Lump in throat sensation / right submandibular gland swelling in a 19yr old?
About two weeks ago, I had a lump in the throat sensation which I thought was due to stress (I'm very much a hypochondriac as you'll probably soon see). Long story short, I went to the doctor and he felt around my neck quickly and referred me to an ENT because he thought one of my lymph nodes were swollen. The ENT quickly looked into my throat using a mirror and said everything looked fine. He felt my neck and said everything was fine as well.
So he said that the sensation was either due to stress or could be acid reflux and told me to stay away from greasy and spicy foods and come back if it got worse.
Well, the feeling has come and gone over the past two weeks, being present more often than not. I recently (this weekend) started taking 20mg Famotidine twice daily since I thought maybe it could be acid reflux. It gave me relief for about a full day but then the sensation came back. Yesterday I tried Nexium 20mg once a day and it brought some relief at night but the feeling is back today and Nexium has not helped. But I have continued to eat rather unhealthily since I'm on campus and everything is either greasy or fried
I am very stressed out lately and this definitely isn't helping. Anyway:
-When my general doctor referred me to an ENT for what he thought "might" be a swollen lymph node, I got so freaked out that I started feeling around the area myself. Nothing was visibly swollen but I definitely "felt something" there. I've since learned that it wasn't my lymph node I was feeling at all but my right submandibular gland.
-But my right submandibular gland is definitely larger than the other one. I'm very skinny so my neck structure is very prominent and everyone always tells me my Adam's apple is huge since it protrudes so much. Anyway, upon feeling the gland it's not harder and the gland itself seems to be pretty much the same size as the left one, but the area around the right one seems to be more "puffy." Even if I stretch my neck upward so that all of the skin stretches and you can see any bumps on the skin, it's not visible
-I have no other symptoms besides extreme stress and anxiety. No sore throat, no fever, no nothing
-I normally don't feel around for my glands so I don't know if they've always been like this before. I only know that they've never been swollen because I probably would've noticed that straightaway
-I've talked to some doctors online and am seeing the ENT again on Friday, but basically everyone says that it is normal for one gland to be a bit larger than the other and not to worry
-When I first started feeling the gland after seeing the doctor, I was prodding and "mashing" it quite hard, and I noticed a day or two later that is swelled a little. Since then it has stayed the same size and has not gotten any bigger. I still have been gently feeling and prodding though. Now it seems as if I'm more conscious of the gland. There's no pain but I'm definitely more conscious of the gland now, as in sometimes I might feel a dull "pulsing" through it if anyone understands what I mean?
Is this concerning?
I'm 19 and I feel like at my age I should be enjoying life like everyone else my age. But instead I'm on a forum worrying about whether or not I have cancer and it's miserable.
I was finally trying to calm down and tell myself not to worry but then I came on here and read some of yall's diagnosis stories and am scared now Comments
-
Your are being human
I think your level of self awareness at 19 is commendable. One doctor thought he felt a swollen gland. You have gone to an ENT and are going again. You will establish a baseline from which any future comparisons can be made. Follow it through and get peace of mind. The chances are slim to none that you have cancer, however cancer is very unforgiving and you cannot afford to get it wrong. Perhaps you have a slight infection giving you some discomfort. Continue to monitor your body and it's signals and you will grow old.0 -
Thanks for the replyratface said:Your are being human
I think your level of self awareness at 19 is commendable. One doctor thought he felt a swollen gland. You have gone to an ENT and are going again. You will establish a baseline from which any future comparisons can be made. Follow it through and get peace of mind. The chances are slim to none that you have cancer, however cancer is very unforgiving and you cannot afford to get it wrong. Perhaps you have a slight infection giving you some discomfort. Continue to monitor your body and it's signals and you will grow old.
Thanks for the reply. The ENT I saw two weeks ago was the campus ENT. We have rotating specialists daily and the ENT comes once a week for 3 hours so everything is a bit rushed. I'm seeing an ENT at a clinic this week just to be safe.
The gland is slightly sore now and if I lay down in an odd position my right jaw is ever so slightly sore as well. I think it might be due to the prodding I did last week but now I've only been very gently touching the gland to check on the size everyday so I don't understand why it's hurting. That has me more concerned than anything.
All of my friends are enjoying themselves on this abroad experience and I am too for the most part, but I feel like I'm getting so bogged down with all this anxiety0 -
Parents??hkcool said:Thanks for the reply
Thanks for the reply. The ENT I saw two weeks ago was the campus ENT. We have rotating specialists daily and the ENT comes once a week for 3 hours so everything is a bit rushed. I'm seeing an ENT at a clinic this week just to be safe.
The gland is slightly sore now and if I lay down in an odd position my right jaw is ever so slightly sore as well. I think it might be due to the prodding I did last week but now I've only been very gently touching the gland to check on the size everyday so I don't understand why it's hurting. That has me more concerned than anything.
All of my friends are enjoying themselves on this abroad experience and I am too for the most part, but I feel like I'm getting so bogged down with all this anxiety
let your parents know what is going on. Do you own a cat, been scratched and possibly have contracted cat scratch fever?0 -
I haven't told my parentsratface said:Parents??
let your parents know what is going on. Do you own a cat, been scratched and possibly have contracted cat scratch fever?
