My mum has a lump on the side of her neck that she went to go and see the Dr about, he said it might be cancer

Question

Is there anything else that might cause a lump to appear on the side of the neck? It's not near the lymph glands.

Bustup, I'm not saying the Dr's wrong, but I'd like to think that there's another reason why the lump is there. Knowing that there could be another explanation would stop me worrying that I'm gonna lose my mum. She's had a blood test done and she's gonna go have a scan.

Answer 1

could be anything

from a swollen gland to cancer

these days early detection is good and suvival rates are excellent.

i have had breast cancer and still here

do you know that 44,000 people ( as men also get breast cancer) were diagnosed in 2006 in the United kingdom

friends sister had a lump side of her neck had it cut out and then had radation treatment she has been al clear now for 6 years

dont worry may be nothing but always prepare for the worst if you know what i mean

take care

Answer 2

Be strong for your mother, it is not cancer until a biopsy confirms that it is. Usually a cancerous lump is hard and immovable. When cancerous lumps are found on the neck, they are usually due to draining from cancerous lesions within the oral cavity, into the lymph chains in the neck.

Your mom may want to see an ENT who can inspect her mouth and throat for any suspicious lesions (unusual patches etc), or have the lump biopsied. The general rule is, if it doesnt go away within 21 days (3 weeks), it needs to be looked at more thoroughly.

As mentioned above, it could be a number of things so stay strong. Literally HUNDREDS of conditions can cause a lump, and since you mentioned that it isnt "near the lymph glands" that may be a good sign as well. If it *is* Cancer, it does not mean the end by any stretch. Depending on the stage of the disease, there are many treatment strategies your mum and the doctors can utilize to help her battle it. You can also find support from various groups locally and on the internet. For oral cancer, the Oral Cancer Foundation is a tremendous resource. There are many out there.

Best of luck.

Answer 3

I am sure cancer is just one of the possiblities. There are several reasons the lump in her neck could be there. Infection is one of them.
Everyone has lymph nodes in their neck and sometimes infection heads to the nearest ones making them swell up and stick out.
I cannot imagine a lump in her neck not being near a lymph gland since your neck is full of them. They are even in your lips and behind and in front of your ears and face.
If it is cancerous, it is usually metastatic disease in a lymph gland. Like I said they are all over your neck.
Just stay calm and try not to worry until you have a report back on the lump. Insist it is biopsied because that is the only true way to know if its benign.

Answer 4

Lumps can be cysts, they can be ganglians (they are harmless, just a bit odd) all sorts of things. I understand why you are getting answers saying if the doctor says that you need to go with it. BUT everyone has their own way of dealing with things - if you know that your brain is going to tick over the most dire negatives unless you perk yourself up with other options then please do find out as many things it could be instead - because your mum is probably pretty worried right now, and needs you to be positive and strong for her. The doctor did only say "might" - and with lumps they are pretty cautious, so the tests are a fairly routine thing.
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best.

Answer 5

Stop, don't panic. I've seen plenty of these working for the NHS. Even my husband had one. Mostly they are fatty lumps that just gradually grow for no reason whatsoever. For some reason fat cells sometimes deposit around the throat and neck. My husband had his out using basic day surgery.
A simple blood test would be able to detect if your Mum has cancer, so don't worry.

Answer 6

I'm sorry that your being put through this worry. The word and thought of cancer is very scary - specially associated with those you love. BUT...Until you find out what the cause of the lump is, (although its hard) try not to worry too much.

Remember
As long as you have each other you'll be okay!
Take Care,
Best of Luck..

Answer 7

Well i'm sorry to tell you this but most lumps apear for no reason, if it hasn't been tested yet then there is a good chance it may not be cancer. If it is cancer & they have caught it early there are drugs & treatments that will help clear it up. Stop worrying over it & be strong for your mum.

Answer 8

My mum had exactly the same symptoms as your mum. the dr's operated on it and it turned out to be benine which is non-cancerous. having said that if its left untreated. it could've changed and turned cancerous. don't worry so much about it till you know what the score is as worrying about it really wont help. just try and stay strong and supportive like it sounds like you've been doing so far. It's probably not as bad as you think. hope all is well for the future and good luck

Answer 9

i had a lump on the side of my neck but in few months it went away but it caused me a lot of pain. My doctor said that the lump appeared because of stress.

Answer 10

i suppose it depends on wot the lump is like whether its hard or soft, or painful to touch? has the doc given your mum an appointment to see a consultant yet, if not then push for one, its important not too leave it too long, it needs to be looked at as soon as poss, just don't jumped to the wrong conclusions thinking the worst, im sorry i couldnt be more helpful. i hope your mum will be ok. take care!