Possible lymphoma based on enlarged lymph nodes

Hi everyone, I felt a pea-size lymph node in my neck a few months ago which has grown to over 3cm in 3months, and there are now more enlarged nodes around that first one (but smaller). I had an ultrasound scan and the notes say that the appearance is of malignant lymphadenopathy which might be lymphomatous or metastatic (thank you NHS app for having some of the notes!). I’m now waiting for another urgent appointment for a biopsy and CT scan.

From the notes it reads like it is lymphoma so I’m mentally preparing for that, I’m not sure how it could be anything else at this point?! I’m not sure why I’m posting but I’m keeping a lot of this to myself so I don’t worry people, and it’s hard waiting isn’t it?! Thinking of everyone who is waiting for an appointment. 

  • Hi, you’re posting because you don’t want to feel alone, the likely hood is no one around you could possibly understand how you are feeling right now. Im waiting for my urgent referral app, found a lump the size of a broad bean just above my left collarbone, since my doc referred me last Friday I have found 2 more lumps in the right side of my neck, I’ve been having night sweats on and off through the week for about 10 months. My back and hips are so painful. 
    Thinking of you and hope you get your answers soon, you arnt alone. 

  • Hello & welcome.   Sorry to hear this.  I am surpised to hear they did not do a same day biopsy.  Stories I seem to have read on here they have done same day biopsises.  Sorry to hear you have to wait.  I was referred a week ago by my GP for similar.  My ENT appt is tomorrow.  Where are your lumps located and do they feel like just out of interest?

    I believe my enlarged nodes are cervical lymph nodes.  First one I discovered 2 months (ish) ago which has definetly grown and is only visable when I tilt my neck the other way. I have pea one located right by that.  Then on the other side I have two other lymph nodes, one is really long and odd in shape, and the other one is a big one, but is quite flat,  GP thought that it was deep in the tissue.  All are hard (but not like bone, do not know how to explain it) and they are all fixed and painless

  • I hope it goes well tomorrow. My lumps are on my right side and I think are cervical. The biggest is over 3cm and you can see it sticking out! It is mobile but feels harder than it used to and is painless, the others are below it and have grown in the last month and are also painless. I should hear something tomorrow about my referral so hopefully I’ll be seen soon.

  • Hi Kate, you’re not alone and that’s exactly why I came on here too. It’s scary waiting for an answer and can be hard to talk to people you love because you don’t want to worry them. 
    I have similar symptoms to you but was lucky enough to have an ultrasound and a biopsy on Saturday, 1 week and 1 day after my initial GP appointment. I’m now playing the waiting game for my biopsy results but they scheduled me in at my appointment to go back and receive them on 9th April. Hope you get your appointment soon and it turns out to be something other than cancer.

  • I had my hospital ENT appt today, and I am still non the wiser.  I have got to wait for another urgent referral for an US & biopsy on my right node as the hospital said the location of that one is what they are worried about.  Once US has been done they will then decide whether they need to biospy those or not too.   So yeah, more waiting.... 

  • They’re normally pretty quick with urgent referrals. My appointment was confirmed yesterday and my US/biopsy and CT scan are next Thurs (or at least I know I have an appointment then but I don’t know what it entails yet and assuming it’s these things based on the referral). Thinking of you, it’s so hard wanting to know everything now but take it step by step. That’s what I’m trying to do but it’s easier said than done!

  • Hope the appointment goes well on the 9th. It’s a waiting game but at least you know there’s a milestone coming up when you’ll know something. Hope you’re feeling ok after the biopsy.

  • Sorry this was supposed to say "Once US has been done they will then decide whether they need to biopsy the nodes on the left side too".   But it is my right lymph node that is of concern to them because of the location x 

  • That's good! Not too long to wait then.  I am not expecting to hear anything now until next Tuesday with the bank holiday.  I guess I just need to try and put it to the back of my mind now.  That is good that you are also getting a CT scan! You will have to let us know how it goes x 

  • That’s what I had Jessica and they decided to biopsy on the day. I didn’t have ENT first though just the US and biopsy appointment. Hope the appointment comes quickly as there will be more waiting for biopsy results afterwards xx