Submandibular gland swollen

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Skitzkitty1985
Skitzkitty1985 Member Posts: 2
in Head and Neck Cancer #1

I've searched everywhere trying to find some answer, since my family isn't particularly supportive, they would prefer to bury their heads. Anyways, I am 30 years old, female. About a year ago I noticed a gland on the left side of my throat under my jaw was swollen. i left it alone for a few months, until it started growing in size. I went to one doctor who assured me it was just an infection. A  few more months later it was still there and growing. I went to see another doctor who gave me a referral to OHSU. At this point I have had an ultra sound that showed I had an enlarged node. After my visit to OHSU, where all he did was feel my neck, he assured me it was just a bigger than the right side submandibular gland. Nothing to be concerned about. I have noticed over the last 6 months or so that the right side of my abdominal area, radiating to my back, has been a dull ache pain off and on, my bowels have become very light in color, almost clay like, my right foot itches so bad that I will break skin to get relief, I have lost all taste for sweet objects, most notable is chocolate (and I always have loved chocolate), I'm always tired, but have trouble sleeping. The swelling in my neck sometimes presses on my voice box making it hard for me to speak as well as making it difficult for me to swallow. I'm actual incredibly concerned, but my family is convinced it's all in my head now that one doctor has told them it's just a bigger than normal saliva gland. I think I should have more tests done. Any opinions would be grateful. 

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  • Skitzkitty1985
    Skitzkitty1985 Member Posts: 2
    #2
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    additional information, I

    additional information, I have problems eating anything more than a small meal. Otherwise it physically hurts, mostly my right side, as well as makes me sick to my stomach.

  • phrannie51
    phrannie51 Member Posts: 4,716
    #3
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    It doesn't sound like throat cancer...

    but definately sounds to me like you might want a total check up....with a complete blood panel.  It might sound strange because of where you say the pain radiates from and to.....but makes me think maybe your appendix is getting funky.

    p

  • wmc
    wmc Member Posts: 1,804
    #4
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    Not sure, but is doesn't sound like any cancer.

    I would see your PCP and request a full blood workup. You might have him check,[push on] your appendix or refer you to a gastronomist and have the colon checked. The swelling in the neck if it was cancer you would not be guessing, you woukd know. I'm no doctor but it sounds like several things that might be conected. Neck swollen lymph glands fighting infection will get larger. The other problems seem like appendix or maybe colon infection. I wish you the best and you should feel a litter better that it does not fit cancer. Cancer normally does not hurt.

    Bill

  • MrsBD
    MrsBD Member Posts: 615 Member
    #5
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    All the symptoms you've

    All the symptoms you've mentioned can have many different causes and should be checked out further. As Phrannie mentioned, a complete blood panel is a good place to start. The sooner you do it, the faster you'll be on the way to feeling better.

  • katenorwood
    katenorwood Member Posts: 1,912
    #6
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    Take a breath first

    My suggestion is for you to get a referral to an ENT.  They are the experts.  I had a swollen gland....in front of my large saliva gland for over 16 yrs.  Mine turned out to be a tumor hiding behind what doctors for yrs. had called a scarred gland.  I don't mean to scare you, never ever intend to do that to anyone.  I'm saying in my case it was malignant ACC of the right submandiblar gland.  

    ENT's are pretty common to see, fairly easy to get the referral.  Just for peace of mind for yourself, get things checked out.  And please check back and let us know you're o.k.   Katie

    Oh and just for information for other's....ACC is one that will NOT show up in blood tests.  In fact, most your panels look excellent, and symptoms vary. 

  • edwin434
    edwin434 Member Posts: 2
    #7
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    I have lumps

    I have a roughly 2cm lump on my submandibulr gland wich I have not goten a straight answer for, it appeared about 2 years ago. I have been told this is part of the gland which is normal and also been told it was a swollen lymph node. When I first noticed the lump 2 years ago it was less then 1cm. Since then another 2cm lymph node popped up above submandibulr gland below jaw ling, 2cm lymph node on back side of neck, and just noticed a couple pea sized lymph nodes behind ear. I have been to 4 ENTs, 2 ct scans a year apart, ultrasound, and fine needle biopsy. So far they tell me that I just have enlarged lymph nodes which may be due to smoking. So I guess as of now I just have to keep watching and waiting, I might eventually request another needle biopsy. The doctors say if I had cancer I'd have more obvious smptoms by now but from what I read folicular lymphoma fits my symptoms fairly well. I'm happy to hear anyones advice also, thanks.

  • tommyodavey
    tommyodavey Member Posts: 727 Member
    #8
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    edwin434 said:

    I have lumps

    I have a roughly 2cm lump on my submandibulr gland wich I have not goten a straight answer for, it appeared about 2 years ago. I have been told this is part of the gland which is normal and also been told it was a swollen lymph node. When I first noticed the lump 2 years ago it was less then 1cm. Since then another 2cm lymph node popped up above submandibulr gland below jaw ling, 2cm lymph node on back side of neck, and just noticed a couple pea sized lymph nodes behind ear. I have been to 4 ENTs, 2 ct scans a year apart, ultrasound, and fine needle biopsy. So far they tell me that I just have enlarged lymph nodes which may be due to smoking. So I guess as of now I just have to keep watching and waiting, I might eventually request another needle biopsy. The doctors say if I had cancer I'd have more obvious smptoms by now but from what I read folicular lymphoma fits my symptoms fairly well. I'm happy to hear anyones advice also, thanks.

    Same Here

    My case was similar to Kate's but my gland was only swollen for maybe 1½ years.  Yes, go to an ENT and get scoped!  4 doctors told me the same thing as you and my tumor kept growing.  Hopefully you don't have cancer but it needs to be ruled out.

     

    Tom

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