Enlarged chest lymph nodes on CT scan

Hi,

 

I went to A&E 3 weeks ago yesterday because I had a dull ache on the left side of my chest and my glands were swollen under my left armpit. My GP recommended I attend due to a family history of heart attacks. I had my bloods taken, an ECG done and a chest X-ray done and I was told by an A&E consultant that these were all fine and I could go home. 
 

Thr Wednesday after, I received a text message from the radiology department saying I was to attend a thorax/abdomen CT scan. This confused me as I was under the assumption my results were all okay. I phoned and spoke to a consultant who said that it's routine for all A&E X-rays to be further assessed by a radiologist after a visit and they noticed my lymph nodes in my chest were enlarged. He mentioned worst case could be lymphoma, but could be an infection and could be related to the COVID vaccine I had taken 10 days prior to attending. 
 

I attended my CT scan on Wednesday and found out today that I am to go for a biopsy because my chest nodes are still enlarged and my spleen is also. No tumours or any other findings. Now, this consultant  didn't mention lymphoma, but did say this was to rule out Lung Cancer. This has really shaken me, to be honest. I've looked up symptoms for both cancers and the only symptom I have for either is my chest is extremely tight. Not all the time, but most of the time. However, I'm aware this could be stress/panic. I don't have a cough, haven't lost weight, am not fatigued, haven't lost my appetite and am generally healthy. I don't smoke either and I'm 27 years old. I have developed a sore throat over the last few days, but that's it. The swelling in my glands under my armpit also disappeared a few days after my a&e visit. 
 

I really am thinking worst case scenario, but if it is lung cancer would they have been able to see a tumour from the CT scan? As I asked him if there were any and he said no. Can they not tell you if they found anything? And do you think this could be as a result of the vaccine? I know it triggers an immune response, or am I just being too optimistic there? As soon as you google 'enlarged chest nodes' it just points you in the direction of cancer, so it is pretty terrifying. 
 

thanks so much for any responses. 
 

 

  • Hi Ted1666,

    Welcome to Cancer Chat. I can understand this must all be unsettling, but also it sounds as if things are moving quickly which hopefully means it won't be too much longer to wait to get all the answers. Try not to assume anything at this point and try to keep yourself busy while you wait to keep your mind off things as much as possible.

    If you feel you'd like to talk things through, our nurses are available on 0808 800 4040 - Monday-Friday, 9-5.

    Wishing you all the best,

    Ben
    Cancer Chat Moderator

  • Hi 

    How did everything turn out I'm going through a similar thing.

    I also went for a routine mri which has shown enlarged lymph nodes in my chest.. 

    I had my covid vaccine 6 days prior so I'm praying it's to do with that but can't help but think the worst. 

  • Hi,

    So, I had my biopsy and the results came back all fine. Massive, massive relief that thankfully it wasn't cancer. 
     

    I'm having another CT scan today to see if the nodes are still enlarged and then they can see if it's due to an infection etc. 

    If you had your vaccine 6 days before the scan, I absolutely think it could be that. The Dr who went through my results with me said that the body would react to the vaccine as if it's fighting an infection and therefore your lymph nodes could become enlarged, but because the vaccine is relatively new, they don't know for sure. 
     

    Don't panic - it'll be fine. Stay positive!