Hi Hanel208, 

I am so sorry to hear about the worries that these lymph nodes have been causing you for months. It does sound like you had a traumatic experience after losing your best friend when you were only 18 from leukaemia. This is something that will mark you forever and no doubt it has been a contributing factor to your health anxiety.  You did well to deal with this and get therapy for it and I hope it is helping. This health anxiety may also be why you are so anxious about these lymph nodes and why you need reassurance that they are nothing of concern. Do talk to your counsellor about how you are feeling about this as this is impacting on your quality of life and preventing you from eating, sleeping or concentrating on your work. 

You have had ultrasounds and an MRI and rest assured that these are powerful and reliable diagnostic tools, far more than any attempt to look things up on Google or online. It really sounds like the doctors you have seen are not overly concerned but that you need an explanation as to why they are still there and you are feeling a little shy about getting in touch with your doctor to ask them to explain things to you in more detail. Perhaps you could try and get a second opinion and talk to a GP you feel you can share your feelings and health anxiety with and you can find out more about this on this page . Once the GP has reassured you and given you an explanation as to why these lymph nodes are still there and it's nothing to worry about, you can then try and put this all at the back of your mind and focus on getting over your health anxiety and I am sure things will improve for you as you took the important and difficult step of seeking help for your health anxiety. 

Best wishes, 

Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

Hi Lucie,

thank you. 

the GP shared the results with me on the MRI and said the results are ‘enlarged lymph nodes’ he never said how big or if they were of concern or indeed if they are the ones I can feel. 

he said he was going to put in another urgent referral to ease my anxiety and get someone to properly explain to me. He said the report says everything’s fine but why does it say enlarged lymph nodes? 

I don’t really know what to feel at this point, feel like I am constantly chasing my tail.

Hi Hanel208

I have very recently had an unconfirmed, but suspected broad diagnosis of Lymphoma.

I had blood tests, chest X ray, two CT Scans both with contrast, chest and then abdomen to pelvis.

Bloods were unremarkable, as was X ray but both scans showed enlarged lymph nodes.

I am on a two week cancer pathway referral for biopsy.

This has all come as a shock/surprise as I went in to AAU with what I thought was a chest infection.

My understanding is that only a biopsy can give an exact diagnosis and that scans aid staging.

I am unsure what the biopsy will entail but needle, armpit, bone marrow and lumbar puncture were briefly explained.

The unknown is always a little scary but I have found forums like this very useful not only for support but to self inform.

I am no expert but hope that my experience thus far maybe of some use to you moving forward.

Best wishes to you and good luck

Hey! 

thank you for writing to me. 

Fingers are crossed for you, I hope you get some answers soon also. 

my friend had had a lymph node biopsy before, her results were fine she just has a few abnormal looking lymph nodes. She said the procedure itself is nothing to fear. 

I’m going to push for a biopsy at my next appointment, I’m sure they will be reluctant but I’ve asked my pushy mum to come with me! 

Good plan, sometimes it is really useful to have someone with you, especially if one is anxious.
Conversations with medical staff can be complicated and or confusing at times and we as patients might not always take on board or understand what has been said…plus mum’s always know best!