Lump in neck/should

[Whezziewhoozie]

Hi, I am on biologics - Entercept and reasonably young 38. I have had pain in my back and neck for a few weeks and tonight noticed a lump. Will obviously call my GP in the morning but just wondered if anyone had had any lumps caused by RA in this area?

Thanks

[Frances_UK]

You're doing the right thing calling a doctor.

Not had an RA-related lump but if it's any consolation, I've twice had a lump in my neck, two different causes and neither related to autoimmune/arthritis issues at all, and both completely benign. So lots of simple common causes for lumps. I know that wasn't your question but thought I'd offer some reassurance.

Wishing you all the best with your doctor tomorrow.

[Whezziewhoozie in reply to Frances_UK]

Thanks, that really does help, I am in that awful cycle of two steps forward one step back at the mo. So the reassurance is great. I was quite cross when I found the lump as I was like I have just started running again and what now. But hopefully it’s just a curve ball and will be nothing

[oldtimer2]

I'm glad you are seeking a medical opinion.

It often feels as though nothing is going right....but it's probably something like a lipoma (a fatty lump that doesn't matter) and hopefully you will feel annoyed with yourself for getting down about it.

We go on having the same problems that we have always had, it's just that they are on top of this horrible disease. It's a really good idea to share on here where we know what it's like!

[allanah]

Lots of causes for lumps so it's good you are getting checked out, another thing to tackle with this RA nonsense! Hope you get sorted soon x

[Blodynhaul]

Good question Whezzie. It wouldn't surprise me if things like lumps occur with any of the DMARDS or Biologics, though no idea if others have experienced that symptom. I'm only a few months on a biologic, but when on Leflunamide before that (and Methotrexate before that) I had a couple of mysterious lumps appear - one in the middle of my back against the spine, one in my abdomen front left over where the colon is. They were the size of ping-pong balls, but not painful. Weird thing was they were hard and not moveable & very easily felt with fingers, but didn't show up on ultrasound or x-ray nor colonoscopy. The doctors were very puzzled! The lumps lasted over a year and gradually reduced naturally, though still partly come up sometimes. They didn't think they were lipomas either. Fortunately must have just been some anomaly, was a bit uneasy at the time - but - who knows - it could have been the Methotrexate & Leflunamide!

Sincerely hope your lumps are harmless & explainable. Will in interesting to know if they are brought on by the biologic. Many lumps are, so very glad you're contacting the GP forthwith. Take care, thinking of you & grateful if you let us know how you get on. XXX

[Biofreak]

I have often had swollen lymph nodes and they have gone away on their own. I was told that this can quite often happen when your immune system is suppressed by biologic treatment. I also developed a benign cyst on my thyroid gland which was drained and has never returned. The main thing is that you get it looked at and will probably be nothing sinister. Your back may be just related to the fact that you have started running again. Hopefully it will be nothing to worry about.