Hi - I'm new to the boards and would like some advice. I went to the doctor today because I have an upper respiratory infection. She was examing me and noticed that I have a swollen lymph node on my neck (gland area). She said that it could be from the infection that I have or it could possibly be Hodgkins Disease. She wants me to come back in 6 weeks but that seems like a lifetime to me at this point. I can't stand the waiting. I'm a 22 yr. old female and I'm scared. I know that Hodgkins is very treatable, but its still a scary thought. Can anyone give me any info on how they test for this? Also, please pray for me that this is only swollen from the infection!! I've been sick for 4 days and have had a soar throat, stuffy nose, cough, soreness in chest area, runny nose, trouble resting. Does it not seem like its just infection?? I dont have any pain in the lymph node. Thanks for any advice - Catherine

Hi - I'm new to the boards and would like some advice. I went to the doctor today because I have an upper respiratory infection. She was examing me and noticed that I have a swollen lymph node on my neck (gland area). She said that it could be from the infection that I have or it could possibly be Hodgkins Disease. She wants me to come back in 6 weeks but that seems like a lifetime to me at this point. I can't stand the waiting. I'm a 22 yr. old female and I'm scared. I know that Hodgkins is very treatable, but its still a scary thought. Can anyone give me any info on how they test for this? Also, please pray for me that this is only swollen from the infection!! I've been sick for 4 days and have had a soar throat, stuffy nose, cough, soreness in chest area, runny nose, trouble resting. Does it not seem like its just infection?? I dont have any pain in the lymph node. Thanks for any advice - Catherine
Six weeks is usually an appropriate amount of time to get over a respiratory infection. It has been known to take up to 18 months to get a difinitive diagnosis on Lymphoma because the symptoms are similar to a lot of less serious diseases. The definitive diagnosis is based on a biopsy of a lymph node because Hodgkins disease is cancer of the lymph system.

Six weeks is usually an appropriate amount of time to get over a respiratory infection. It has been known to take up to 18 months to get a difinitive diagnosis on Lymphoma because the symptoms are similar to a lot of less serious diseases. The definitive diagnosis is based on a biopsy of a lymph node because Hodgkins disease is cancer of the lymph system.

Hi, I totally have to agree with your comment about the length of time it can take for a diagnosis of lymphoma to be made. I've been referred to a hematologist, during August time and i'm still none the wiser, except I have been advised to keep an open mind now, because i'm beginning to drastically lose weight, and have drenching sweats. My Hematologist hasn't yet gone for a biopsy. Its all very frustrating because he doesn't seem to be doing things as quick as he could do. But I think he's just watching and waiting for things to show.

Take care.

Hi Catherine

I've had a lump in my neck since June of 2005. I'm a similar age to you (22 in a week). I spoke to three GPs who were all somewhat concerned. I also had a slightly dodgy blood test result (high C-Reactive Protein). When I finally got to see a specialist (which took weeks and weeks), he said "it's not a lymph node, it's too near the surface. It's probably a skin cyst." That was such a relief.

However, when I had it cut out earlier this month, the surgeon said "it's too deep for a cyst, it's probably a lymph node!" So now I'm back in the waiting game, having thought I'd left it for good. My follow-up appointment is on Jan 10th.

I know just how hard it is to wait with a worry in the back of your mind. It can affect your sleep and you can think about it when you should be concentrating on other things. The best advice I can give you though is not to spend your time crawling Google for detailed medical information. It's not designed for the likes of you and I and can be worrying. Stick to forums like this one. :)

When you do get to see the doctors, make sure that you explain to them how worried this is making you feel. Do go back to your doctor if you feel you can't wait. She may well be able to calm you.

Do feel free to drop me a line at jon.baldwin@gmail.com if you want to let a load off your mind at all.

Take care,

Jon

Hodgkins is curable, Non-Hodgkins is not. 22 years old is young for that disease but nothing is impossible. I am very shocked at your age and with knowing you have had such a infection that your doctor would even mention this Hodgkins until after your symtoms are over. They can not treat Hodgkins until you are somewhat progressed in this disease and the nodes are not what I mean. By all means keep check on it. But the doc should not have put that in your head yet.