Just found this message board full of usefull info. Been having difficulty swallowing and sleeping/snoring together with food reflux. Doctor sent me to a chest consultant but before the main man came in his assistant noticed a small lump just below my jawbone kind of down from my left ear. So now waiting for ENT to get in touch. At this time I wish I wasnt such an internet junkie....full of horror stories. Anyway real glad to stumble on you. If anyone can tell me what are the odds of me having something sinister I'd appreciate it --- not many mentions of innocent lumps on the net. Thanks All

Hi

It is impossible to say. But the commonest cause would be a swollen lymph node as a reaction to a throat infection. The ENT specialist will examine your throat and probably do a biopsy if not satisfied as to what the lump is. You are in the system now, just get your GP to check that you get an appointment within two weeks. See page 34 of the NICE Referral guidelines for suspected cancer. Try not to worry, as it won't help. Getting referred urgently is better than having it ignored for months! Let's hope it turns out to be just a begnign lymph node.

Let us know how you get on.

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks for the quick reply.....will try not to worry too much and will let you know what happens. Not told my family of concerns, dont want to worry my wife n kids they think my tonsils r to blame.....just a hopeful truth/white lie .... for now. Cya

Cya, Hello to you,,,Please try to calm down..Every lump or knot is not always a sign of CANCER, it is just that after you have been diagnosed that is all we think about...OMG NOT AGAIN!!! Like Doc said it could be almost anything.. I know I have them from time to time...It has turned out to be nothing..So please don't worry until you have a reason to worry..If not you will harm your recovery more than help it...Just so words from someone who has been there and done that.Bless you...Vicki Lynn

Turns out lump was absolutely nothing to worry about (some kind of fatty deposit). But I am so glad I was referred, one of the reasons I was feeling bad was found out, severe sleep apnea. On CPAP now, strange how things turn out. Much grateful to your answers and also confirmation that you were right DOC get things checked out but dont worry over nothing ;-). Thanks Again
Ian