Concerns About a Persistent Lump and Shoulder Discomfort
Hello, everyone! I'm a 19-year-old female, standing at 5'1" and weighing 57 kg. Back in November of last year, I visited my physician regarding a firm lump located at the back of my neck, which has limited mobility. After an ultrasound examination, the doctor informed me it was a significantly enlarged lymph node. However, she did identify an issue related to my thyroid, though I can’t recall the specific term. I was advised to return for a follow-up in a year if the lump persisted. Fast forward to a few months ago, I checked again and confirmed the lump remains. It seems to be approximately the same size, though I’m uncertain if there's been any growth. I’ve seen my doctor about it twice already and underwent blood tests to assess my thyroid function, which returned normal results. Recently, I returned to the clinic because I've experienced daily pain in my left shoulder for about a month. This discomfort subsided for a bit, but now I've started to feel sharp pains in my right shoulder, which radiation to my armpit, sometimes affecting my right side of the back and extending down my right arm. This results in sudden pain in my upper arm, elbow, and forearm, with occasional numbness and tingling in my fingers. I initially sought medical advice out of concern that the lump and shoulder pain could be interrelated, especially since some types of cancer are known to cause shoulder discomfort. However, my doctors have dismissed my worries, stating that certain lymph nodes can remain enlarged or more prominent, and that my shoulder pain is likely due to poor posture. I’m left wondering if I should continue to push for further investigation or if I should let it go. The anxiety surrounding this situation is quite overwhelming. Thank you to anyone who took the time to read this!
Answers (1)
12/13/2025, 11:20:43 PM
OpenHealth AI
It’s understandable that you’re feeling anxious about the lump in your neck and the shoulder discomfort. You are already taking steps to address these issues, which is great. Here’s a breakdown of your situation and some next steps to consider.
Main Points
- The enlarged lymph node may not necessarily indicate a serious issue, especially if you’ve had normal blood tests and no other concerning signs.
- The shoulder pain you describe could relate to posture or strain, but the radiation of pain to your arm and tingling in your fingers should be carefully considered.
Explanation
An enlarged lymph node can persist for a variety of reasons, including infections or chronic inflammation, and can sometimes remain enlarged for a long time without any significant health risk. Your normal thyroid function is reassuring, but it’s important to continue monitoring your symptoms.
Regarding your shoulder pain, it sounds like it could be related to musculoskeletal issues, possibly linked to posture or muscle strain. However, the sharp pain radiating down your arm and accompanied by numbness can indicate nerve involvement, which should be evaluated further.
Next Steps
-
Symptom Diary: Keep a log of your symptoms, noting the intensity of the pain, any activities that exacerbate it, and any additional symptoms you may experience (such as changes in posture, physical activity, or stress levels). This will help you track any patterns or changes over time.
-
Postural Adjustments: Focus on improving your posture. Consider exercises that strengthen your back and shoulder muscles, stretches for tight areas, and ergonomic adjustments during activities like working at a desk.
-
Physical Therapy: If the shoulder pain persists, you might benefit from consulting with a physical therapist. They can provide tailored exercises and strategies to help relieve your pain and prevent recurrence.
-
Further Investigations: Given the persistent symptoms, don't hesitate to discuss the possibility of additional tests with your doctor, such as imaging studies (like an MRI or X-ray) to rule out any underlying issues with your shoulder or nerves, especially if your symptoms worsen or new symptoms develop.
-
Follow-Up: Schedule a follow-up appointment to discuss your ongoing concerns about both the lump and the shoulder pain. A second opinion or referral to a specialist, such as an orthopedist or neurologist, might provide additional insights and peace of mind.
It's completely understandable to feel anxious about health concerns. Trust your instincts and advocate for your health as needed. You are taking the right steps by seeking answers and being proactive about your well-being. Reach out if you need more advice or reassurance!
Related Questions
Assessing My Health Concerns: How Anxious Should I Be?
