Lymphoma?

[samantha609]

For the past 3 months I have had swollen lymph nodes in my neck. I went to the doctor and they put me on amoxicillion 2 times a day for two weeks because my doctor thought I had tonsil stones. When that didnt seem to work I went back in and they tested me for mono my test came back negative but I was give a steroid to help with my swollen lymph nodes since it was hard for me to eat and the constant feeling of something being stuck in my throat. That worked for the 3 days that I was supposed to take it. A couple days later I started having the feeling of something stuck in my throat and still swollen lymph nodes. I went back to the doctor she told me I had mono and said that it just doesnt show up on blood work all the time. She ordered another blood test which came back negative again for mono and everything else was normal. I went back to eating fine and then the something stuck in my throat came back and then went away and is now back again which stops me from eating regular food. I have lost weight from not eating so she gave me the same steroids again so that it would bring the swelling in my lymph nodes down and so I could eat but it didnt even work. Now I have times where I get shortens of breath and I always seem to be spitting up phlem expecillay after I drink or eat anything. Im going to be going to get a biopsy of my lymph node under my armpit to see if it cancer but its just a biopsy with a needle. Is there any other tests that I should ask my doctor to schedule? Has anyone else had any similar symptoms?

[Mochadelicious]

Hi Samantha,
I'm glad to hear they are looking further into this.  Waiting for the results is so hard I know.  Keep in mind the odds are in your favor so try to not think about it too much and enjoy your Christmas.

[samantha609]

I have my biopsy on Thursday morning and I am also going to be having a chest x ray probably won't know results until after Christmas.

[samantha609]

Thanks and i have no idea why they are doing needle my doctor said that she wants to rule out cancer. They are going to do the one under my armpit because she said that one she can really feel and she doesn't want them to be poking my neck when I have already been having problems with it. I will keep you updated whenever I get the answers.

[Mochadelicious]

Hello and welcome.  3 months is a long time to have swollen nodes, especially to the point of it effecting your breathing and eating.  A biopsy is really the best test for ruling out blood cancer, but I'm just curious why they are biopsying the node under your arm instead of one on your neck?  I would imagine that all the swollen nodes have one likely cause, but it just seems strange that they wouldn't check one of the neck nodes first.  

One thing I think you should bring up to your doctor who will be doing the biopsy is why they are only doing a needle biopsy instead of an excissional biopsy.  If they suspect cancer or even think there is a slight chance it could be, they should be taking the whole node out and testing the whole thing.  A needle biopsy takes a very small sample, which means there is a good chance that the sample will be clean but there is still cancer somewhere else in the node.

Blood tests and scans can be helpful, but are usually used after someone  has had a biopsy and officially diagnosed with blood cancer via pathology testing.  These other tests usually help to stage the cancer (to see where else it might be in the body).

I have not personally experienced swollen neck nodes, but I have heard that swollen nodes can push on other organs and cause problems.  Possibly a node is pushing against your esophogus.  Good luck and please keep us posted on your biopsy.

[samantha609]

Forgot to mention I went and seen an ENT and they did a scope down my throat and also a barium swallow and they didnt find anything.