First off I'm a 56 year old canuck from the oil capital of Canada, Fort McMurray. Other than smoking for over 35 years I've lead a fairly healthy life and haven't had any serious problems.

I've had a prominent painless lymph node just under the angle of the rear part of my left jaw for a few years. I wasn't really concerned with it and my doctor didn't say anything about it during a physical I had a couple years ago. During my physical this past July he noticed the prominent gland without touching it (it's been visible for a year or so) and decided I should have blood work and an ultrasound. The blood tests were negative for infection etc. but the ultrasound report said the left cervical chain looked abnormal. I had a biopsy performed last Wednesday and should get the good or bad news late next week or early the next. I told my doctor that I wasn't really concerned about it due to the length of time that it has been prominent and he agreed that was a good sign however he seems to be more worried about this than I am.

Does anyone know of any condition other than cancer that could cause a growing but painless node?

Thanks in advance.

Welcome to OCF Mike.
I am unable to help however I am sure others will be able to answer your question.
Hope all goes well with the result of the biopsy. Fingers crossed and keep us posted.

Thanks Gabe and congrats on your 2nd anniversary in September.

welcome to OCF Mike...I am also from Canada. I am sure someone will be able to help you or give you some direction for the information you need. Everyone here has been so helpful to me along my path and if someone has answers they are great at offering help..You are so amazingly calm I was such a basket case...keep up the great attitude!!!

Dianne

Thanks Dianne.

I was born not far from you, in Stratford and lived in London and Aylmer through my childhood and early adulthood. I try to get back once a year to visit my family whom are all still there.

You're fortunate to have Victoria Hospital so close. If worse comes to worse we're a 5 hour drive from the nearest cancer clinic in Edmonton:-( Hopefully it won't come to that though.

Mike, I'm not a medical person but from what I have gone through yes there are other benign types of tumors it could be so keep a good frame of mind and you will make it through this.

Dave

While the length of time it's been present is optimistic you should have had this thing biopsied sooner with your tobacco history so lets hope it comes back negative.

We have a saying here that it's not cancer until it's confirmed through a biopsy so lets wait and see.

[quote=F18_Dave C]Mike, I'm not a medical person but from what I have gone through yes there are other benign types of tumors it could be so keep a good frame of mind and you will make it through this.

Dave [/quote]

It would certainly make my day if it comes back benign.

Good luck in your upcoming treatments Dave.

[quote=davidcpa]While the length of time it's been present is optimistic you should have had this thing biopsied sooner with your tobacco history so lets hope it comes back negative.

We have a saying here that it's not cancer until it's confirmed through a biopsy so lets wait and see. [/quote]

Yes, it would have been good to have had it checked a couple years ago and it would have been even better had I never started smoking all those years ago. I'm not one to dwell on the past though. The "now" is what's important to me.

Mike,
From one canuck to another, welcome eh!
The biopsy you had should give a conclusive answer to the cause of the swollen node. I have to say...Stop Smoking Already!! regardless of the results. It just doesn't do anything to help you out. (Ok, I'm off the soap box now...sorry...you know better though!)
Many things can cause inflammed and/or swollen lymph nodes. Infection, inflammation, trauma, family history, chronic diseases like arthritis etc., autoimmune disorders, and yes cancer.
You say it has been there a few years, how many is a few? Is there any history of cancer in your family?
Do you have any other symptoms (pain, tenderness, improper muscle function, trouble swallowing etc.)?
You are absolutly correct when you say you can't dwell on the past but, you can start right now to help influence your future.
You made the first step by having the biopsy.
I hope and pray that everything is OK for you.
If I can be of any assistance please contact me.
All the best.
Mike