What is the best test...so you know for sure! - Lymphomas Message Board

pstraussman · 11-23-2005, 12:52 PM

I am 38 years old and it good health. About 2 weeks ago I noticed a painless lump about the size of a lima bean on the right back side of my neck. At about the same time I also developed a red sore area of skin in between my right ear and my head. The lump got a little bigger about a week ago and now it has shrunk slightly. I was freaked out so I saw my doctor yesterday. He believes it is a swolen lymph node due to the infection on my ear/head. He prescribed antibiotics and a topical steroid solution for the infected red sore area of skin.

He said he was 95% sure is diagnosis is correct. He did mention the word lymphoma though!

Obviously it's the 5% I'm worried about. He told me if the lymph node does not go back to normal within a month to call him and he would send me to a specialist. I have no other symptoms.

My question is...

If I need to see a specialist, what is the best test. I would like to avoid the run around that many of you have experienced.

Thanks!

Countrygirl1 · 11-25-2005, 08:52 PM

Sad to say, but sometimes it depends on your insurance coverage. Typically, it may be a CT scan or ultrasound.

pstraussman · 11-26-2005, 05:05 AM

Thanks for your reply! Is a ct or ultrasound more reliable than a biopsy? Does anyone know if they can remove your entire lymph node? If they can what are the negatives?

Thanks in advance.

Countrygirl1 · 11-27-2005, 01:07 AM

If the CT scan or ultrasound shows anything suspicious the next step would be a biopsy. As for your other questions: Although I am not a doctor, I have heard of lymph nodes being removed in surgery. I really have no idea what the negatives would be.

NY 1009 · 12-17-2005, 06:16 AM

I know this post is a late reply but maybe you will have returned to see there's another later reply to it.

the best way and only way to really see if there are cancerous cells in a lymph node is a pathologist viewing a biopsy of it.
usually drs. start to worry about a lymph node when it's over 2 cm large and when it doesn't go away after a few weeks.

there are sometimes symtoms with the 30 different subtype of lymphoma's that are out there. Hodgkins lymphoma has a different cell it all on it's own and they can detect where the cancer will spread to next. I think.

I haven't read up on lymphoma's for a while, so don't quote me exactly.

I've never heard of people who have a diagnosis with a lymphoma getting red around the area of the lymph node. that sounds more like an infection because the tissue and white blood cells are responding to the agent or bacteria that's attaching that site. so it becomes red and imflamed for a reason. it can become infected so it's good he gave you an antibiotic.

we have lymphnodes all thru out our bodies that most people aren't aware of unless they've studied this. we also have hair follicles and oil glands and ducts that can become clogged from bacteria and the lymph nodes will do their job of draining the substance which therefor the gland becomes enlarged.

so this is so lengthy.
to answer your question. there are specialtists named ENT, ear, nose and throats surgeons who perform the biopsies, and there are general surgeons as well. depending where the lymph node is.
also they perform a FNB meaning, fine needle biopsy where they biopsy only the part of the node. it is best to get an entire excision of the biopsy being performed. the FNB can miss some cancerous cells with just the needle biopsy.
I've read alot of others had a mis diagnosis because of having the FNB and wound up much later that they really had lymphoma.
how frightening is that?
a hemotologist oncologist is a dr who works with lymphomas too.
depending on your insurance, you may not need a referal to see a specialtist. I got to visit one without a referal because I pay a higher premium on my insurance so I don't have to do that.

I wish you a speedy answer and I hope that it didn't wind up being a form of lymphoma. if you get this message, could you drop us a line to let us know you're doing?
sincerely,
Linda