Enlarged Mesenteric Lymph Nodes

[pgpapergirl]

I am a 56 year old female that has had several PET/CT scans over the past 2 years.  Docs have been watching multiple enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes over this time (subcentimeter in size).  I recently had another scan done and the lymph nodes have increased in size (don't know exactly how much yet - report on its way to me).  Dr suggesting possible lymphoma.  Is this the only diagnosis for enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes and if so what should I expect for the future?

[wispy_moon]

please be cautious in the number of CT scans you receive. while they are looking for cancer, they are also increasing your risks for it too. every 4 CT tests are equal to the same amount of radiation survivors of Hiroshima got. please be careful.

[pgpapergirl]

As of this date - no.  I have had a number of PET/CT scans but everything is pretty much the same.  Some slight differences in size of certain lymph nodes.  Going for another PET/CT scan on Friday.  I hope after all this time they have disappeared.  I have been praying real hard for this to happen.  I believe in miracles.

[myaitalia]

Did you ever get answers to this?

[pgpapergirl]

Thank you for your feedback.  I have an appt with Hillman Cancer Center in Pittsburgh, PA  this coming Friday.  Hopefully they will be able to identify my problem and get it taken care of.

[S. Kaul, MD]

Hi there!

Though this is not the only diagnosis for enlarged mesentric lymphnodes and there are several benign causes that outnumber the cancerous etiology; malignancy is the most lethal, that would require quick action and unless a definite diagnosis is established, larger nodes, especially those with radiological features of a malignancy would empirically need to be treated like one.
Hope this information helps.

Take care!