Enlarged Lymph Node

CT Scan showed "Nonspecific Solitary 1.1 CM Short Axis Low Density Left Paraaortic Retroperitoneal Lymph Node.  What Should I be doing?  Tests?  Lab?  Is this Cancer?  Should I worry?  I also have Hashimotos, and 3AV Block/Vasogal.  I have been feeling brain fatigue and some vision problems for the last two years.  Any help/info is appreciated.  DawnieM

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Difficult to say without evaluation.  Any type of enlarged lymph node can be suspicious for infection or cancer.

I would ensure that age-appropriate cancer screening has been performed (colon cancer, breast cancer, cervical cancer).  

Further evaluation can be made with a biopsy or removal of the lymph node (depending on the location).  More comprehensive imaging with a PET scan can be considered as well.  

These options can be discussed with your personal physician.

Followup with your personal physician is essential.

This answer is not intended as and does not substitute for medical advice - the information presented is for patient education only. Please see your personal physician for further evaluation of your individual case.

Kevin, M.D.
kevinmd_

[dawnieM]

I have a pacemaker, is it okay for me to have a PET scan?
My Primary doc total me they would do another CT scan in three months.  Is is sufficent follow-up? Thanks DawnieM

[pyralis]

A related discussion, enlarged lymph nodes was started.