Hi everyone
I have a pea sized lump by bottom of ear just above lobe on jaw bone which is painful if prodded! Is this a place where a lymph node could be, in which case would it be related to CLL? I have been on watch and wait 0 stage for a few years and this is the first lump I have been aware of. I would be grateful for your input.
Hi there. Sure sounds like it could be a lymph node. Suggest you don’t prod it! Some people talk about using warm oils to ease pain. If you are worried about it you can ask your GP.
Yes this sounds like the parotid gland area Ingatrams and actually the first place I detected a little pea sized lump.
It’s always scary and makes this feel very real when we feel the first enlarged node or lump. Often they are in response to infection and in my case probably the salivary gland area. Mine has remained but isn’t noticeable.
It’s always advisable to mention it to our specialists especially if it enlarges or doesn’t go down. It could be a sign of underlying infection. In many ways that’s what our lymphatic system is primed to do but in the wake of the neutrophils etc. rushing to the site, the nodes enlarge.
The temptation will be to constantly prod it but best not to and just mention it to the doctor. Mine just shrugged his shoulders and said it was basically part of the CLL landscape.
Best wishes,
Newdawn
Thanks Newdawn. As you say, reality setting in. I do have a cold at the moment - first (and hopefully last) of the winter. Does this mean I am likely to get more lumps now and it is on increase? Have you many? And have you had to have treatment yet?
A cold can certainly trigger the immune system into rushing to certain sites and in many ways it’s a normal physiological response. We get enlarged lymph nodes as the result of infection even when we don’t have CLL.
I’m as yet untreated Ingatrams and have been on Watch & Wait nearly 6 years. The small enlarged node which sounds similar to yours has been around for years but not problematic. I wasn’t aware of any enlarged lymph nodes until a month or so ago when I had very substantial swellings under my jaw. I’ve since had an ultrasound and full body scan and the nodes are consistent with CLL. The nodes under my jaw resolved with antibiotics and were probably due to dental work and/or a small cut to the side of my mouth. However I have a very enlarged spleen.
I think we tend to freak out a bit when the first visible sign of CLL appears and that’s entirely normal. You may find that node subsides when the cold is resolved but many of us have lots of enlarged nodes which persist externally as well as internally. They need to be checked out but do not necessitate treatment unless they are exceptionally large, problematic or impinging on vital organs.
No need to go into panic mode but mention it to your specialist because enlarged nodes that remain are always significant. However, yours does sound related to the cold. Make sure you have no ear or throat infections.
Best wishes,
Newdawn
P.S. always best to restrict your posts to the community otherwise they and the responses can find their way onto other websites. Just tick the ‘only followers in my community’ box when you make a post (not a response).
Hi Ingatrams
I've had a pea sized lump on my neck for years though it is not painful.
It varies from time to time, at the moment, it is very 'soft', at other times it is firm.
I do remember the fright of discovering the lump and heading to my consultant to get it checked out.
Iike yourself, I am still stage 0.
ygtgo
Thanks ygtgo. That's encouraging.
My consultant calmed me down .... " Oh, I see you've got a little friend "
Me 'n my wee pal have been mates for 10 years or so now ... I've also got a couple im my armpit ... with friends like these .. etc etc.
That's not fair ... at least ma wee friends don't make me go ... Oww!
ygtgo
Ha!
First and foremost don't 'prod' but have it assessed by your doctor
The first yr. to yr.1/2 I had 2 or 3 pea sized nodes in neck. Had a CT scan on one. Have not had any rise up for past yr.
i had several, including in lobe.
they were gone as soon as I started treatment.
dr recomendei not to touch
Ok Hands off it is - well perhaps just one more, but no prodding!
Good day Ingatrams, I have the lump as well, have had chronic ear problems, fluid build up behind the ear drum now I have a tube that has helped especially with the preasure and hearing. No infections, just fluid. Time has given me more lumps here and there on my neck, just part of the CLL. Try not to let it up set you, enjoy life if your concerned yes speak to your doctor, and do leave them alone can be a bit hard to do when you first locate one. Have a blessed day.
Thank you 😊
I join the club with lumps. Started with one between shoulder and neck. Been hanging around for over 7 years. Slightly larger and holding steady as of 4 years ago. Then tiny pea size popped up in groin area. Never changed size. 2 years ago a few came up under chin and along my neck. The 2 along my neck are larger but not alarming my oncologist. Then a few are in arm pit area. Just W&W at this point. Second opinion in March. August will be 11 years on W&W.
Thanks Gma27. Hope your second opinion confirms you can still be on WandW. My lump has actually disappeared now my cold has gone!!
Advice please, severe pain upper inner thigh - found a lump
consultant found lump near anus
I wish I did not know......or am I wrong?
Newbie to CLL
Melanoma Diagnosis
