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Lump behind earlobe?

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Posted 3/30/2014 12:48 AM (GMT 0)
My Daughter has been on Remicade and Imuran for about 10 months now. She was on Imuran for about 3 yrs. previous to starting this combination.

She called me tonight from Ottawa, asking me about a marble sized lump that's located directly behind her earlobe. She said it doesn't hurt really, and has been there for a few days.

I told her I'd book a Doctor's appt, but after searching the internet I got extremely scared. Most websites indicated that it's a swollen lymph node. They all seemed to indicated that it could likely be Lymphoma, (Cancer). Considering the medications she's on, this has doubled my fears right now.

I don't think I'll be sleeping tonight. I'd really appreciate any input on this, or if anyone's has had related experience.

Tom.
Posted 3/30/2014 12:59 AM (GMT 0)
I was just going to say it's probably a swollen lymph node. And... Probably nothing to worry about at all. I have been on a biologic and 6mp in the past (only a biologic by itself right now) and I have frequently (about once a year) gotten a swollen lymph node behind my left ear. Seems like that's my go-to node to take on infection or whatever from my body. On occasion it has translated into pain in my throat and I've needed to take an antibiotic to clear up a minor infection that I caught from being on those immunosuppressive drugs.

It's not a bad idea for her to have it checked out. She should call Monday and be seen. That being said, please rest assured that she is very likely just fine. The Internet is a blessed and cursed thing! Information can help, but it can scare the poop out of us. Try not to worry unless and until you have a real reason to. You're a great dad! Hope you can sleep tonight!

Stef
Posted 3/30/2014 1:13 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks Stef,

I really appreciate you replying so quickly. Your reassurance is very, very helpful.

I sincerely hope you're right, in that it's hopefully nothing to worry about. I still won't sleep well tonight though.

You're so right about the internet. It's been murder on me since day one of this disease.

Tom.
Posted 3/30/2014 1:45 AM (GMT 0)
I hope I'm right too. My bet is that she's just fine. My husband gets so mad at me for googling crap. I'm the worst at that. Please, please try not to let this worry you. I am sending you relaxation vibes and hoping you can make it through the weekend without panicking over this.

Stef
Posted 3/30/2014 2:46 AM (GMT 0)
Thank-You yet again Stef,

Your "relaxation vibes" will hopefully do the trick. Although, the double Seagrams on ice I just poured might just help too.

The true beauty of this website is people like you who take the time even while dealing with their own difficulties, to help others having tough times.

We likely won't get a Doctor's appt. until Tuesday. Seems like a long way off right now.

Tom.
Posted 3/30/2014 3:02 AM (GMT 0)
Hello Tom,

This also happened my son who takes 6mp and of course the worse case scenario came to mind right away also. Fortunately for us we were meeting for our scheduled appointment the next day and the Doc said it was just a swollen lymph node probably due to allergies. It was gone within a few days but I understand your worry I too spent the night on the computer and it kept me awake for a few nights until it went away.

All the best,

Nora
Posted 3/30/2014 3:30 AM (GMT 0)
I get swollen nymph nodes almost every time I get a cold, sinus infection, etc.....so hopefully it's just that! :) I understand the worst-case scenario reaction. Unfortunately, those are true for us more than for other people, so we kind of have to have that mindset. I struggle at times trying not to become a hypochondriac while not ignoring stuff, either.
Posted 3/30/2014 10:21 AM (GMT 0)
Thanks for the replies,

I really hope you're all right with this. Your replies are very reassuring indeed.

Ironically, last night coming home from work, I was just thinking of how well she is doing on Remicade. Then whammo!, I come home to that.

I'm really going to try to stay calm today, and not worry. Thanks to all for taking the time
Posted 3/30/2014 8:10 PM (GMT 0)
I'm not on biologics, I'm just chiming in to say I hope you find out quickly that she's ok. I know I worry about my adult children 100 times more than I worry about myself, so I understand how you can freak yourself out. Let us know what you find out and try not to worry!
Posted 3/30/2014 8:49 PM (GMT 0)
I got a swollen lymph node in my armpit at some point on Remicade. Never got it checked it out and it eventually went away (can't remember if it was before or after stopping the Remicade).

I seem to be the only person on the internet who doesn't worry about dying of a fatal disease. I've had my brushes with mortality in the past few years and I also had a cousin with Crohn's who died from cancer (not lymphoma - she wasn't even on a biologic) in her early 40s.