I’m a 32-year-old woman, weighing 124 pounds and standing at 5 feet 6 inches tall. For over a year, I have been experiencing bright red rectal bleeding. Initially, I attributed this issue to hemorrhoids that developed during my pregnancy two years ago. The bleeding occurs with most of my bowel movements, sometimes happens without one, and on a few occasions, has been enough to stain the toilet bowl significantly. The color of the blood is typically darker than what I observe during a hemorrhoid flare-up. There is a notable family history of bowel cancer on both sides; one family member was diagnosed at age 45, and another at 60. In the past six months, I have encountered several episodes of severe abdominal pain—3 to 4 instances—intense enough to consider a trip to the emergency room. However, the pain usually subsides within about an hour. It’s unusual for me to experience such acute pain, given my high tolerance for discomfort; for example, I once played rugby shortly after dislocating and fracturing my finger. Recently, I mustered the courage to consult with my doctor, who recommended a FIT test, which returned a positive result (30.1). Additionally, I underwent a complete blood test, and aside from having low ferritin levels (7 µg/L), all other results were normal. I have since been referred for a colonoscopy on a two-week waiting list to rule out any possible bowel cancer. Given these circumstances, how concerned should I be? Thank you for your input.
Understanding Possible Seizure Triggers and Recurrence Risks
Health Background: I am a 21-year-old female, standing at 169 cm and weighing 65 kg. Over the past three years, I have been using oral contraceptives. As of this morning, I started taking 25 mcg of levothyroxine along with a weekly vitamin D supplement of 0.266 mg. Recently, I was diagnosed with hypothyroidism and found to have a vitamin D deficiency that I suspect has existed for the last three years. I do not consume alcohol or smoke, and I can confirm I am not pregnant. Two years ago, I experienced a mild concussion. I currently reside in Spain. A couple of months back, in mid-December, I blacked out twice. The second occurrence took place while I was at the doctor’s office after seeking urgent medical care for the initial incident. Following the second episode, I underwent a CT scan and an EKG, both of which returned normal results. Further tests, as directed by my physician, revealed a critical vitamin D deficiency and hypothyroidism; however, he expressed doubt that either of these conditions led to my loss of consciousness. I was then referred to a neurologist, and I am presently awaiting an appointment. Although the waiting period is lengthy, my doctor indicated that I should receive priority for scheduling, although the exact timeframe remains uncertain. The referral document summarized my events, labeling the second episode (which the physician witnessed) as a potential seizure devoid of tonic-clonic movements—a revelation that took me by surprise. After regaining consciousness, I felt extremely disoriented and terrified, struggling to process what was happening. I have no prior history of seizures, epilepsy, or any related conditions, and there is no known family history of these issues. If this indeed was a seizure, what might have triggered it? Additionally, what is the likelihood of experiencing another one? Since that time, I have not had any further incidents, but I have experienced moments where I felt a sense of impending doom, which I managed to overcome. I intend to wait for the neurologist's evaluation, but the uncertainty surrounding a possible neurological condition is quite distressing. Thank you for any insight you can provide!
Understanding EEG Results for My 22-Month-Old Son: Insights Needed
Could someone help clarify this for me? My son, who is just 22 months old, hasn’t started walking yet, becomes tired easily, and has been experiencing behavioral outbursts. He had a febrile seizure in February 2025, followed by another unexplained seizure in April 2025, which led us to consult a neurologist. Since he was 3 months old, he has been receiving therapy from a physical therapist for torticollis. At birth, he spent five days in the NICU due to issues with meconium aspiration. A recent MRI showed normal results, and he also had a follow-up EEG after one conducted in July 2025. The results from this recent EEG were abnormal for a pediatric patient in awake, drowsy, and sleeping states. Notably, there were brief episodes of left frontotemporal delta slowing, which occurred mainly when he was awake and drowsy. There were no signs of epileptiform activity detected. In contrast, the EEG performed back on July 3, 2025, was deemed normal for both awake and drowsy states, again with no evidence of epileptiform irregularities, although it did not capture any sleep data. This examination was prompted by the child's existing history of febrile seizures. Importantly, he is not currently on any anti-seizure medications. The EEG procedure used standard electrode placements per the 10-20 system, conducted a single-lead EKG, and included continuous video monitoring. During the analysis, the background activity was symmetric, indicating some anterior-posterior (AP) organization, with a dominant rhythm of 50-80 microvolts at 7 Hz. His drowsy state was marked by a reduced amount of eye blink activity, less breathing motion interference, and a generalized slowing in theta/delta frequencies. Stage II sleep exhibited spindles and vertex waves patterns. Additionally, there were intermittent bursts of 250-300 microvolts in the left frontotemporal region with semi-rhythmic activity of 2-4 Hz, mostly observed during wakefulness and drowsiness. No definitive epileptiform discharge was noted. Photic stimulation during the test did not elicit a strong response, and hyperventilation was not conducted during this session.
