Enlarged Lymph Nodes - Lymphomas Message Board

Deb401 · 05-21-2004, 01:03 PM

Hi - I'm 36 years old - I had a regular physical today with my internist and he felt 2 enlarged lymph nodes on the left side of my neck and he wants me to go to a surgeon to have them biopsied. I did not know they were there. Is this normal procedure when enlarged lymph nodes are felt? I have a family history of cancers in my family so I'm alittle freaked out about this. What type of biopsy is done for this - fine needle or open? I scheduled an appt with a surgeon for a consultation - is there a chance he won't biopsy it at all? Any advice would be appreciated. Thanks.
Debbie

snakenole · 05-21-2004, 01:22 PM

Well Deb, i can't help you out with the whole biopsy thing as I've never had one done. But maybe to help put your mind at ease just remember that there are a lot of things that can cause lymph nodes to enlarge. Do you have any other symptoms like a sore throat or allergies or anything like that? I've gotten enlarged lymph nodes from sinus infections that I didn't even realize I had. I also had strep back in November and that will cause lymph nodes to enlarge. My doctor even told me that you can have strep and not even have a sore throat, especially if it's recurrent. So, it's good you're having it checked out but try not to panic. It may turn out to be nothing. And be careful about what you read online; you never know what you can truly believe.

ysco · 05-21-2004, 04:48 PM

Your doc probably got the impression your nodes were suspicious. This doesn't mean they are foreseen as something serious, but as for the doctors' perspective, better safe than sorry.

There are many causes of enlarged nodes. The vast majority are not cancer. You did not post any more details such as about how they feel or how large they are and whether you're experiencing any other symptoms so I can't comment if they sound normal/reactive or not.

As for the biopsy - if the surgeon thinks it right you have a biopsy at all, you will more likely undergo a FNA than other types of more invasive biopsies, especially since your nodes are palpable. Either way you will need to consult your options with the surgeon.

Good luck