Not sure what to do

[sittinonamountain]

Hi -

Here is my history that has brought me to this point.  

May 2007 I had a CT scan w/contrast of the neck because my primary dr said I had an enlarged lymph node.  Report findings: posterior submental region left of midline 10 x 9 mm node, few slightly prominent deep cervical chain nodes, on the left a 12mm in long axis, on right an elongated node just posterior to submandibular gland anterior to sternocleidomastoid muscle which is 2.5 cm.  The thyroid demonstrates a 9mm nonenhancing or possibly cystic focus within the right lobe.  Primary dr sent me to an ENT.  ENT said "let's do scan again in 6 months and see what that says".  Primary dr also had me get bloodwork done and everything came back fine.  TSH w/reflex to FT4 was 1.12 which says it is in range.

November 2007 CT scan w/contrast report findings: posterior submental node left of midline measures 9 x 6 mm - this is slightly less prominent than on prior exam.  All other findings from prior exam are unchanged.  ENT said everything is fine don't need to see me again.

January 23, 2008 - felt a small lump on back of neck approx. 3 inches up from collarbone - I believe this is an posterior cervical lymph node.  It does not hurt and it will move side to side under the force of my finger.  It has not gotten any bigger and perhaps has gotten a little smaller however it is still there.  I have noticed lately that sometimes it feels like something is stuck in my throat and it seems hard to swallow, like things aren't going down smoothly.  Sometimes I cough/choke when drinking.  This is only sometimes, not all the time.

So, the questions I have are...
1.  should I return to my primary dr
2.  should I see an endocrinologist instead of an ENT
3.  or is there no need to do anything and I should stop wondering because all this funky stuff is in the norm

Thanks!!

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

ENT is probably best for non-thyroid neck lumps which sound like benign lymph nodes based on your description.  The thyroid nodule is small and not likely related to the lymph nodes, but an endocrinologist can help determine that.

[ellencoop]

I would let an Endocrinologist look at you and let them tell you what you need to do.  I had a lymph node removed when I was around 7 years old due to a milk allergy.  I have to X on my neck to mark the spot.

Good Luck!