New neck lump came on quickly

[Vindicatrix]

Hi All, I have a quick query re the above, I had a neck lunp come up withing 24 hours, it is sore to touchm have had slight earache, and long term phlegm, and recent mild hoarseness. Saw my GP, urgent referall to my m Haemo man, who is not available for three weeks.

He suggested I see an ENT man, who I was lucky enough to get a cancellation appointment with on Wenesday. I am obviously a bit concerned that the lump may be connected to my CLL for which I am on W&W.

My GP was understandably non cmmttal in that respect, but did say it wa a big lump, and that it did come up quickly. He said intitially that the fact that it was painful, perhaps was a good sign, and that it may indicate an infection. But after having a good feel in my neck, he seemed a lttle doubtful . Any idea's, or similar experience and outcomes, would be welcome. Thanks all. Ron

[Poodle2]

Hi Ron, sorry to hear you are dealing with this. I'm not medically trained but my lymph nodes react to infections a lot.

When they are painful and enlarge, I'm almost 99% sure I'm coming down with something even before I feel sick. It is like they react before I even know my body is fighting something.

They usually go back to the pre infection size once I'm better. Sometimes it is just a cold and sometimes I need antibiotics. Once I even had an infection in my lymph nodes (lymphadenitis) and that was extremely painful.

My CLL specialist always says - if your lymph nodes are painful, you almost certainly need to see your GP as it is likely to be due to an infection somewhere in your body. When they enlarge and don't hurt, I'm advised to monitor them. If they would continue growing or I get other symptoms, I should contact her. Usually the pain subsides within a few days. If it doesn't, I need antibiotics, then it gets better. It can take weeks (even months) for the lymph node to get smaller (depends on the size).

If you are feeling unwell or perhaps just to check, your GP should do a blood test to check for an infection. Then take it from there.

It definitely shouldn't be ignored but it isn't unusual with CLL. Let us know how you get on.

[Vindicatrix in reply to Poodle2]

Thank you so much for that Poodle2 it was somewhat reassuring, I have been to my GP, and he contacted my Haemo man and he, advised ENT, and I am seeing him tomorrow. The pain persists.

I suddenly realised after I left the GP, that I had a dental filling done 2 weeks ago, and that it was a difficult one, as the tooth will have to come out at some time, and I was told that I would eventually have pain with it.

I am now wondering if there is a connection, as the lump came up suddenly and quickly. I am re visiting the dentist today for an x ray. I am very grateful to be given the best of attention, by allthe Medics involved, and count myself lucky, as you do hear some horror stories.

I will no doubt feel relieved after both the X rays, and the ENT tests, which will undoubtably follow. Once again this forum has helped me, as it has done many times in the past, and I don't really know where we would all be without it. Keep on Keeping on' everyone. Ron

[Poodle2 in reply to Vindicatrix]

That could be definitely connected, maybe there's an infection and your body is telling you that's the case. You have a good plan lined up, I'm sure you will get some answers. Hopefully it's nothing but an infection causing it. As your GP has already pointed out, the fact the node is painful is kind of a good sign...let us know once you know more. Yes, this forum is amazing, I too would be lost without it. Praying it's resolved quickly 🙏🏻

[SofiaDeo Administrator in reply to Vindicatrix]

When we have dental work, the numerous bacteria that live in our mouth can get into the bloodstream. So your neck lump could be in response to that, make sure to tell the ENT person about the dental work and the timeline of symptoms. As well as your dentist. Unfortunately, us immune compromised folk may need antibiotics to tamp this down, if it is felt that your lymph nodes need some help battling whatever is in there. But ENT or dentist may also want to see if you can fight this off, and request a followup to see how the condition changes. Note especially if your phlegm has changed color, and the amount produced. As well as the other symptoms, especially if the pain gets worse. If you are taking any mild pain med, try to Not take it before seeing the doc if you can. Assessing your pain as they touch the area, how far out the painful area is, how it responds to various pressure levels, all is helpful for assessment and diagnosis if you can stand it. And if you must take a pain pill to sleep, concentrate, etc. that's important to tell the docs. A mild annoying pain is different than one that you Must take Tylenol or whatever to sleep, drive, etc.

[Vindicatrix in reply to SofiaDeo]

That was really helpful info SofiaDeo, especially regarding the taking of pain killers prior to examination. As I had done, just that, before I saw my ENT man. I like to think that I keep on top of most things relating to my CLL, but there is always room for improvement, as your well received advice highlights.

That is why, I so like this website, it really has value to us all, and definitely assists in coping with our CLL. Stay safe and wellish! everyone, Regards Ron.

[mrsjsmith]

Ron,

Sounds like you might need to get some antibiotics quickly.

Do you have any sinus issues because that can explain the ear ache and voice issues. And my lymph nodes popped up after a sinus infection.

Hope tomorrow appointment gets to the bottom of your problem.

Colette

[wizzard166]

Hey Vindicatrix

This happened to me too back in the Summer of 2020 on an Asia and Middle East trip for vacation. I got sick with similar symptoms to yours, and the huge lymph node popped up on the left side of my neck. I had three smaller ones on the right side of my neck, and those have popped up when I fight something for a number of years, but the one on the left was new. It was not only big, but it hurt like hell to the touch. I went to a doctor at a resort in Dubai, and she put me on an antibiotic. The antibiotic worked and I got better over the next two weeks. The painful lump decreased in size very gradually, but became less painful more quickly. It was clearly a lymph node enlargement due to sickness, and popping up of lymph nodes when we fight things are fairly common. What was not so common in my case was the size and the pain.

Carl