Hi all. I just returned from docs. I went for something entirely different but Dr noticed swelling in neck (I had noticed before but ignored it as it didn't bother me at all). He told me it was an enlarged Submandibular Salivary gland for which he referred me to a a specialist. I didn't ask any question when in the Docs and only now have spoken to a friend who seemed more than concerned about it. Any one any advice as I now have a wait to find anything out.
Thanks,
Gary.

Hi Gary and welcome.

I guess the reason you have found your way here is because you have been trawling the internet for the causes of submandibular swellings.
I think it is important to say at this stage,that until you see the specialist,it is of no real benefit to presume the worst,even though its human nature for us to do that.

your swelling could be caused by many things such as a saliva gland stone,or an infected lymph node,so lets think positive,and presume all is well until someone tells you differently.

Hope all goes well

liz

Hello Gary

I agree with Cookey's advice. Try not to worry as it is usually like what she says. Let's hope for the best. Do let us know what it is. We will be here if you need us,

Best wishes
Vinod

Thanks for the replies and advice - I know its sensible (but frustrating) Do you have an idea for the waiting time for a specialist appointment for things of this nature.
I didn't get to ask my GP many questions, I was a bit speechless so any information would be helpful...
Regards,
Gary

Hi Gary

if your doctor suspects anything serious you will be seen under the two week rule(all patients to be seen within two weeks of referral).Otherwise it will be standard waiting list.

LIZ

Thanks Liz - I really appreciate your help and advice.
Take care,
Gary

Hi - just an update. I was impatient and phoned my GP who said that I HAD been referred as an urgent case but as I saw him on Friday afternoon, the referral may not have been sent until Monday morning. He said he would get his secretary to check that the referral had been received.
Its two weeks tomorrow that I saw him but it feels like months...
Gary.

Got my appt this morning - Won't be seen for another 10 days...
Oh well...
I'm always telling my children about the importance of patience - I'm such a hypocrite..
Gary.

Hey Gary,... glad you mentioned "children"... my adult children are watching my reaction to having 30-40% of my tongue removed so they know how much anxiety to have....they're looking to see how freaked out I am so they know how "freaked out" they should be.

My kids are 27 and 29 and I'm glad they still look to me in a respectful light. I've chosen to show them strength and confidence in my research about the operation, my physicians capabilities and opptimism of having this cancer GONE!.... My hope is that by taking this approach I will give comfort to my wife and family....

We patients should have our care givers and supporters in mind with our behaviour.... no critism here from me.... just sharing a thought....

wishing you well.

bob (pembo)

We patients should have our care givers and supporters in mind with our behaviour.... no critism here from me.... just sharing a thought...

Bob - you are so right... In this instance I have chosen not to share information at all. Its interesting that friends/family tend to measure their reaction by yours and what an impact this has on everyone around you.
Hope you're not feeling too unwell and thanks for sharing a thought.
Gary.

hi there
my husband had the same as you several years ago now.it turned out the gland was blocked and all he had to do after eating was massage it eventually it went away and has never come back.my sister too had the same problem but they unblocked hers in a little op.it was nothing serous as i hope yours will not be. regards shirl xxx

Thanks Shirl. Yes it could be the same - Its a painless enlargement of the gland. I have no other symptons at all, in fact, I only used to notice it when I shaved.
I see my GP on Mon 14th so all will be revealed.
Gary.

Hey Gary,.. I notice "N. Wales" as your location. Though I'm in the states, my grandfather came from Wales... so I've always kept my eyes and ears open for anything of Wales.

best wishes to you on the 14th!

bob (pembo) pemberton

Hi Bob. Do you know where in Wales he hailed from - If it is North Wales I could send photos of the town/village.
Let me know if interested.
Regards,
Gary.

Hi Bob and Gary

My father was born on Anglesey (Ynys Mon). He left Wales at the beginning of the war to join the Royal Army Medical Corps and never returned there to live, though he continued to speak fluent welsh until he died two years ago. I have friends and relatives who still live on Anglesey and I visit them every year.

Good to keep the Welsh connection going!

Cheers
Gwyn