Lymphoma Dagnosis By A Cbc

I have a family history of lymphoma.  My maternal uncle died from Hodgkin when he was 21 and my maternal grandmother died from NHL 3 years ago.  With that said, I become concerned with any lump or bump I notice.  In early December, I discovered one of my lymph nodes on my neck was swollen.  It is hard and painless to the touch.  I have not been sick and have had no dental problems that would cause an infection.  I just recently had a doctors appointment Feb 21.  My doctor said that my lymph node was only slightly swollen and she wasn't concerned at all.  It was not until I mentioned my family history that she ordered a CBC.  She also failed to ask any further questions about my health and left me no time to mention that I've had night sweats, fatique, and a sun burn looking rash on my upper chest.  She treated me like I was wasting her time and did not show any concern for my health and well being.  With that said, my CBC was normal except for my platelet count was high.  How reliable is a CBC in diagnosising Lymphoma?  Should I seek a  second opinion or ask for a biopsy? 

95% of enlarged lymph node are NOT cancer.  The only way to be sure is to biopsy the affected node.  Since this would not be practical, docs follow some general rules.  If the node is above the collar bone this can indicate cancer.  Nodes that are hard, non-tender and irregular are suspicious.  Nodes that are not mobile but firmly attached could be malignant.  Nodes that enlarge rapidly are suspicious.  Any node larger than 1cm is suspicious. (pea size is not enlarged).  Also other symptoms such as fever, night sweats and weight loss in addition to the enlarged node could be cancer. 

 

On 2/26/2007 Dana91302 wrote:

I have a family history of lymphoma.  My maternal uncle died from Hodgkin when he was 21 and my maternal grandmother died from NHL 3 years ago.  With that said, I become concerned with any lump or bump I notice.  In early December, I discovered one of my lymph nodes on my neck was swollen.  It is hard and painless to the touch.  I have not been sick and have had no dental problems that would cause an infection.  I just recently had a doctors appointment Feb 21.  My doctor said that my lymph node was only slightly swollen and she wasn't concerned at all.  It was not until I mentioned my family history that she ordered a CBC.  She also failed to ask any further questions about my health and left me no time to mention that I've had night sweats, fatique, and a sun burn looking rash on my upper chest.  She treated me like I was wasting her time and did not show any concern for my health and well being.  With that said, my CBC was normal except for my platelet count was high.  How reliable is a CBC in diagnosising Lymphoma?  Should I seek a  second opinion or ask for a biopsy? 

In light of your family history you must keep on pursueing an answer for these night sweats, fatigue and rash.  I would ask my GP to refer me to an oncologist.  If she will not then go to one who will. 

Thank you for your comments.  Well, I was presistant and was referred to an ENT.  My appointment was today and the doctor showed concern, which was a big change from my family doctor.  He said my lymphnode was 7cm and because of family history and other symptoms, he would do a ct scan.  He also suggested removing the lymphnode to biopsy after we got the results from the ct scan back because that was the first thing to do.  Within the last 2 months it has enlarged, how fast and big can they grow?  He was not against removing it because he said if that were the case then they could catch it early.  How invasive is the surgery?  Should I take a wait and watch approach or have it cut out and biopsy asap? 

 

On 3/20/2007 Dana91302 wrote:

Thank you for your comments.  Well, I was presistant and was referred to an ENT.  My appointment was today and the doctor showed concern, which was a big change from my family doctor.  He said my lymphnode was 7cm and because of family history and other symptoms, he would do a ct scan.  He also suggested removing the lymphnode to biopsy after we got the results from the ct scan back because that was the first thing to do.  Within the last 2 months it has enlarged, how fast and big can they grow?  He was not against removing it because he said if that were the case then they could catch it early.  How invasive is the surgery?  Should I take a wait and watch approach or have it cut out and biopsy asap? 

 

So glad you insisted on seeing the specialist.  Don't wait, do it now.  The doctor is showing true concern.  I can attest first hand that waiting is not the way to go, my husband almost died within a 4 month period.  How fast Lymphoma spreads depends on the type, some are indolent meaning they grow slowly, some can kill you in weeks.

Take care and I'll be watching your progress.  Keeping my fingers crossed it is nothing.

I had swollen lymp nodes for a looog time, not too swollen ....however I had high eosinophills  about 40-60% also for a long time and i made the mistake of waiting to do the biopsy...it turned out to the NHL...i also had severe skin eczema......am doing better now with treatment....we shall see what happens, am still undergoing chemotherapy....

 still you may certainly not have anythign so dont worry...but ge the biopsy and take good care of your diet....i am also taking cellforte...Ip6inisito....i have read a lot aut it in the cancer compass site as well...ti may be worth while to try and get your immune system to work better..

 all the best.

shweta