Should I go to the Doctor?

There is a history of cancer in my family. For the past few months, I have had numbness in my arms, legs, and sometimes my fingers (they go to sleep). Also, I had a period of night sweats but it has subsided and seems to have returned again. I just got over a bad cough and my lymph nodes in my neck feel sore which has been going on a few months on and off. I am not sure how to know if they are enlarged. I do not go to the doctor often because I am usually very healthy. I run 3 days a week and do other cardio 2 days. My sister was diagnosed with non hodgkins lymphoma at the age of 33. Should I go to the doctor?  Is there a test for this?

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
Fever with night sweats and palpable nodes in the neck region could most probably be an infective pathology. Also you have a history of cough. You could have bacterial infections - lower respiratory tract infections or lymphadenitis, also tuberculosis needs to be ruled out. Are you eating properly? Have you noticed any weight loss? You definitely need to see your physician for a clinical evaluation and get some blood tests for infection, a chest xray, sputum examination in case you are producing any and any other investigation the physician feels is required after clinical evaluation.

[Rosie32]

I have been tested for TB because I work in a residential setting. It was negative. I have a hx or asthma but I have not had symptoms like this with my asthma. I have not noticed weight loss. I do eat regularly and well. I try to eat moslty healthy foods. I am a size six and I am wearing the same clothing. I have periods of fatigue at times but the cough is not persistant the lymph node pain has been consistant or where the pain is, under my chin and is now on both sides of my neck. It comes and goes. I appreciate your quick response.

[DrBhumikaMD]

Hi,
You should consult your physician and get a clinical evaluation done. Your doctor might want to biopsy the lymph nodes if the swelling and symptoms persist even after a course of antibiotics and other supportive medication for the cough and fever. Also the biopsy would help to tell whether it is an infective process or a malignant one. Are you taking any medication for the asthma currently? Like i said any infective process esp bacterial in the repiratory tract or in the throat region could cause the clinical features you have. What family history of cancer do you have? You need to schedule an appointment with your physician so taht a complete clinical evaluation, investigations required can be done before prescribing medication. Goodluck.