Have l got rights to insist on a biopsy?

Hello all. I'm looking for an advice.

I found in May a lump in my clavicle. It's a swollen lymph node pushing to my collarbone. It's not painful to touch, it's hard and rubbery. I had ultrasound scan and CT scan both scans didn't show anything abnormal. US confirmed it's a lymph node about 3cm. 

I've been very unwell since end of May, off work for nearly 3 months. I also have abdominal pain, lost 6-7 kg, always tired, no appetite, night sweats, bone and muscle pain, plus some others. I've got most symptoms of lymphoma.

But because US and CT don't show anything abnormal, doctors don't want to do a biopsy of that lymph node.

My blood test is normal too. Do they day it's all in my head, that l'm healthy and must get on with my life. But l know l'm not. 

Did anyone had same experience? Can l push for the biopsy? Should l go and do it privately? Can you do it privately whitout refferal?

Thank you very much

  • Sorry to hear you're going through all this stress! I can't be a huge amount of help as I was wondering this too, I have a breast clinic appointment soon and really want them to do a biopsy for peace of mind even if the ultrasound comes back okay.

    If I were you, I'd probably push for a biopsy just for peace of mind if nothing else! You might have to be persistent. If you can afford to do so privately yes you can do so without a referral - I have had a biopsy done privately before as it was related to my breast implants (which were also done privately). 
     

    Hope you get some answers soon x 

     

     

  • Thank you for your reply. I've got an appointment tomorrow, but really don't feel right telling doctor what needs to be done in my opinion. But l'm so tired after 3 months of not knowing, that l just want to know what is wrong with me. And also very scared if all this time was wasted, just don't want to find my diagnosis when it's too late for treatment. :(