I haven't told my parents since I haven't been dx'd with anything and am not sick. If that changes though, they'll be the first people to know.
And I haven't been attacked by any animals pretty much ever, nor do I own any pets. As I understand, cat scratch fever affects the lymph nodes, but my "swelling" is not in a lymph node. I hesitate to say swelling now since that makes it seem huge when in fact it's not even visible.0 -
Upon further inspection, it
Upon further inspection, it seems that the gland is very slightly visible if I lift my neck up or angle my head back. Really nervous about this now. My thought process is: my doctor thought he felt a lymph node a couple of weeks ago and even though the ENT said it was fine, maybe the lump is malignant and the lymph node was a sign. Can't help these thoughts...
Hopefully the ENT will have an appointment availble today or tomorrow0 -
Swollen Lymphnode
It sounds like the swollen lymphnode is doing what it is supposed to do....run interference when something is going on....
If you have seen the ENT and he feels you are fine, more than likely you are.
If you aren't satisfied with that or still have concerns, see a different ENT.
You are in charge, and it's your body, you know it better than others.
Other than that, stay intune with what's going on and trust the MD's...but if they don't give you an answer that you can live with, get another opinion....
But, if after 2 or 3 saying the same thing, it might just be you overeacting to something less serious.
Best,
John0 -
the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.0 -
the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.0 -
the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.0 -
the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.0 -
Hi hkcoolSkiffin16 said:Swollen Lymphnode
It sounds like the swollen lymphnode is doing what it is supposed to do....run interference when something is going on....
If you have seen the ENT and he feels you are fine, more than likely you are.
If you aren't satisfied with that or still have concerns, see a different ENT.
You are in charge, and it's your body, you know it better than others.
Other than that, stay intune with what's going on and trust the MD's...but if they don't give you an answer that you can live with, get another opinion....
But, if after 2 or 3 saying the same thing, it might just be you overeacting to something less serious.
Best,
John
I agree with what John just said the lymphnode is just doing its job of keeping your body clean. But as with anything it don’t hurt to keep checking your self but don’t let it become a problem looking for something wrong with you all the time.
Take care and start eating right that will be one way to help your body fight off any future problems and stop worrying will be the other.
Wishing you the best my friend
╠╣ONDO0 -
Thanks for the responseslongtermsurvivor said:the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.
Thanks for the responses guys. Well the gland is definitely movable and not rock hard. Maybe a tad tender though. I've made an appointment with the ENT for Monday, since he was fully booked through the weekend already.0 -
I'm just concerned becauselongtermsurvivor said:the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.
I'm just concerned because 1. it's palpable 2. i've been reading people's diagnosis stories on here and they all just seem to start with a "lump," hard or soft.0 -
hkcool
I agree with all those who have replied to you above.
If you do not like what your doc says go to another. Do not know where you are but do not go to a small town setting hospital. Go to the big time places, they tend to be more experience and knowledgeable. Again I suggest to listen to doctor. It may just be an infected gland and a antibiotic for 10 days might be required, if that does not help after ten days, let the doc know. We here are not doctors but we have experienced the system and waiting game.
last thought...... Believe you will be fine/ok and you will be! Trust your doctor and if you don't find another.
John0 -
Hkcoolhkcool said:I'm just concerned because
I'm just concerned because 1. it's palpable 2. i've been reading people's diagnosis stories on here and they all just seem to start with a "lump," hard or soft.
That is understandable but sometime a little information can be too much and people bring sickness upon themselves by worrying. You are young and have a lifetime of things to do ahead of you. If by some chance in your future cancer does become part of your life you will know that there are many who have been there and made it through to live a great lift afterward.
Start now by helping your body help it’s self by eating right and prayer. “Words of wisdom” If I would have done that at 19 teen more then likely I would not be here today.
Hondo0 -
HKCOOLlongtermsurvivor said:the submandibular glands are typically not palpable.
and differentiating a submandibular gland from a node isn't necessarily possible, even for the best trained pro in the universe. I mean this in all kindness. You are worrying yourself to death, and have acknowledged that this is a problem for you. You also said you thought you might have made the gland sore by mashing on it. I can relate to you that every first year medical student does exactly that as they study various diseases. LOL, everyone always worries they have caught every disease they are currently studying and they mash on everything and everything becomes sore. It is really pretty funny to watch.....
Cancerous nodes are typically ROCK HARD, and nontender. Same thing with submandibular glands. If your gland really is prominent, and tender, infection is the most likely reason. It is proper for you to see an ENT for reassurance, or for antibiotics, or for studies or for better advice than you'll get from us. Even though we'll keep trying:)
Be well.
