suspected lymphoma

Hello everyone, 

I'm a 21 year-old uni student going through a bunch of tests at the moment to investigate some swollen lymph nodes in my neck and symptoms such as fatigue, breathlessness, and a bit of nausea. I went to the haematologist yesterday after being referred to him under the two-week pathway by my GP, and he had a look at my swollen lymph nodes and seemed a bit worried because apparently they are of a substantial size and hard in density. Subsequently, he's referring me to an ENT for a biopsy and some CT scans and has said we should have all the tests he wants done back within 3-4 weeks to be able to make a diagnosis or not. I was pretty taken aback when he even started suggesting routes for treatment if it is lymphoma, and although, I realise its best to wait for the biopsy results before I start worrying too much, am a little concerned at how much he seemed to suggest that this is all probably lymphoma. Amidst this, the coronavirus crisis, etc. I'm finding it very difficult to concentrate on writing my dissertation, as I'm in my final year of my degree. It would be great to hear from anyone else going through this process, any fellow uni students dealing with the possility of a diagnosis, or anyone who's had such tests done! 

  • Hi there,

    I am so sorry to hear what you've been going through. I am 29 so a little older than you, but have had similar symptoms. My doctor even suggested my neck lumps could be a secondary cancer 'due to my age'.

    My lumps also felt irregular to the touch so I was referred to an ENT who ordered an ultrasound and biopsy. Thankfully, he now isn't concerned, as the lymph nodes do not look suspicious on the imagery, just keeping an eye on them in Future. He suspects I've got a lingering infection and that the stress of all this (and some anxiety stemming from recent bereavements in the family) are all contributing factors. 

    I do hope that your biopsy results come back clear, and if not remember that there is always a path forwards.