Hi - I am new to this board and first of all let me say that I applaud all cancer patients for their courage and strength to overcome cancer. I am going through some tests right now that have me a bit concerned. For the last four months, my blood tests have been showing elevated lymphocytes. My dr. says this definitely indicates something viral, but isn't quite sure what. She has concern of leukemia, but the thing that is throwing her off is that all other tests are perfect. I have been having sinus problems, but not bad enough to elevate my lymphocytes. My question is this: What are the chances that 4 months straight of elevated lymphocytes could indicate leukemia? I have had swollen lymph nodes all over my neck and head area and especially one very noticeable one on the side of my neck that has been there for quite some time. Also, I have had headaches every day, as well as being extremely tired and losing alot of hair every time I brush. Can anyone shed some light on this? I really would appreciate any help I can get. Thank you! Kim

Hi kimberly, What does the doc say about your swollen nodes and are they still there? Something does not sound right to say that this is something viral with eleveted white count, I thought a low white count was viral? I am not a doctor, worked in medical field but that was 10 yrs ago and my memory not the best. Are the nodes sore to touch? You might think about getting a second opinon, if it is something serious time is important and you said you have been seeing doc for this for 4 mo? What kind of tests have you had beside CBC

Dear Kimberley,
The symptoms you are describing sound more like yourthyriod gland..... Ask the doc to do Thyriod function checks..... you may have a goitre or something like that...... If all your nodes are up like that you would probaboly be experiencing more lymphoma symptoms by now..... I hope this is of some help to you ...
Best wishes Janie B xoxoxoxo

Janie - thank you for your reply to my message. However, 3 1/2 years ago, I had 85% of my thyroid gland removed. So, doc checks my thyroid levels very often. So far, they have been perfect for the last 6 months. I don't know what is going on with me, but I had another test done last month and once again, elevated lymphocytes. Doc is going to run another test next week and if it is still elevated, I am off to the oncologist. It is either that or have some sinus films done to see if I just have a sinus blockage that is not allowing me to feel better. Thanks again though for your reply. Any further info you can give is definitely appreciated.
God Bless! Kim

Kimberly,
What did they ever find out???

Harry

Originally posted by KimberlyV:
Hi - I am new to this board and first of all let me say that I applaud all cancer patients for their courage and strength to overcome cancer. I am going through some tests right now that have me a bit concerned. For the last four months, my blood tests have been showing elevated lymphocytes. My dr. says this definitely indicates something viral, but isn't quite sure what. She has concern of leukemia, but the thing that is throwing her off is that all other tests are perfect. I have been having sinus problems, but not bad enough to elevate my lymphocytes. My question is this: What are the chances that 4 months straight of elevated lymphocytes could indicate leukemia? I have had swollen lymph nodes all over my neck and head area and especially one very noticeable one on the side of my neck that has been there for quite some time. Also, I have had headaches every day, as well as being extremely tired and losing alot of hair every time I brush. Can anyone shed some light on this? I really would appreciate any help I can get. Thank you! Kim

Kimberly first of all I am a Lymphoma patient now in remission. Your symptoms warrant doing some serious investigation such as biopsy, abdominal CT, or bone marrow biopsy to rule out the cause of swollen lymph nodes. Blood tests aren't a good indicator of whats going on because they can still be within normal values. Sinsus infections, headaches are common symptoms. You might want to take up these concerns with your doctor. Good luck.

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Just to add some more information Kim. I am a health care professional. As I mentioned earlier you should have some further testing done. You don't say whether the lymph nodes are tender or not. Usually if it is lymphoma (luekemia) the nodes are nontender. I had a swollen lymph node on the back side of my neck for 1.5 years before I became symptomatic and very sick working in a hospital. It wasn't until I had further testing that it showed my cancer had spread to a stage 4 instead of 1. I didn't even know that I had cancer but I knew something was wrong. So for your own sake sit down with your doctor and work at finding out the cause. If your doctor isn't sure than ask for a referral to a hematologist that studies blood disorders. There are many conditions that can cause elevated lymphocytes, hair loss, headaches and swollen lymph nodes.

If you want to learn more about lymphoma symptoms visit the MedlinePlus site:
http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/ency/encyclopedia_Lo-Lz.htm

Other worthwhile information sources are the Johns Hopkins Cancer Center and the Merck Manual [blood tests, etc.] both have information online.

Thank you all so much for all of your input and concern. I am happy to tell you that my last blood test came out perfectly normal. I am not sure what was going on for all those months that threw the levels off. Do you think I should have another test done just to be sure it is still normal. Maybe I just had a viral infection or something. Anyway, thank you all again. Your information has been very helpful!

Hi Kim!

Yes, I would most certainly have a needle biopsy done on one of your problematic lymph nodes in question.
As mentioned, timing is a very important factor in regards to prognosis, ...don't delay any longer, by waiting too long could be detrimental. This is a very serious issue, and should not be minimized or overlooked.

Hoping all will be well for you. Please let us know.

Take Care!
Robin L. Buddi

I hope that you'll find this to be of some help to you.