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Retroperitoneal Lymph Nodes Inflamed

BlondiegirlIe
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I'm wondering if anyone has been in a similar situation and can offer advice.

My husband, who is in his early 30s and generally healthy and fit, had severe stomach pain radiating into his back and acute kidney failure for a few days that seemed to resolve itself after IV fluids and strong antibiotics. A and E did a CT scan of the urinary pathways to check for kidney stones, which they didn't find. However, they did find inflamed lymph nodes in the retroperitoneal space. Also some bowel loops with no obvious obstruction or mass seen.

His pain is gone after a week however he is extremely tired.

The consultant said they don't really know why this could have happened and didn't seem particularly concerned, however invited him back for a CT scan with dye in 6 weeks.

After googling, which I know is a bad idea, I'm now really scared he has testicular cancer, colon cancer or lymphoma and want to make sure he is properly checked. Would a CT scan with dye pick up signs of these types of cancers? Any other tests he should ask for with these symptoms? Or am I, as he thinks, just being overly anxious and Google leads everyone to think they have cancer?

  • Hello Blondiegirlle

    I'm sorry to hear that your husband has been unwell recently and that as a result of some tests the hospital discovered some inflamed lymph nodes. 

    It's understandable that you're feeling worried about his health but it's reassuring to hear that the Consultant didn't have any immediate cause for concern. Hopefully, the follow-up CT scan in a few weeks will bring some reassurance to you both. 

    We know that many people turn to the internet when they have a health concern. Unfortunately, we also know that most of the time people don't find answers and instead end up being led down a rabbit hole that always ends in a worst-case scenario. Please do give Google a wide berth. Instead, you might find it more helpful to give our team of nruses a call. Whilst they won't be able to give you a diagnosis I'm sure they will be able to answer some of your questions and offer some reassurance. If you'd like to chat with them they're available Monday to Friday 9 am to 5 pm on 0808 800 4040. 

    Keep in touch and let us know how things go. 

    Best wishes, 
    Jenn
    Cancer Chat moderator 

  • Offline

    Hi 

    Hope you are well. My husband also a similar age has been in a very similar position.  He had severe pain on his left side going down his leg.  The CT scan showed no stones but enlarged retroperitoneal and mesenteric lymph nodes for which they are doing a biopsy in the next few weeks to rule out TB or heaven forbid Lymphoma. 
     

    Has your husband managed to get his scan done? 

  • Offline in reply to Ana1994

    Hi.

    He has had the scan and now just waiting for the results. Apparently it's very busy and understaffed out our hospital, so could take a while. His symptoms seem to have improved and he is well, which I am hoping is a good sign.

    Is your husband still in pain or has that improved? Hope his biopsies go well.

    When you say to rule out TB, is that as in tuberculosis? 
     

  • Offline in reply to BlondiegirlIe

    Hi,

    I hope his results come back clear.  My husbands symptoms have improved which is reassuring.

    Thank you! And yes it's to rule out tuberculosis. 

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