Lymph Node...

[ioklokolk98]

Hello,
Four months ago I found palpable lymph node on the left side of my neck, inch below my jaw bone. It is about size of a kidney bean 3mm to 5mm, firm, but not rock hard, little rubbery, movable. When I head straight, it feels very small. When I bend my neck right, feels larger, about described size. No pain, not visible, no swelling, doesn't grows. My GP said it is normal, I stopped thinking about it. Then my anxiety kicked in. I went to ENT doctor, he examined my neck, and he said that this is submandibular gland and it is there because when we age some of them tend to lower down. I was so nervous. After I left, I figured out that he probably did not feel what I wanted him to feel. I went to another ENT doctor, and he said that this is a normal lymph node. He didn't even ordered ultrasound. He told me not to loose my sleep and relax. He also said that could be caused by my scalp psoriasis. Still looking for reassurance, I went back to my GP, he said the same thing. Run my complete blood panel, everything came back normal. I became obsesses why it is still there because I am scared I have cancer. I live in constant fear. I have deviated septum impacted wisdom teeth that never came up (bottom), had some gum problems (didn't floss much for years), psoriasis, chronic stuffed nose, stress at work and school....and lots of anxiety because the lump is still there. I went through the major sinus infection/cold/flu right before. I couldn't stay home way back then, had to leave for w weeks business trip.. I discovered the node I am not doing well emotionaly. Please tell me what do you think? My neck hurt when I was running between doctors. Then stopped touching it, the node got smaller (still palpable, round 4mm?,) and the pain went away. Since fed days I feel a lot of tension and little pain in my neck so sensitive to to every sensation. Asking myself why why? Doctors are not concerned? I wish that could be nothing..............

[ioklokolk98]

Thank You Bridget,

Yes, all you said is true. I am suffering from anxiety for the last few years and it is often hypochondriac health related.
I recently entered CBT and take small dosage of benzo, but it is still not enough......SSRI's give me a lot of unbearable side effects. I regularly take supplements.
I have two questions:
1. Is it normal for the node to be about 4-5mm in size, palpable and perfectly normal, on one side?
2. What else would you recommend for anxiety?

[Bridget A. Hewitt, RN]

Hi and thanks for using the forum.

I think that you are developing an anxiety about this lymph node.  YOu have had several doctors look at it and your blood work all came up normal.  I think it is time to stop focussing on the lymph node and work on getting your anxiety under control.  You may want to discuss the anxiety with your doctor, or you may want to seek counseling to help you manage it.  There are many ways to cope with stress and anxiety (meditation, yoga, exercise, etc.) and it sounds like you could use some help in finding the best way for you to manage it.  Good luck.

Bridget