Cancer Research UK main site

Can lymphoma be seen on CT scan? Swollen tonsil+lymph nodes

AbiD
Offline

Hello,

I've got one tonsil larger than the other and the ENT sent me to have a CT scan as he found another enlarged and hard lymph node in my neck and i also have sporadic but drenching nights sweats. I haven't seen the ENT with the results yet but I have the images and initial report which say that five of the lymph nodes in the neck are swollen "without morphological or dimensional suspicion", as well as a small nodule on the thyroid. The swollen lymph nodes are on both sides. I haven't been ill as you can imagine, no infection or virus and no pain apart from full feeling in neck. 

My question is, can lymph nodes look "normal but slightly enlarged" on a CT scan if it's lymphoma? Or would there be more to see at this stage? Can these results rule lymphoma out? 

Would love to hear your experiences, you don't have to sugar coat them for me ;)

Apointement with ENT is next week.

Thank you 


 

 

  • Offline

    Hi there

    the only thing a CT scan will be able to show are enlarged lymph nodes and other abnormalities - it isn't possible to diagnose lymphoma from this scan.

    if the specialists suspect lymphoma they will more than likely request a biopsy and more blood tests in order to find out.

    a biopsy is the only way to diagnose lymphoma

  • Offline in reply to AnxiousAsAMouse

    Thank you anxious as a mouse. 
     

    So I guess that means it isn't possible to rule it out either? I guess I was hoping that the lymph nodes might show up as slightly more dense or a different shape or something with lymphoma. So I guess that's not the case?
     

    I see you've been here since 2021 are you pre diagnosis or diagnosed? Is everything ok for you? 

  • Offline in reply to AbiD

    All sorts Of different factors go into diagnosing lymphoma. The scan will be useful in determining how many lymph nodes might be swollen, and if there is involvement with any other part of the body. 
     

    I was diagnosed with Burkitt Lymphoma in December 2021, been in remission a year now. My best advice would be don't try to second guess these things or jump too far ahead, have the scan, have the tests and let the specialists take care of the rest. If there is a problem they will tell you 

  • Offline in reply to AnxiousAsAMouse

    You're so right, second guessing is pointless. Thank you. 
     

    im sorry to hear about your diagnosis but delighted to hear you're in remission, it's really kind of you to come back in and ease the minds of those of us who are worrying pre diagnosis. 

  • Offline in reply to AbiD

    Hi did you get your results? Hope all was ok for you x

Speak to a nurse

Quick links

Follow us

Registered with Fundraising Regulator (logo)
Cancer Research UK is a registered charity in England and Wales (1089464), Scotland (SC041666), the Isle of Man (1103) and Jersey (247). A company limited by guarantee. Registered company in England and Wales (4325234) and the Isle of Man (5713F). Registered address: 2 Redman Place, London, E20 1JQ.