First of all, thank you for taking the time to read this.
I am, indeed, an 18 year old, male/hispanic, hypochondriac. I am 5'9 and 125lbs.
Last year, I found a marble size, hard ball on the left side of my neck. It was deep in there, I actually
had trouble finding it every once in a while. It does not create a bulge whatsoever.
When I told my doctor about it, she said it was probably a swollen lymph node due to a cold or infection. I also
had a complete blood test and it came back normal.
Well, that was last year. This week, I looked for it again, and it is still there. I'm so worried because
I am fearing the worst: lymphoma, thyroid cancer or some sort of throat tumor. This entire year, it hasn't bothered me. It has not grown, or caused pain. I also have not had any physical symptoms. I actually feel really healthy and energetic.
Since I was a child, I've had fairly enlarged tonsils, even under my chin. Doctors always said I could have them removed but that it wasn't necessary.
My questions:
-If I've had this "ball mass" for 1.5+ years, maybe more, and it hasn't brought any concern, should I worry?
-can enlarged lymph nodes from previous infections (enlarged tonsils/tonsilitis) stay large for a number of years?
- Are cysts in the neck common in teens?
-In general, does it sound like it could potentially be cancer? Although I've been feeling extremely healthy this past year?
Thank You so much!