SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES IN NECK..MD NOT CONCERNED?!

[mnm119]

Thanks to anyone in advance for their comments/advice.  About 2 1/2 months ago, I started experiencing discomfort in my right upper quadrant which since then has progressively become more noticeable (not alot of pain, but feels like something is there that wasn't there before). Had an abdominal ultrasound to check my gallbladder. Results were unremarkable...no abnormalities/enlargements of my liver, spleen kidneys, gallbladder, etc. Blood work for CBC w/ diff, liver enzymes, etc. all normal too. Shortly thereafter, I was able to palpate two lymph nodes on the right side of my neck and one on the left. These nodes are semi-firm & painless and are located on the lateral aspects of my neck, near its base. I have taken a 10 day regimen of an antibiotic which had no effect on these nodes.  I had a CT scan in the beginning of June 07 (neck & chest/abdomen).  MD said chest & abdomen clear. Neck CT revealed bilateral adenopathies, but my MD isn't concerned at this point...said nodes were measuring 5mm or less. The pain in my right upper quadrant is still present and about a month ago spread to my left upper quadrant. The pain also radiates to both sides of my lower back. Even though the pain is not in the pelvic region, my GYN MD sent me for another abdominal/pelvic & transvaginal ultrasound to check for any presence of ovarian/uterine tumors, fibroids, etc. Results were clear again..no masses or enlargements found anywhere. At one point, I was extremely fatigued and had zero appetite, but at the same time, I had myself worked up to the point of a nervous breakdown. Now that I have settled down, my appetite is fine.  I haven't had any weight loss, itching, etc. which seem to be commom lymphoma symptoms. My MD (which is actually the 2nd MD I'm seeing doesn't want to biopsy the nodes at this time...he is sending me for another neck CT the 1st week of September). At this pont I feel fine except the nodes in my neck are still palpable and my neck constantly hurts ( like bad muscle aches). Thanks for reading this novel and please let me know what u think. Does anyone suspect that this may be lymphoma? Should I push harder for the biopsy?

[P'tou22]

Try to get your MD to get you into a surgeon to have a needle aspiration done on the nodes.    It's the quickest way to determine if cancer cells have gathered in the nodes.   It's relatively painless and could save your life.   Don't settle for nothing being done - if necessary find another doctor who will take your concerns seriously.

[DadsHelper]

I agree with DebM412 ... stay on top of any changes you may notice.  I'd also recommend that you stay on top of your doctor regularly or get a second opinion if you feel uncomfortable.  Make sure you get the answers you need to make yourself feel comfortable.

I don't mean to scare you, and I don't claim to be a doctor by any means, but I lost my husband to lymphoma (he was only 29) and we were completely blindsided by it.  The symptoms just seemed like a bad case of the flu that wasn't going away (fever, joint pain, fatigue).  Our regular doctor was on vacation when we first sought medical advice, and although the back-up doctor noticed the enlarged lymph nodes, he simply prescribed antibiotics and sent him on his way.  Two weeks later, when things didn't improve we went back to our primary doctor and she sent him immediately to the hospital (straight from her office).  His blood counts were in the cellar.  He was diagnosed with 4th stage lymphoma and a bone marrow biopsy revealed 90% leukemia in his marrow.  He passed away less than 5 months later.  The disease was extremely agressive.

Please understand that this is an extreme case.  You're probably perfectly fine and normal just like your doctor told you, and I'm just being paranoid because of my own experience.  But if my story helps one person then I'm glad.  I believe people need to be proactive when it comes to managing their health so they can help prevent illness or at least detect issues as early as possible.  I wish you the best.

[DebM412]

Sorry, I meant to say if you notice the nodes changing or have secondary symptoms then you need to see a doctor.

Deb  

[DebM412]

From everything I have read, asked a doctor, etc. Lymph nodes in the area of the neck that you are describing are normal if they are < = to 1 cm. If you notice them enlarging, becoming very hard OR having secondary symptoms (fatigue, night sweats, itching, fever) then you should be fine. Sometimes our nodes can enlarge in response to anything and they may NEVER go back to their normal size. This is especially true if you are feeling the nodes everyday. They are very sensitive and will stay enlarged if you keep touching them. Hope this helps.

Deb