Lump in neck 4 months post HCV tx

[Dee1956]

Hello, I discovered a lump in my neck above the thyroid about 5 weeks ago.  Thinking it would go away I waited til two weeks ago to tell my doctor about it.  She ordered a CT Scan with contrast.  I was hesitant to put any more chemicals in my body so did not want to get the contrast.  As  always, Hector was very helpful; he assured me it would be ok.  I had the scan done yesterday and should be getting results this week.  I am very afraid that I now have something else related to either the HCV or tx.  I had hoped that it was something related to my thyroid however my doctor does not think it is.  I am trying not to freak out though it is difficult.  An acquaintance of mine died of lymphoma, he also had HCV.  I have been trying not to look anything up until I get the results.  
Has anyone else discovered a lump in their neck?  
Thank you
Dee

[HectorSF]

Hi Dee.

Try not to worry. (Easy for me to say).I had a chest CT scan (for my liver cancer) that apparently "showed" a growth in my thyroid a few weeks ago. I then had a followup ultrasound of my thyroid and nothing was found. False alarm. Phew...

Try to wait for the results. Doing reach will only increase your anxiety and give you more to worry about. Yes, our mind create worse case scenarios. Doom and gloom. I was thinking I had cancer of the thyroid etc. etc.

Try to keep busy with other things. When the results come in you can then deal with it whatever it is. Try not to get ahead of yourself. Remember one step at a time is the way to deal with our medical issues. So until we know if it is anything to be concerned about, try to stay focused of your successful treatment and all you have accomplished. And most of all enjoy life!

♥

Best
Hector

[Dee1956]

Dear Hector, thank you so very much, you have been a Godsend to me and I appreciate you more than words can convey

Cheers!
Dee

[beeblessed]

Hiiii.  Sending you support and prayers.  I agree with Hector -- try not to get ahead of yourself.  While reading this, I noticed I was holding my breath, so I can only imagine what you must be feeling.  Breathe, breathe, breathe.  I had a family member have a growth removed from her thyroid and she recovered very quickly from surgery.  I haven't been able to check in lately but please know you (and all my cyber-buddies) are in my thoughts and prayers.

Hugs,
Bee

[Dee1956]

Dear Bee, thank you so very much, I just thought it was something on the thyroid which others have had, my doctor said it is a mass in front of my trachea and also one up under my jaw.  We are hoping it is just a lymph node or a swollen gland however she was concerned enough to send me for the CT Scan.  I know I am silly, I am so tired of worrying about me and my health.
I pray the doc is wrong and my thyroid is enlarged due to an imbalance
Thank you again
D

[beeblessed]

I don't think you're silly at all.  I'd be a bit freaked out too.  Your doc did the right thing.  Not sure if they can tell you whether it's tx related or not, but if they can, please let us know.  In the meantime, busy yourself with a project that will distract you, even for a little while.

Gotta run,
Bee

[flcyclist]

Dee, as Hector stated try not to worry since it will only create extra anxiety and wear you down emotionally.  It's only human nature to think the worst, often preparing ourselves for what we might have to deal with, but usually never happens.   Try to busy yourself with other things, then focus on the results when you get them.  Good luck.

[frijole]

I have a thyroglossal duct cyst.  It is a noticable lump right at the top of my neck, at the base of my chin.  In times of stress it gets big and scarey.  Remember the pictures of old-world woman with big goiters? -- well, it is not as big as that but it is in the same place.  Before I was diagnosed I was really worried.  There are two eye-ear-throat specialists in my town.  One likes to take care of things surgically immediately.  The other would choose surgery as the last resort and she is the one I went to.  Now that I know what it is, I can deal with it, and am glad I did not have surgery.  

"A thyroglossal duct cyst is a neck mass or lump that develops from cells and tissues remaining after the formation of the thyroid gland during embryonic development.

A thyroglossal duct cyst is a congenital (present from birth) defect. When the thyroid gland forms during embryonic development, it begins at the base of the tongue and moves down the neck through a canal called the thyroglossal duct. This duct normally disappears once the thyroid reaches its final position in the neck. Sometimes, portions of the duct remain leaving cavities or pockets called cysts. These cysts can fill with fluid or mucus, and may enlarge if they become infected. Very enlarged cysts can cause difficulty swallowing or obstruct breathing passages."

