Cancer Research UK main site

Hodgkin Lymphoma?

TyJl
Offline

Just looking to verbalise this to help focus over the next few weeks. 

I have had alcohol induced pain for roughly 18 months, which occurs within a few minutes of drinking and lasts about 45 minutes. Across my chest and my throat and down my right arm. 

During that time I have also had pruritus on my legs, which I have never had before. 

If I take a deep breath and hold it in I can feel a tightness in my chest. I also have pains down my right arm (armpit to elbow) at irregular times during the day.  

However, I have no visible swollen lymph nodes, unless I have a throat infection, in which case they light up big time. I have been to the doctor and he could not find any either. 

I have had bloods done, and they came back with a "minor" rise in ESR. Had a CT scan this weekend and now the wait begins.

I am hoping that the lack of visibly enlarged lymph nodes is a good thing, but also worried that if the CT scan comes back clear, that I will have to give up alcohol as the pain is excruciating :cry:

 

  • Hello TyJI,

    You won't know what the next steps are until you have the results for your CT scan, but since you feel that this pain is alcohol induced, it might be better to reduce your intake or cut it out altogether for the sake of your health. Make sure you always talk to your doctor about your concerns.

    I hope you get your results soon,

    Moderator Anastasia

  • Offline in reply to Moderator Anastasia

    Results came through this week.

    It is not Hodgkin Lymphoma, but there is a moderate sized soft tisse mass, which appears to rise in the thymus. Apparently, alcohol induced pain can be related to thymomas as well, but I had not read that before. 

    Will see a chest surgeon in the coming weeks and hopefully it will be a straightforward resection, although I am not looking forward to a sternotomy. Then depending on the biopsy, there may need to be some radiotherapy...hopefully not. 

    I am still hoping that it is just a smudge on my CT scan :D 

  • Offline in reply to TyJl

    Hi there,

    my brother in law was diagnosed with a Thymoma. He had an operation which was minimally invasive (still open) from the side, a few cm cut under his right underarm. He stayed 3 nights in the hospital and he was then dismissed. His prognosis is great, practically that this operation resulted in a cure and although he has to follow up and closely monitor his health with CT and Xrays it is highly unlike that this will redevelop. 

     

     

  • Offline in reply to efgr

    Thanks for the post, and glad to hear the good news about your brother in law. That less invasive surgery is definitely what I am hoping for!

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.