neck swelling

Hi
A little background. One sibling died from CLL. I have a history of Thyroid cancer, completely removed by surgery.
For the past 7 months I have been suffering from severe neck and shoulder pain, thought to be from mild DDD, fatique and swelling over clavicles near neck. What could this be? I have seen many doctors who upon examing the swelling say there is no mass there and not to worry about it. I worry about it very much, and suffer constantly in discomfort.
PLEASE help
Justpryn

[Dennis MD]

Hi Justpryn.
The symptoms you are experiencing could be secondary to your mild degenerative disc disease.  However, it will be hard to tell exactly the cause of your symptoms without proper work-ups.  A PET scan may help detect possible recurrence of your thyroid cancer, especially if you had an aggressive type of thyroid cancer.  
I think you need to go back to your doctor and insist on diagnostic procedure/s.  The exact cause of your symptoms needs to be determined.  You can also take any pain reliever to ease the pain.
Stay positive.

[justpryn]

THANKYOU so much for answering my post. My thyroid was removed in April 7 2008.
I was told the cancer was confined to the thyroid with no chance that it spread beyond that organ. Because of that factor along with a CT that was done Jan 31 2008 the doctor has said no further evaluation is needed. {I had asked for an MRI}
Having said that do you think I should sill insist on further diagostic procedures? If so what is your opinion of the MRI request, or should I try asking for the PET scan as you mentioned in your post?