Dee, I hope that your problem is nothing.
bean
"

[Dee1956]

Thank you both so much.  I am worried but will try to do something else until I get the results.  
I am so grateful for responses.  You are better to me than my own family, they have been MIA since starting tx.  They did not understand why I needed to treat.
I will let you know when I find out.
Bean, that was  good information.  I read about that but thought it did not apply to me since this was a new problem.  The way you presented I understand; it could be something that just popped up but had been there.

Thanks guys

[Dee1956]

Hi  the doctor wrote it was a mass in front of the trachea, mid neck and there there is another on under the mandible
Thank you again.

[frijole]

Dee, it does not sound like yours is a thyroglossal duct cyst but yes, they can appear late in life -- mine probably started giving me problems 10 years ago -- and I never knew it was there although I was born with it.

I want to know, as soon as you do what you find out.
bean

[Dee1956]

Thank you I will post as soon as I know.  I am really not ready for another illness right now, who is? :)
Thank you for your kindness.

Everyone on here has been so nice to me, I barely miss my family as I have family here.

[Naya888]

Dee,i am trying to think how to make you feel a little bit better but in reality I know that if it is a tumor/mass most of them are benign .For that to confirm you need biopsy..Most cancerous tumors take a while to grow I would think you would feel something there for awhile. Benign grows much faster. You might also have only a cyst which appears fast.Pls.try to sleep tonight and let us know your results.Thinking of you I know how you feel it is awfull to go thru this

[jsf52]

Dee, I know that it is tough but do not do "self research" as you will just increase your anxiety.  Relax and rest - do something good for yourself and keep thinking good thoughts.  

[Dee1956]

Thank you so much for your responses.  My doctor said that it could be a lymph node or a gland.
She said that our bodies fight off virus's and germs every day and we are not even aware of it.
I am going to think that is all it is until I hear differently.

Thank you everyone, I really appreciate your support

[libzo2]

I wish your family understood this disease.and cherished your valiant efforts.  I am so proud to share this war of so many battles with you D and everyone here.  Opportunistic is all I can figure.  Maybe all this time we have been fighting HCV so as to eclipse these lurking manifestations. Maybe this is a sign of sure SVR cause HCV is out of the way and the subculture of nasty hosts next in line emerged so to speak.  

Your self advocacy is finely honned at this point.  You can probably tell when you might get bit before a mosquito gets close.  

Here's the deal - you have proven there is nothing that can hold you down.  Every obstacle that has suckerpunched you has not deminished your generousity of spirit.  Your kind thoughts and words resonate here.  We need you in this our other home.  Pass the bisscuits and manifest in healing strength.  

[orphanedhawk]

The first thing that popped into mind, when I read your post, was a lymph node. My husband has had a benign lump under his ear for a long time. Seems to be an age related thing with him.

I know I had some digestive issues post tx, and it was hard not to go over the edge with the 'what ifs' Gratefully those passed.
Sometimes a little lump is just that, a little lump:)

Hugs from the bay~
OH

[Tekelcat]

Yes, dear, try to stay in the present. It's the only way. My last CT they found lesions on the lymph nodes near my liver, but it turned out okay. I'm sending you energy.

[jules2551]

Hi D, just sending you thoughts and prayers.  This must be a very stressful time for you BUT you have to think positive.  (Easy for me to say huh)?  Hang in there and let us know as soon as you find out.

:)~

[belle19]

i'm sending you positive vibes and prayers for everything to work out for the best.  take care of yourself.  belle

[Dee1956]

Hello there!  Thank you all so very much for your good thoughts.  I woke yesterday with a virus and at first thought I was having a reaction to the contrast.  No, there are a lot of virus's going around.

I just got back from the docs office.  The lump is an enlarged muscle  at the level of the thyroid cartilage (mylohyoid)  that has thickened, the lump above that is a lymph node
For some reason the doc wants me to go to an ENT but the good news is that it isn't anything to worry about,

Thank God and thank you all for your support.  I am so appreciative of every single one of you
All my love Dee

[nygirl7]

Well thank God for this good news........it would be better if nothing had happened at all but this at least, you can handle :)

[jules2551]

Good to hear Dee.  I started getting sick last night with a chest cold.  There must be something in the water.  :)~

[Naya888]

I am so happy for you

[belle19]

great news!  what a relief for you.  take care.  belle