possibly post-reactive (ie following an infection). I would definitely not be too worried. You are young, keep in mind lymphoma is very rare at your age group. The info you find on the internet can be sometimes deceiving, I know from experience. It's not a good idea to rush into conclusions; simply follow what your doctor says. I'm sure you will be just fine.

Good luck