Should I be worried...?
By batchelorboy
@batchelorboy (42)
June 12, 2009 6:27am CST
Hi Everyone.
I've had a small lump in my throat just uder my jaw bone (left side) for about 8 months and I'm constantly worried about it. I finally plucked up the courage to see my GP about it last week and he said it was on my 'gland' and harmless. I felt rushed through my appointmment so didn't have the chance to consider any questions there and then.
Does anybody else have, or have you ever had, a lump on your 'gland' and if so should I be right to worry? The lump is very noticeable to the touch and when I've been exercising I can feel it throbbing with my pulse. When I turn my head to the side it's on I can feel a slight pressure which keeps reminding me it's there, hence the constant worry.
Thanks for reading and any advice would be greatly appreciated.
J
2 people like this
14 responses
@galileo2008 (1141)
• Philippines
12 Jun 09
Hello! What I could advice is for you to see another doctor for a second opinion. It's kinda alarming to have that lump in you throat because it may not be that harmful, but you still feel uneasy having it.
1 person likes this
@batchelorboy (42)
•
12 Jun 09
Hi galileo
Thanks for your response. I've been thinking about seeing a 2nd doctor but I'm worried I may be making a fuss over nothing.
J
1 person likes this
@vinslounge (1295)
• India
13 Jun 09
Yes it is absolutely necessary to go for a second opinion. It rules out your worry and doubts regarding your problem. The lump in your throat may not be that harmful but still it is a sort of uneasiness in you and a remedy has to be found out soon for the problem. Hence I would suggest you to go for a second opinion
@batchelorboy (42)
•
12 Jun 09
Hi p1kef1sh
Thanks for replying, I'm glad I'm not the only one who thinks I deserve a better explanation. I'm the type to not want to waste the GPs time but I think in this case I need to insist on more time and patience from him...
@srganesh (6340)
• India
12 Jun 09
Search on the net.You can have an approximate idea of your problem.And as already a doctor had said it is not harmful,please relax and learn more from the net before thinking of the next move.Cheers!
@momiecat (997)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Dear Batch, I am glad you are not just taking one person's (be it a GP) opinion. I think it is very wise to get the opinion of a specialist. I think a further investigation needs to be done, perhaps a scan or a biopsy. If there is a 1 in a million chance it could be cancer you certainly would want to treat it as early as possible and if it is not cancer, you will set your mind at ease. A bump or lump of any sort is unusual and should be thoroughly checked out. Good luck.
@batchelorboy (42)
•
12 Jun 09
An update to my post and also replying to srganesh...
I've spent hours and hours searching the net and only found general information and advice to consult my GP. But when searching for goiter, suggested by france7, I stumbled upon the ENT (Ear, Nose & Throat) UK website and found some really useful info. Apparently the lump is on my Submandibular Gland, found on my jawline, which supplies saliva to the front of the mouth. The lump could be a blockage of the saliva gland such as a 'stone' or a narrowing and, just as my GP said, is completely harmless. BUT, on the other hand, the info makes it clear that my GP should've arranged for me to see a specialist straight away because I've had the lump for months and patients should be referred to a specialist after four weeks!!! Also, if the gland is blocked, I may need it operated on under general anaesthetic ... and the info also says up to half of lumps on the submandibular gland are cancerous but are easy to contain. I haven't helped myself by leaving it so long really, but I'm now going back to my GP as soon as I can and insist on having the lump checked properly and PROVEN to be harmless.
Thank you all for your comments, they're really appreciated.
1 person likes this
@France7 (385)
• Philippines
12 Jun 09
Hello batcherboy! If I am not mistaken, the lump under your throat is goiter. It is a kind of sickness that appears to people who do not have much iodine intake. There are two kinds of goiter-one is toxic and the other is non-toxic. I am just lucky that I had non-toxic goiter before. I had it when I was young. At that time, my parents and I were so alarmed that we had multiple check-up about it. Luckily, the doctors said that I did not need to worry as mine was non-toxic, which means it could be treated by just taking in enough iodine. As for you, I suggest that you go for another check-up, and do not worry much as it is not actually good for our health. Relax and cheers!^^
@batchelorboy (42)
•
12 Jun 09
Hi France7
I've looked up goiter on the net and it usually relates to the lower neck. The lump I've found is at the top of my neck just where my jaw bone meets my neck.
