Can Cbc Give Markers For Lymphoma?

Hi, I'm female, have had hepatitis C for 25 years, which predisposes one to lymphoma and my paternal aunt died from it (lymphoma).  I have had the following symptoms for the past 2 months: swollen glands under my jawbone on each side, extreme weakness (more than the usual), night sweats and constant low grade fever.  My throat feels constricted from the glands.  The GP can see no redness and says it must be a virus. 

My white blood count is 8.3 in a range of 3  to 10.2  --- my question is does lymphoma present itself in the CBC or other blood tests?   If I need to see a specialist is the oncologist the next step?

Thanks. 

To make an accurate diagnosis of lymphoma, a lymph node biopsy must be performed by the surgical removal (resection) of a lymph node.  A fine needle aspiration may be performed if a lymph node is not accessible, but this is not considered a definitive way to determine the diagnosis.  A bone marrow biopsy may also be needed.  You cant tell much from a CBC, although usually several things are abnormal in the CBC.

Thanks for your speedy reply.  Since my bloodwork was normal in every category I think I'll try some anitbiotics for possible salivary gland infection or Sjorgren Syndrome.

Happy Holidays!

You have all the classic symptoms of lymphoma.  I would see an Oncologist ASAP!

I have had Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma indolent B cell follicular for 10 yrs.  3 yrs. ago I got Hodgkins Lymphoma.  A tumor that started out the size of a BB grew to a golf ball in 3 months.  I had it removed.  I had chemo and it tried to kill me 3 times.  I couldn't continue the last 2 months, so they gave me radiation.  I was cancer free for less than 1 yr.  My Hodgkins is in remission as far as we can tell.  My Non-Hodgkins came back in a more aggressive form.  I don't qualify for bone marrow or stem cell transplants.  My immune system is damaged.  I wish I had your blood counts.  I had a new treatment called Bexxar on Nov. 9th.  They expected me to start regaining my strength and blood counts, mid Dec.  I have been having a CBC test every week.  Christmas week I crashed and had to have 5 doses of growth hormone.  The next week my counts were up (good for me) and the next week I crashed again.  This time they gave me a shot for anemia and 4 doses of growth hormone.  Last week's CBC showed I am near the border line for normal, and I got another shot for anemia.  I don't know why my body doesn't do well.  Others have had Bexxar and had no reactions.  I wish I could have some way to boost my bone marrow.  My last CT/scan Dec. 29th showed the cancer in my chest gone.  There are nodes in my back that seem to be shrinking.  I have another CT/scan for the 9th.  I pray this one is clear of any cancer.  They don't know if Bexxar is a cure or just gives me more time.  I hasn't been out there very long.  They say most of the patients have done very well.  I hope to be one of them.  Bexxar was developed by Dr. Oliver Press at the University of Washington and Fred Hutchinson.  He was working on it when I met him 10 yrs. ago.  I told him, at that time, that he needed to develop an antibody treatment that would target the cancer cells and leave the healthy.  He said that is what he was working on.  I asked him to hurry up before I ran out of time.  10 yrs. latter and I meet him again.  He has done what I asked.  This time I told him to keep looking for a cure, before I run out of time.

 I hope with all my heart, that if you have lymphoma (there are many kinds) that you will be healed.  Let us know how you are.

 May God bless you and yours!

Love, >^..^< Kitty in WA >^..^<

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