hodgkins lymphoma

I have been to the doctors today as I have been showing symptoms of hodgkins lymphoma but the doctor dismissed the idea before even hearing about my symptoms and what I had to say, but he did agree to give me a blood test as i was so worried.  he assured me that if i did have the disease that the blood test would show this 100% but after reading up on the internet I am not so sure, he didnt really seem to know alot about the disease if the blood test comes back normal, is that 100% certainty that i do not have hodgkins lymphoma?

He told me he would probable be able to get the results back to me the same day which seems fairly quick to me?

[JoanieN]

A blood test will not give you the peace of mind you are looking for.  A PET scan is the gold star test for hodgkins.  What symptoms are you feeling?  You definitely need to be symptomatic before your doctor will sen you for one

[mentalbabegemma]

Thanks for replying, ive had an unexplained shortness of breath for about 2 years, really itchy legs for about 2 months on and off, a swollen elbow for about a year and a lump the size of a marble in my neck for probably about a year. but the thing thats made me think it could possibly be lymphoma is the fact that I get achey (achy) pains going from my swollen elbow down the side of my arm towards my wrist the day after ive been drinking. and after reading up on other symptoms ive obviously linked all of these together. butim annoyed because the doctor just told me I didnt have it before giving me the chance to explain why I thought I did, and told me the blood test would say if there was something wrong:( any ideas how much it would cost to get a scan privately?

[thedevilpup]

If I were you, I'd schedule an appointment with your local ear, nose, and throat doctor. It never hurts to get a second opinion on the matter. I understand your frustration and anxiety.

[Brandywhine]

Since the doctor is not listening to you and is dismissive of your concerns, I would find a new doctor.  It is your health, your body and you will be the one to suffer if you have a serious condition that is not addressed timely.  We have to be our advocates and do what is in our best interests.  Find a new doctor.

[JoanieN]

PET scan's are thousands of dollars.  The first sep is to definitely get a knew doctor. Read below and tell them your symptoms and tell them you would like to get the tests below. (I hope you have medical insurance)
The doctor should do a sono gram of the lump in your neck and a needle biopsy.The needle biopsy is not 100%(I know that first hand). The only definitive way to define what's in the lump is to remove the lump. The doctor should order a chest x-ray and cat scan of your neck, chest and abdomen with contrast.These are the steps to take to diagnose Hodkins Lymphoma.