childhood lymphoma

[mummyclare]

should my son have a biopsy to check for lymphoma? he has the symptoms of lymphoma and has had so for almost a year he also has a weak immune system for which he takes antibiotics daily and has had active EBV in his blood in varying levels for the past 2 years

[JenBag]

My son too, is having symptoms somewhat like yours. He has chronic stomach pains, an elarged lymph node in his neck, just recently started complaining of pain in his groin and back. We have been going to a Gastrointerology specialist for the past 3 years, I should also mention, he is 4 years old. He has had previous issues such as low white blood count, low liver panel, reoccurent fevers, all which have been resolved. I am taking him to the ENT to take a look at the enlarged lymph node, which I must say, has been there for 3 years. His general Dr. pushes it off as a virus, but no symptoms of illness. I will pray for you

[Mochadelicious]

Some of the symptoms you describe are pretty consistant for lymphoma, but a few stump me.  The pain in his tummy seems odd.  Lymphoma is usually not linked to pain unless there is a mass pushing on an organ or nerve, etc.  Also, the pale to white stools is strange.  That makes me wonder if there is something intestinal going on.  

You mentioned he had initial checks for lymphoma and at the moment there are no masses in his chest?  I was just wondering why the chest is being focused on?  Lymphoma can present in the chest but it can present in many other places too.  Sometimes you can actually see a physical lump/s and sometimes they can only be seen by scans because they are more internal.  Has your son had any blood tests or  scans (CAT or PET)?    I'm assuming he's had blood work since you are monitoring his EBV.  Blood tests are often looked at to see if certain elements in the blood are elevated too high (like LDH levels).  Scans are not usually used for diagnosing purposes but are often used to stage the disease once the doctors know you have it (to see how extensive it is in the body).  However, if you are unable to see a physical mass then maybe scans would be helpful.

[mummyclare]

hi
he has since had his check up with his consultant an had initial checks for lymphoma at the moment there is no mass in his chest to carry out biopsy but he has to be monitored very closely for anything developing! the sypmtoms he has are extreme night sweats constant tiredness swollen tummy (his spleen also slightly enlarged but jus within safe boundary) swollen glands which u can actually see! no weight gain! he falls over a lot constantly complaining of sore tummy an has high temps unexplained at least once a week sometimes more! he also has pale to white stools! EBV is very common but it is normally dormant in the blood my sons is active an rising in levels each blood test he has!

[Mochadelicious]

Hi mummyclare,
I'm sorry you're going through this.  It must be awful as a mother to worry about your son having lymphoma.  It sounds like you've been seeing a doctor for these symptoms so I was wondering what they say?  Does he have an enlarged lymph node or tumor to biopsy?  You could request it from his doctor but I don't think they will do it unless they believe there is good reason to do so.  

What symptoms does he have?  I believe EBV if fairly common and most people get it eventually in thier lifetime.  I also know there is a link between EBV and some lymphomas, although fairly rare I believe.  

[mummyclare]

i also forgot to mention he is 3 years of age!