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?Lymphoma - Can you ask for a biopsy?

Kate4589
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Hi, I'm a 22 year old woman who's been experiencing some really weird symptoms over the past three-ish months.

I've had a cough for around 10 weeks, breathlessness that's getting worse, chest pain/discomfort, trouble swallowing, noticing my alcohol tolerance has changed drastically (& I get sore lymph nodes afterwards now too), and I am clawing at my face, neck, collarbones/chest it's so itchy all the time! I've noticed a swollen gland on the right side of my neck, which has gone from smaller than a pea to about the size of a grape - with no signs of infection, and my neck/jaw/collarbones ache like something is pressing into them.

I am trying to get in touch with my GP for tests, but I keep being fobbed off without even having spoken to a GP - What I want to ask is am I allowed to ask for a scan or a biopsy to figure this out?

I know within myself that something really isn't right and I want answers, but the GP doesn't seem to care enough to even arrange a blood test (or even properly see me). I know they can say no, but are you allowed to ask for specific tests like that?

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    Hello Kate4589, 

    I can completely understand why you would want to have these symptoms investigated and it's not great that you keep being fobbed off and haven't even managed to speak to a GP. I hope that you manage to speak to someone soon - I would definitely insist on speaking to a GP and when you are discussing your symptoms with your GP, you could mention that you are wondering whether a scan, biopsy or blood tests would be beneficial, that you are worried about lymphoma and your doctor will have the expertise to guide you and tell you whether they think it is necessary to refer you. Make sure you see a GP and explain that you know within yourself that something isn't right and you need answers - do give a detailed list of symptoms and issues you are experiencing. It's important that you have this conversation with your GP so give your surgery a ring tomorrow and insist that you need to speak to a doctor. I hope you manage to talk to someone soon and that it all turns out to be nothing of concern. 

    Our members of our forum may have faced a similar situation before and I hope that they will be along shortly to share their experience with you. 

    Best wishes, 

    Lucie, Cancer Chat Moderator

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