Blood Tests for Lymphoma - Lymphomas Message Board

Richardmcfc · 08-01-2008, 10:54 AM

Hi all, first post.

I have had a lump in the back of my neck for around four months now and went to see the doctor who said just to monitor it, I also have one in my groin which flares up and down. It still hadnt gone and so a few days ago I went back and they did a blood test to see if everything was ok. Everything they tested for was. Now having had the blood test, I have read that in actual fact blood tests cant detect something like Lymphoma, is this accurate or not? For example would it pick up on something if worse came to worse and I had it?

Just to add to that, recently I have started feeling really tired with no energy whilst my body has been aching.

Rich

dee62 · 08-01-2008, 01:25 PM

Hi Richard,

Your story sound exactly how I am. I have been seeing a hematologist/oncologisty sometime around Augut. And you know it has been rather bothersome. You probably feel like I do, always wondering yourself to death. Please try not too. I would say to keep on top of the doctors. And as it was told to you wait and see. Which to me I hate the way that is told.

Yes, I have also been told that lymphoma doesn't show up in bloodwork either, and it does scare me. I think that there may be other test that can be done. My doctor said that my nodes are to small to biopsy, so I have basically just tried to forget, even though, you know how that goes.

Have you been having any night sweats? I have been getting them a little more recently, and the body aches are miserable. Always feel like I have the flu. I am sorry that you are feeling exhasted, it's a bad feeling when your body just doesn't want to get up and go.

Try to keep positive, okay. I will be glad to be someone you need to vent with.

Take care,
Denise

annie42 · 08-14-2008, 02:31 PM

"Yes, I have also been told that lymphoma doesn't show up in bloodwork either,... ."

Hi Denise and Richard,

Denise, do you know if lymphoma would cause the WBC and RBC to show out-of-normal range?

Thanks, and God bless

lymphpre · 08-14-2008, 03:56 PM

As far as I know, lymphoma does not show up on blood tests. Being in the unfortunate position of having lymphoma three times, I can say that my blood tests have never shown anything untoward. If you have an enlarged lymph node, the only sure way to tell if it is lymphoma is to biopsy it.

I think one consultant said that it would show up on a blood test if it was present in the bone marrow, but the next consultant I saw said this was not the case. If your node is going up and down, that does not sound like lymphoma. The typical pattern is a progressive, painless enlargement.

Best wishes
Simon

Nassau one · 08-14-2008, 05:07 PM

Just to support statement above...my lymphoma was in the bone marrow and my blood tests showed no sign of any illness! Only biopsies can really give a definitive answer.

Wishing you all the best.
Alison