I don't really care what happens to me anymore, I think. Genuinely not scared of getting any disease, even a fatal one, so long as I am not in serious pain. I do fear pain still.
Posted 3/31/2014 1:49 AM (GMT 0)
Just want to update:

My Daughter got home tonight, so I got to have a look at the lump she had described.

It's in the fleshy part of the neck, that little hollow, right behind the earlobe. I think it's like a pressure point, because if you push really hard there you want to pass out. It's very small, about the size of a large pimple.

From what I can tell from diagrams, there aren't any lymph nodes there.

Does this clarification help? Is there still cause for concern?

Tom
Posted 3/31/2014 2:17 AM (GMT 0)
Tom,

This is right next to where your jawbone is, and you can feel your pulse when you push on it?

If so, that lymph node (at least on one side) is almost always a little swollen for me. In the five months leading up to me having my tonsils out (when I was 21 over a decade ago) it never went down. The ENT said he would biopsy it if it stayed hard after my tonsillectomy, but he didn't seem worried and it went down afterward. But I've been dealing with a lot of ENT infections this past year, which probably explains why it's been a bit swollen.

I doubt this provides you with much relief, other than to confirm that there are lymph nodes there, but I will echo what everyone else has said and keep your daughter in my thoughts.
Posted 3/31/2014 2:38 AM (GMT 0)
^^^^ yep, me too! That's EXACTLY where mine gets swollen and I also spend periods of time where it remains hard/swollen. Sometimes its on the left, sometimes the right. I figured from the get go that was what you were describing so I stick by my original thoughts that it's very likely no cause for concern at all. Please keep us posted as I will be watching for an update!

Stef
Posted 3/31/2014 2:53 AM (GMT 0)
I'm abit confused as to whether there is a lymph node there. I've looked at numerous diagrams now, and there doesn't seem to be lymph nodes located at the carotid pulse.

I'm not trying to pull a denial, or wishful thinking thing, although I can't help hoping.

Just to reiterate, it's exactly where you take the carotid pulse, and about half the size of a pee.


Tom.
Posted 3/31/2014 4:10 AM (GMT 0)
I think there are glands there as well that can get swollen when you get a bit sick. That's what my mom always called them, at least, when I'd get lumps behind my earlobes with colds or something - swollen glands.
Posted 3/31/2014 7:27 PM (GMT 0)
Lymph glands are the same thing as lymph nodes. They can be found behind the ear and under the jaw.

See: www.medicinenet.com/swollen_lymph_nodes/page4.htm
Posted 3/31/2014 10:33 PM (GMT 0)
Hi Tom,
I know exactly where you are talking about... I had the same lump for a couple of weeks while suffering from a sinus infection and ear ache. I also periodically get the same lump and tenderness when bordering on getting a cold.
It could be lymph node or a swollen eustachian tube from fluid build up in her ear. (I also get this sometimes)

Also I should let you know that while I was on Remicade, near the end I would get swollen lymph nodes between treatments. It was like my body kept trying to fight off an infection that didn't seem to be there. It went away after my remi treatment but came back after a few weeks each time. I was checked for lymphoma at that time but all tests came back good. After stopping the Remicade these symptoms went away.

Oh the continuing puzzle of all the extras that come along with Crohn's.

keep us posted


Tanya
Posted 4/1/2014 1:25 AM (GMT 0)
Hi All,

Just wanted to give what I hope is a final update on this.

My Daughter went to the Doctor today. After a very thorough exam, the Doctor concluded that it was a lymph node. She named it, but can't recall.

She said that under 1-2cm's aren't a concern, and that since it feels fleshy and flexible, another good sign. She seemed totally convinced that there is nothing to worry about. Gave her a full exam head to toe.

Going back in 2 weeks for a follow-up, and some blood work in between.

Thanks to you all for taking the time to chime in on this.

Tom.
Posted 4/1/2014 2:59 AM (GMT 0)
Great news! Glad to hear it! Hope you can rest a bit easier now.

Stef
Posted 4/1/2014 1:27 PM (GMT 0)
So glad that your daughter got to the Doc and that all is well.

Take Care.
Posted 4/1/2014 1:35 PM (GMT 0)
Great news Tom. Glad your daughter is fine.
Posted 4/1/2014 4:44 PM (GMT 0)
Good news :p
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