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Submental nodes swelling?

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March 16th, 2012
Hi All!

I'm a 16 year old male - also a well-known hypochondriac! I have self-diagnosed myself several of times and the amount of cancers that I though I had would really blow your mind.
My new worry is lymphoma.... terrified. What I find strange about this forum is that lymphoma is one of the most popular on the cancer topics and its considered a rare enough cancer. This is because us hypochondriacs begin to search the net and we then collect information from various sites claiming that swollen lymph nodes are possible indicators for cancer. Us hypochondriacs do not focus on the word "possible".

Anyways I have a swollen lymph node under my chin (submental. It about 1.5 cm in width, firm, painless (unless I push it hard) and it also seems that another tiny lymph node about >1cm in width is connected to it. I can move them but not like the whole way around my chin. Is this tiny lymph node normal?

I went to the doctor who examined my nodes and looked into my throat and found I had tonsillitis. My tonsil is swollen with white spots on them. She gave me medication for the infection and the white spots soon disappeared but no reduce in size in the tonsils or submental nodes.

While looking through the symptoms of lymphoma, I found that itchy skin was a common symptom. A few minutes later I developed itchiness. I know this is in my head! The itch would randomly develop on my face and then I'd scratch it once and it would go and appear somewhere else. This never happens when I'm watching TV, or at school but only when I'm worrying about lymphoma.

I have my doctors head wrecked. I ring her any time I discover a common symptom.

Does anybody think I should be concerned with the nodes?

NO fever, no weight loss, no night sweats!
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guest31449
replied March 18th, 2012
Experienced User
Hi worriecom1, it's a good thing they got your infection to go away, but if you noticed swelling during and after your tonsillitis, you may need them out. I know what you're talking about under your chin, and the lump you're talking about is there, normally. But, as before, if you noticed it swelling during and after the infection, I would just go ahead and ask your doctor if you need them out. Sometimes if you had a bad infection, you can still have some inflammation afterwards. I really think you have alot of anxiety and panic going on. That's why you get itching, when you're thinking about something, and when you're focused on it and nothing else. Practice some anxiety calming things like yoga, or deep breathing techniques, and walk away from a situation when you're having these attacks. I under stand from where you're coming from, I'm a hypochondriac as well. after my staph infection, I take drastic measures to cleaning, and anything that I come into contact with. I was so focused on staph/ MERSA infections that every time I noticed something wrong with me, like my sinuses, acne, redness, or anything from my sinuses, I'd run to my doctor everytime, and found nothing. I'm focused also on strep infections as well. I have my routines of using hot water with anything, like brushing my teeth, bathing, or if I think I contaminated my skin or mouth with anything. I know it's hard to tell yourself it's all in your head, but if you just tell yourself each and every time, and breath, clear your mind, it helps. It'll take time, but it'll help. Take care!
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worriedcom1
replied March 19th, 2012
Hey AMowns thanks for your reply!

Yes I noticed that I now am actually having reoccurring tonsil stones. Would this have been the reason for tonsillitis in the first place and would this cause a swelling of the lymph nodes?

Hypochondria is ruining my life but my doctor has prescribed me with Prozac and there has been a significant improvement since.

However, I am still concerned about Lymphoma. The lymph node is still the same size I think. Is it normal to feel lymph nodes above the area where your adams apple is?
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guest31449
replied March 19th, 2012
Experienced User
Yes, where your Adam's apple is, that's normal. Stones could definitely cause inflammation since they due tend to stretch and irritate your mouth, especially on the size. I would advise your doctor to atleast have them removed or see a specialist.
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worriedcom1
replied March 21st, 2012
Thanks AMowns !

I have just noticed that - this could be normal - but when in the shower I noticed that underneath each of my hips there is what feels like a muscle that stretches from directly below the hip down to my pubic area on each side. Is this normal?

I rang my doctor again today with it and she didn't seem to concerned.

Thank you again
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guest31449
replied March 21st, 2012
Experienced User
You do have muscle, but honestly, I've never heard of that. A doctor is not suppose to really ignore you, they would usually have you come in, just to make sure. I would tell them you're concerned about it and to atleast make sure of it.
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worriedcom1
replied March 21st, 2012
She said that all bloods were done and that there was nothing to worry about.
I think it might be inguinal hernia? Its like a swelling. I thought it might have been another lymph node. if it was should I be concerned?
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guest31449
replied March 22nd, 2012
Experienced User
Basically, an inguinal hernia is like a pull of muscle toward that area. My mom has had one for years, but depending on the person, it can rupture. So, yes, I would talk to your doctor about it. What they do is they'll put like a net over it to stop the growth of it. My friend's father had one, and he was in and out I think within the day of surgery. Again, everyone is different.
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worriedcom1
replied March 23rd, 2012
I notice that when I push into the swelling that there is no lumps or any hard bumps, its just like pushing into your stomach. I can't feel anything like a lymph node in the area but maybe your not supposed to feel them? When I lie down the "bulge" disappears and when I cough it get kind of "pops" out a little. I hope it is a hernia rather than a lymph node.

I'm nearly sure it's a hernia because of its consistency. I hope so.
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guest31449
replied March 23rd, 2012
Experienced User
From what you're telling me, it could be, since something is popping up. Either way, you need to be examined again, closely.
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worriedcom1
replied March 27th, 2012
So you thinking hernia or lymph nodes?
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guest31449
replied March 27th, 2012
Experienced User
You described two different places, in both of those areas. you mentioned your chin with the lymph nodes, and below your hip, the muscle, of a hernia, or what you thought is. I gave my opinion, you really need to get better results from your doctor, or someone else.
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worriedcom1
replied April 3rd, 2012
I visited my doctor again and to my relief she examined me thoroughly. She inspected the groin lump and said it was just a weakened (can't remember what) and that the worst that it could turn to would be an inguinal hernia. I was relieved. She also inspected my nodes in my neck. All were under 2cm in diameter which is not considered abnormal and if they were to swell in a few days then it would be due to my tonsil stones.

Thank you AMowns for your help!
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guest31449
replied April 4th, 2012
Experienced User
Hey, glad you got some answers finally. They can put a net over the hernia if it were to happen. I'm glad to give you some advice, take care!
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Amber143
replied November 25th, 2012
Oh my I had the same lymphnodes like you too... I'm also a hypochondriac and have been to diffirent Doctors and they we're all saying there is nothing to about the lymphnodes, maybe it was due to my acne.. Being a hypochondriac is such a burden
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