I have just seen a doctor and will get a second opinion soon, but please give me some advice if you are in the medical field or have knowledge about this:
I found a hard lump under my jaw near my left ear. It’s a tiny bit smaller than a quarter in diameter. It doesn’t hurt unless I squeeze it or mess with it. I also have a rash on my neck and it looks a little bad because I have been scratching it a lot. I am not sure if the two are related because my rash could be due to allergies from not cleaning my makeup well – or it could related. I am not sure. When I asked my doctor, he says it is just a rash and just told me to stop scratching it. He said he does NOT feel a lump and I am just pointing at my saliva gland… which is bigger on my left side. I have never ever felt this bump before yesterday. I have nothing similar to it on the other side. My mom felt it and agreed that it was abnormal. My doctor is about 70 years old and I just don’t trust him. He referred me to get a blood test and I am getting tested tomorrow…
But a blood test may not necessarily be helpful. I am thinking of asking for a referral to a CT scan or even a biopsy. I have read that swollen lymph node, rash and itchiness are signs of lymphoma. Do you think that is likely? Would a blood test tell me anything (other than organ malfunctions or damage from later state diseases)? I’m afraid it won’t detect any early state of lymphoma.
My insurance situation is difficult so I don’t even know if they’ll cover all of this… but I am really worried!
I’m female, 21 years old, no family medical history of cancer or anything (other than high blood pressure). Seemingly healthy other than asthma and pet allergies. Healthy weight, regular exercise and normal diet, etc.
No fevers, colds, flu symptoms and no signs of infection or discomfort anywhere else.
The area where my lump is located is becoming sore right now… but I have been touching it a lot today. (I have stopped now.)
Picture of rash on my neck: http://i56.tinypic.com/2d7x4z8.jpg
My doctor ordered a complete blood count WITHOUT differentials… why without?
Please excuse me if I tell one thing dear friend.
Please do not visit any person whom you do not trust. A doctor is supposed to be relied upon even if they are not always right. A doctor too is a human being.
Unless we surrender we can never get or learn anything.
When a doctor suggests something, he has something in mind, but he/she never tells the patient everything correctly for obvious reasons but the patient has to abide. Neither you nor your Mom should over rule the doctor. Your Mom has blind love for you and speaks in tune with your sentiments.
Please seek a second opinion and soon all your doubts will disappear.
Best of luck.
If you don’t trust or believe you doctor get another one.
Just because he is 70 is not reason to not trust him and does not mean he is unable to feel something concerning or forget all of his training.
There is no reason to consider lymphoma at this point. Lymph nodes swell – leave it alone.
No doctor in their right mind would order at CT or biopsy and no insurance company would pay for it as it is not medically necessary.
Blood tests do not diagnose cancer, but that can indicate if lymphoma is a possibility.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma Symptoms
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms may include:
* Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarm
* Fevers
* Heavy night sweats
* Tiredness
* Weight loss without a known reason
* Severe itchiness
* Reddened patches on the skin
* Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain
Blood tests are useful in determining if the possibility of cancer exits by indicating if their are abnormal counts or the existence of certain biomarkers.
If your not satisfied with your doctors opinion, then get a second opinion from another doctor.Your current doctor is unlikely to give you a referral for further testing if he feels it is unwarranted.