Over the past 9 months I’ve had a slightly swollen neck lymph node (1B) that arose post surgery for SCC Stage 1 cancer in the mouth cheek, but it was not noticeable at all and I couldn’t even feel it. It never got more than 1cm and so I was monitored over the last year with 2 ultrasounds. However, over Xmas I was fighting a virus - no cold or sore throat just a general feeling of being unwell; otherwise functional and able to do fairly normal stuff. Just suddenly that lymph node has swelled up in the past week or so. It’s not terribly noticeable except to me but, after my recent visit to see my surgeon, he has now ordered a CT mandible for the end of this month. It does bother me a bit when eating but any pain is being managed by ibuprofen.
Is it the case that they can suddenly swell up if it is cancerous - I always thought it would be gradual. Could it be something else? What has been your experience if they decide to do a biopsy - is it painful and can you ask for sedation? I’ve seen horrible pictures of an acquaintance who had a neck dissection and am feeling scared that I will have to go the same route. Is it labelled lymphoma, even if it’s not the primary cancer.
Hi. I was just reading your must recent update before this post.
lymph nodes are funny things. They can go up and down for all sorts of reasons. It’s good that your consultant is on top of it. A neck dissection is a bridge to cross only if you have to. So fingers crossed
Is it labelled lymphoma, even if it’s not the primary cancer.
That’s a completely different cancer. A cancer of the white blood cells.
Dani
Base of tongue cancer. T2N0M0 6 weeks Radiotherapy finished January 2019