I'm totally not trying to scare you, I just want you to follow up and get it checked out, but that is sort of how my cancer journey got started, except on the left side. At first there was just one lump, probably a swollen lymph node, but then you could feel two. Probably lymph node and salivary gland. It didn't get rock hard until it got to about the size of a walnut. (it ended up the size of a large lemon by my surgery date happened. I had my left salivary gland and 23 lymph nodes removed) I was treated with two courses of antibiotics that didn't work. Then I had a fine needle biopsy, that showed SCC. So, if it doesn't go down, keep pushing. It could also be just a blocked salivary gland.0 -
Don't worry, I appreciatesweetblood22 said:HKCOOL
I'm totally not trying to scare you, I just want you to follow up and get it checked out, but that is sort of how my cancer journey got started, except on the left side. At first there was just one lump, probably a swollen lymph node, but then you could feel two. Probably lymph node and salivary gland. It didn't get rock hard until it got to about the size of a walnut. (it ended up the size of a large lemon by my surgery date happened. I had my left salivary gland and 23 lymph nodes removed) I was treated with two courses of antibiotics that didn't work. Then I had a fine needle biopsy, that showed SCC. So, if it doesn't go down, keep pushing. It could also be just a blocked salivary gland.
Don't worry, I appreciate the sentiment.
Did you have any other symtoms?
The lump sensation is back but probably because I'm hyperventilating so much I ate some greasy food last night too. I notice that the next day it really correlates to my meal times and even a light breakfast gets it going.
Also, I'm like 99% sure this isn't a lymph node. Just some crude googling shows that it's exactly in the area where the submandibular gland is. Also, it's not so much the gland itself that's swollen as it is the area around it. I don't want to keep prodding it but the "texture" of the "swollen" side is the same as the non-swollen side.
The ENT I'm seeing is supposedly very good and comes very highly recommended, so hopefully I'll get some peace of mind. With these kinds of things, am I going to have to jump through many hoops to find out definitively what this is? I'm kind of on a budget enough as it is being a college student and getting tons of tests done is really going to be hard on me0 -
Here's the problemhkcool said:Don't worry, I appreciate
Don't worry, I appreciate the sentiment.
Did you have any other symtoms?
The lump sensation is back but probably because I'm hyperventilating so much I ate some greasy food last night too. I notice that the next day it really correlates to my meal times and even a light breakfast gets it going.
Also, I'm like 99% sure this isn't a lymph node. Just some crude googling shows that it's exactly in the area where the submandibular gland is. Also, it's not so much the gland itself that's swollen as it is the area around it. I don't want to keep prodding it but the "texture" of the "swollen" side is the same as the non-swollen side.
The ENT I'm seeing is supposedly very good and comes very highly recommended, so hopefully I'll get some peace of mind. With these kinds of things, am I going to have to jump through many hoops to find out definitively what this is? I'm kind of on a budget enough as it is being a college student and getting tons of tests done is really going to be hard on me
You keep describing yourself as a hypochondriac. You acknowledge lots of neurotic symptoms, and are reading up on diseases processes and frequenting a board full of us people who are mostly age-group appropriate for these illnesses. Then you ask loaded questions about things like how many hoops you're going to have to jump through, and make statements about your neck that conclude you may not have any demonstrable findings.
I respectfully submit that you're going to have to jump through as many hoops as you set in front of yourself. You have set the stage for not believing ANY doctor who tries to reassure you. Therefore you will put the doctor in a position of ordering expensive tests on you that he may not ordinarily order. The burden of that will be on you, not him. Despite what you may believe, and may infer from reading for a few days on this board, most doctors are very competent, and try hard to do the best they can for their patients, which includes giving sound advice while not overspending their patient's health-care dollars.
I'm not trying to give you a bad time hkcool, but someone has to tell you the real deal. Whether or not you have a neck problem I don't know. but you are truly your own worst enemy in this thing. I'm sorry if this offends you as that is not my intent.0 -
Also, I'm beginning to think
Also, I'm beginning to think maybe this is just the normal size of the gland. As I said, I normally don't feel around for my glands so I have no idea what they're like "normally." I mean the gland itself only feels ever so slightly larger than the other one - it's just the area around it that's a tad swollen.
OR maybe the slight swelling is self-induced. it's odd how this happens AFTER I see the ENT for the first time. I don't think they were like this before I saw the ENT, so I'm thinking maybe the somewhat aggressive prodding I did before seeing the ENT two weeks ago may have made it like this
I'm seeing the school ENT again today in the interim since it's super cheap. But I'm thinking maybe after the ENT visit next week I may look into stress therapy as a solution since I've been freaking out about my health constantly ever since I've been abroad. This isn't the first time in the past month I was convinced I had some serious disease only to see a doctor and find out everything was fine.
Yesterday I was very relaxed and not too stressed and I felt pretty good. The lump in the throat sensation was pretty much gone. But today I'm worrying and it's back0 -
Well, I saw the ENT at my
Well, I saw the ENT at my school today and mentioned the gland. He felt the area and said everything seemed fine. He mumbled a lot though and English wasn't his first language, so when I asked what it was all I got was a "it's fine."
I have a mild sore throat now and am feeling a bit down, but I'm pretty sure it's because i've been getting very little sleep as it's midterms week. There's also some sort of bug going around that all my friends seem to be getting. Still going to the ENT on Monday though as I've already scheduled the appt
@longtermsurvivor no offense taken and I agree. I've been trying pretty hard to just relax lately, and it'll probably be a bit easier now that exams are over and I can actually sleep0
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