Lymphoma symptoms

Good evening everyone. I wanted to ask some advice on what I should be asking for from the GP in regards to my 17 year old son. He developed a cold 4 weeks ago, he had the usual cold symptoms, he then developed night sweats 2 weeks ago, his bed is soaking most nights and he is waking 2-3 times a night in sweat. His cold appears to have cleared however he has been left with an odd cough that comes and goes, it is not chesty. Last week I noticed he had lost weight, his eating has been fine eating breakfast, lunch & dinner. I thought maybe the night sweats was the cold running its length and sweating out of him. Then he came to me and said he had a lump on his neck and on his head. We got a GP appt next day. He was checked over and GP stated it was an occipital lymph node and neck lymph node that was swollen and also tonsils were swollen, some blood tests were taken. GP mentioned possible Glandular fever or thyroid issue. He was asked if he had a really sore throat at any point and my son said no.He was weighed and has lost just over a stone in 3 weeks, I was shocked, I knew he had lost some weight but not that much, he is already slim build. My son's energy levels have dipped that he can't play football or go to his gym. The GP called my son today, I wasn't there I was at work. My son said he was told he has anemia and low something and something about his glands and the GP will call him on Thurs. I wish I had been there to listen with him and of course when I searched his symptoms lymphoma came up. I know it may not be this and could possibly be what the GP is suggesting. What is my next step do I ask the GP outright could this be a type of lymphoma? If my son has a type of viral infection it must be pretty bad as I have never seen him like this before,I can't remember the last time he had a cold. Thanks for listening.

  • Hi Theresa, I can see your post is very similar to mine but I don't have the night sweats. When I went to the gp he referred me to ENT and said I will get an appointment with two weeks. I would go back to your doctor and ask for this. I have also lost a stone in a couple of months and now I'm only 7st 12. Let me know how u and ur son get on

  • Hi there, yes we have a GP phone appt tomorrow to discuss what I assume are the blood results that were explained to my son that he has no understanding of or can recall what words were used when glands were mentioned. I had a very sleepless night last night. Reading up on Glandular fever and lymphomas there are some similar symptoms, I know myself I have jumped to worst case scenario however I'm also telling myself that I am glad I have done some reading on NHL & HL and that I have some knowledge incase the GP mentions this. My son only knows about Glandular fever & thyroid problems as that was what GP had said at the appointment so I'm trying to focus on Glandular fever however his weight loss and nights sweats are telling me otherwise and my stomach keeps flipping. I'm assuming GP will want to address the anemia and give a prescription for ferrous sulphate and discuss the swollen glands. I will listen to what GP has to say and then ask questions. I'm really pleased your doctor has acted so quickly on reffering to ENT. I hope you manage to get some weight back on soon as you will be low in energy, hopefully you GP can suggest some protein shakes or something similar to take inbetween your meals, this will be a question I will also be asking for my son.

  • Hi, how did the gp call go today? I've had an appointment thro for ent next week. It's all very stressful isn't it 

  • Hi there, my son tested positive for Mononucleosis antibodies. The relief was overwhelming and I understand that may sound selfish. I do have great sympathy for everyone going through cancer diagnosis it must be truly awful, I know how I have been feeling reading everyones experiences on here. When I spoke to GP about lymphoma he said Glandular fever very much mimicks Hodgkins in teenagers and thats why they do the blood tests first. He said the symptoms may persist for several weeks or in some cases a few months. I will of course be keeping a close watch.  My son isn't allowed to do any sports for several weeks and has to rest as his spleen may become swollen. GP also said absolutely no alchohol either as it could cause liver probelms, thankfully he has no interest in alcohol or any energy to meet with friends. Also forgot to add he is severely anemic and I collected prescription for 3 iron tablets per day.  

    I really hope your ENT appoitnment goes well next week and you get the investigations needed. I will pop back on now and again to see how you are doing.

  • Oh that is fantastic. I know he's ill but at least it isn't the big L word. I'm really pleased for u both.

    ah thank u that's kind. I'll keep u posted x

  • Just wanted to update u that I went to ent yesterday and the registrar said it was just my neck and I could feel it more as I have a thin neck. He seemed to think it was the same in both sides. He discharged me and said if it did change shape or get bigger he would get me in on a two week referral again. So pleased I can put this behind me now. Altho not a specialist he did think the weight loss was me nearing the date for my best b12 as u do go downhill rapidly when it is due. So good news 

  • Thank you for the update. Pleased it is a positive outcome. It is reassuring that doctors have listened and taken seriously to rule out more seious issues like lymphoma. My son is still really unwell with nightsweats, exhuastion and continues to lose weight. The nhs website is very poor for Glandular fever and does not mention night sweats etc however American sites give the stages and explanations of what Mononucleosis does and unfortunately my son is still in the acute stage. Just thought I would write as much information as possible for others coming onto the group searching symptoms. Take care and hope you feel better with your B12 injection.