I think I will go for a 2nd opinion though...
@Java09 (3075)
• United States
19 Jul 09
I just started a discussion about my lump under my ear.Jaw/neck area.It hurts when touched and its hard,my mom said it could be swollen.I heard of a lump on the troat.I knew some one that had that,its harmless,I don't know if it'll go away though.I'm so worried about my lump,I didn't see a doctor,I had it for about SIX DAYS now.I hope yours gets better,P.S. does yours hurt?
@wqdayang (137)
• China
26 Jun 09
I have had a lump in my gland sometime ago,but it didn't last such a long time berore well.
though the doctor said that it was harmless,was he a professional doctor?
In my option,you'd better to a professional doctor and tack an carefully examination.
Nobody hope there is a potential disease in his body,take seriously and tack action right now.
Good luck to you!
@smileonstar (4007)
• United States
12 Jun 09
HI, so you have this for 8 months? does it hurt? well, I usually have it when I am doing not so well. it will up right under my jaw bone right side, and I can feel it. If I touch it, it a little hurt but not much... it bothers me a lot but it will go away after my health is back to normal. Dont know why but it just happen.
However, my brother... he used to have it for long time just like you then it hurts more and more and he can't even eat and sleep... not even that he became sick. The doctor has no choice to open up and take that thing out. now, he is alright... back to normal. try to talk to ur doctor again and ask for other advice beside ignore it.
@reckon21 (3479)
• Philippines
13 Jun 09
You really need to seek a second opinion from different doctors.
Doctors sometimes make mistakes with their diagnosis. They are only human
beings. Seek other two doctors opinion so that you can arrive a diagnosis
of yourself. After all cure is better earlier than late,right?
@chillpill90 (1936)
•
13 Jun 09
this sunds a little like what i saw on a little girl when i was in hospital about a year ago. she had a lump just were yours is and it turned out to be an absess. i remember she was on antibiotics via a drip and they doctors managed to sort it out. she was only 18 months old. i suggest that when you go to your GP you write a list of the questions you want to ask them. i used to have trouble asking questions in appointments and would then think of tones of questions the minute i left the room but then i was told to write them down and it worked a charm. keep us updated. i hope you get sorted out soon =]
@Citychic (4067)
• United States
13 Jun 09
Should I be worried?
Hi there batchelorboy, I think that you have a right to be worried about what's going on with your body. If it were me I would get a second opinion. See if both doctors tell you the same thing. No I've never had a lump on my gland but if I did notice one I would certainly get it checked out. Take care of yourself. Wishing you peace and goodwill and good health.
@vivianchen (2646)
• China
13 Jun 09
First of all, you have to figure out is that lump hurting when you eating or speaking or swallowing? If so, i suggest you go to some big hospital to see the throat expert.
If it's not hurting when you do anything, maybe you are overworried. Becasue you focus too much on that little lump. I suggest you to focus on someother things like work or life. Play some sports might help!
If none of above is the situation for you, go to the hospital and check detaily. Better safe than sorry!
@lelin1123 (15595)
• Puerto Rico
12 Jun 09
I would definitely go for a second opinion to be sure or to see if you can remove it. Why should you have to deal with the throbbing or pressure when turning your head. A doctor should never rush thru patients checkup that is very unprofessional.
I don't think you have peace of mind and that is what you need. Please go see another doctor! Good luck to you!
@Ruby722 (796)
• China
13 Jun 09
Hi,Batchelorboy
Sorry to hear that,i think you'd better seeing an other doctor.and go to another hospital.Sounds like your situation is not so good.it must take seriously.So as i advice you'd more careful.and if you feel any differently .you should see the doctor immediately.at lat i hope you can get well early..
