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Possible Lung Cancer

In December, I started having terrible neck (like my head was too heavy for my body) and shoulder pain, along with headaches. Went to my chiropractor, who diagnosed me with Forward Head Posture. Had never heard of it, but it made sense after him explaining that my posture was so poor (from 30+ yrs working either at a microscope or computer desk) that my head is too far forward, causing many problems, including the neck and shoulder pain. I've been being treated by my chiro for this for the past 3 months. While it has gotten alot better, I still experience dull pain in my neck and burning pain radiating from the neck to shoulders. I also now have pain in what seems to be my right shoulder joint, really noticeable when I try to raise my right arm. However, I have full range of motion.
I am experiencing other symptoms as well that are leading me to believe there is something else going on. I have had weird sensations (not numbness or pain exactly) in my neck, like it's just thick or swollen. Occasional sore throat. I also get sore glands in the neck. About a year ago I was having recurring sore throats, not associated with a cold. Went to an ENT who did an endoscopy that was normal. I've also been diagnosed with pharangytis in the past year.
Back to the present; other symptoms are intermittent ear pain that comes and goes, along with jaw pain that comes and goes, dry mouth, chills, night sweats, joint pain (hips, knees, sometimes elbows and fingers), urination urgency, clearing of throat, occasional shortness of breath, cough. I also have acid reflux. A few days ago, I went to the doc for my annual check-up. He noticed that my right neck lymph node was slightly swollen, so he ordered xrays of my neck (no results yet), and am also going in for a CT scan of the neck today.
Don't think I mentioned it yet, but I am a heavy smoker for years-I am 51. I know, I have tried to quit several times, but I HAVE TO find a way to quit for good!! I don't want or need a lecture about it, I do that to myself enough. Anyway, I also had a breathing test, which I haven't gotten the results back yet, but don't think I did very well.
The dr. did not do xrays on the shoulder; he thinks it is tendonitis? He also believes the ear and jaw pain may be TMJ. He has been my doctor for years, and knows my medical history. Also did a blood work up the other day and the results are as follows. The ABS EOSINPHILS reading has actually improved since the last lab, but my WBC is very elevated. After reading some of these posts, I am very concerned about lung cancer. Any info or advice would be appreciated!
WBC: 16.28                                   Ref Range: 3.70-10.40k/uL
Hemoglobin 15.2                            Ref Range: 11.8-15.1 g/dl
Absolute Neut Count: 10.58            Ref Range: 2.00-8.70 k/uL
ABS EOSINOPHILS  .75                Ref Range: 0.00-0.50 k/uL
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Avatar universal
I would also check out the possibility of PMR, an autoimmune disease. Many of your symptoms are NOT symptoms. The shoulder, neck and jaw pain , might sweats, joint pains, low grade fever and more are PMR Symptoms. the dr. Can do a couple of blood tests that can give him an idea if this could be the reason for your symptoms. Easily treated with steroid meds.
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3 Comments
Regarding my 1st answer "many of your symptoms are NOT symptoms" . ..should have read " many of your symptoms are PMR symptoms".
Thank you for sharing your thoughts summer30134.  Is this something you've dealt with yourself?  Thank you for sharing your advice and experience!
yes, I have PMR
Avatar universal
Thanks for the info and well wishes! Went to see the ENT specialist yesterday. Was shocked to find out that my problems are stemming from
an infected molar! The doc said that it may not have shown up on anu xray and looks like I've had it for awhile. Although I knew that the symptoms were
in line with an abcess, I haven't had the normal type of pain that comes
with an abcess, but now that he says that, it explains why my ears were hurting, jaw pain and lymph node on the right side slightly swollen. He recommended seeing my regular dentist to discuss treatment, which I am doing. Who'd have thought?!
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1 Comments
Any update? Did you ever get better?
Avatar universal
Just got a call from the doc about my CT scan of the neck.
A small nodule was found on the back of the maxilla.
I am scheduled to see the ENT specialist on Tuesday.
I hope it's just an infection, based on my high WBC.
I asked the doctor about the high WBC. He didn't seem overly
concerned, as my WBC tends to run high (as a smoker).
If anyone has any insight as to what the prognosis may be, I'd
appreciate your knowledge. I'm saying alot of prayers!
Helpful - 0
1253246 tn?1332073310
Please get an xray and or CT of your lungs.I had alot of the same symptoms .hey nobody should lecture you bout things youve done.We are not perfect and need each others support.Ive been a smoker for a long time and quitting is not as easy as everybody thinks it is.I just wish I would have succeded,I wouldnt be in the predicament i am in.Think about it.But I do take responsibility for it   cindy
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