Diarrhea and CT results

I am 32-years-old and had onset of diarrhea that lasted for about 2 weeks. This was accompanied by left lower pain and just overall abdominal pain.  My doctor sent me to a GI specialist and he ordered a CT scan.  This is what it read:  Minimal dependent atelectasis at both lower lobes.  Elnarlged mesenteric lymph nodes range in size from 12-15 mm in diameter.  Impression:  Mild mesenteric adenopathy; reactive versus neoplastic.  Borderline pelvic enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes.  
The doc put me on Cipro and Flagyl and scheduled a colonoscopy in a few weeks.  He would not be specific about what could cause the mesenteric adenopathy and just said the colonoscopy was essential.  I have found some disturbing information about this and would like an opinion as to what could cause this.  Thank you.  

[Kevin Pho, MD]

Enlarged lymph nodes can be due to infection or possibly cancer.  I agree with the antibiotic choice as well as the colonoscopy to rule out inflammatory bowel disease or colon cancer.

Repeating the CT scan should be done after the antibiotics are completed.  If there continues to be lymph nodes, and the colonoscopy is negative for cancer or inflammatory bowel disease, a general surgery consult can be considered.  This is done to consider biopsy of the lymph nodes to rule out lymphoma.

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.
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