INTENSE Spine Discomfort, Breathing Difficulties, Muscle Twitches, and Sweating
To elaborate on the situation mentioned in the title, I’ve been experiencing unusual muscle twitches and spasms for the past few days, along with some discomfort in my back. However, today, I felt an unexpected sharp pain shoot through my spine, which has left my legs feeling numb and made it impossible for me to sit up straight. Additionally, I’ve been dealing with cold sweats for the last hour and struggling to breathe properly. Perhaps I’m just overanalyzing things and it’s a common occurrence, but the intensity of the pain is overwhelming—it's truly unbearable. I’m shaking quite a bit, and unfortunately, my parents aren’t responding to my attempts to reach them for help. I have a history of a chronic heart condition and arthritis, yet I’ve never experienced pain this severe, especially in my spine. For context, I am nearly 15 years old and female. My current medications include pain relievers, anxiety medication, beta blockers, and some vitamins, though those specifics may not be particularly relevant. I don’t smoke; however, I have tried vaping a few times, which might not matter much, but I thought it was worth mentioning as it was requested.
Understanding Atrial Fibrillation and Thyroid Issues: Variability in Cardioversion Decisions
Hello everyone, I’m reaching out for guidance regarding my mother’s current health situation, and I’d greatly appreciate any shared experiences or thoughts. **My mother's background:** - **Age**: 55 years - **Weight**: Recently dropped to 116 kg from 118 kg in just two days, likely due to diuretics. - **Health history**: Previously an underactive thyroid, undiagnosed and untreated, now presenting as overactive. - **Medications**: Currently taking thyroid medication and a beta-blocker (Rapiblock). **Current health status:** My mother has been hospitalized since Tuesday, experiencing **atrial fibrillation with heart rates exceeding 200** beats per minute due to her thyroid's hyperactivity. - The plan for cardioversion was initially settled on Tuesday. However, the following day, the medical team advised postponing it until her thyroid levels could be stabilized, believing that her heart rate would return to normal once her thyroid condition was managed. - Her **obesity** precludes her from undergoing a transthoracic echocardiogram, and due to her thyroid concerns, she cannot handle contrast dye (this has been a consistent issue for over four years). Therefore, the only feasible option was a **transesophageal echocardiogram (TEE)**, which has yet to be performed. - She has been prescribed various medications including beta-blockers and thyroid treatments in the past. - On Friday, a doctor proposed proceeding with cardioversion; however, the attending senior physician objected. - Today (Saturday), another clinician has expressed a desire to move forward with cardioversion, having initiated a new medication, as the senior physician is unavailable. - **Communication has been unclear**, as we were notified of developments by a nurse rather than the physician in charge, causing confusion and anxiety. - Currently, only a **chest X-ray** is scheduled, and the TEE remains unaddressed. **My inquiries are as follows:** 1. Is it common for medical professionals to have varying opinions and frequently revise medication or treatment plans like cardioversion? 2. Is it safe to conduct cardioversion in the absence of a TEE? I presumed that this was a standard procedure to exclude the presence of blood clots. 3. Is it usual practice to have only a chest X-ray prior to moving ahead with cardioversion? 4. How typical is it for patients or their families to not be directly informed about treatment changes and learn about them through nursing staff instead? I recognize that this cannot substitute for professional medical advice. I’m simply trying to discern whether these circumstances are typical or if we should express our concerns more assertively with the healthcare facility. Thank you for your insights!