My 7 year old needs a biopsy, need help?

Question

My son just got an MRI and they found something they want to biopsy today. Two lymph nodes were enlarged enough (2 and 3 cm) where they think he has a tumor, either in his lymph nodes or it has spread to his lymph nodes. They have ruled out any infectioned thru a blood test. First off, does anyone know if there is an infection that will not show in the blood tests, and second. if they tell me its a tumor after the biopsy, what questions should I be asking. I didnt ask much when the dr called last night and i regret that . I was just shell shocked to hear "your son has a tumor".
Any help woudl be greatly appreciated, we are starting from the bottom up with no knowledge about cancer. Thanks,

Answer 1

first they rulled out infections.. he has a tumor(probably cancer) that means it has spread to the lymph nodes , thats why the lymph nodes are swollen. good luck to you and your son.well after the biopsy most doctors will try to explain everything time they are done i dont think there anything else to ask.Childhood Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a broad term encompassing a variety of cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system helps filter out bacteria and is important in fighting disease. Every so often, the lymph vessels widen into lymph nodes. Most of us have felt these under our arms or neck (like when sick with mono or an infection).

In lymphoma, some of the cells in the lymph system (white blood cells named lymphocytes) multiply uncontrollably from a single cell (called a malignancy or cancer). Different lymphomas are broken out by the type of cell that multiplies and how the cancer presents itself.

The two main groups of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma (or Hodgkin's Disease) (characterized by the growth of Reed-Sternberg cells in the cancer) and the Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas.

Cancer strikes one of every 330 children born in the US before the age of 19. Lymphoma makes up 15% of those childhood cancers with 55% diagnosed as Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma and 45% diagnosed as Hodgkin's Lymphoma (Disease). Both types are very rare in children aged under 3. Boys are affected slightly more often than girls.
Finding out a child has lymphoma is a devastating experience. The oncologist and others on your "medical team" (do not discount the wisdom of your nurse!) will explain many things to you and (hopefully) give you information on the condition and treatment. Often times, though, people seek additional information. Since you are here, I assume you, like I, turned to the computer to find information via the Internet. Alas, medical information is available, but finding it can be very frustrating. This site tries to present the best of information from literature and the Internet.

Information on childhood lymphoma is available in the following areas:

Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Childhood Hodgkin's (HL or HD)
Childhood Hodgkin's Diagnosis
Childhood Hodgkin's Treatment
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL)
Childhood NHL Diagnosis
Childhood NHL Treatment
Childhood Lymphoma Information Resources
Just for Kids and Teens

Answer 2

You can have enlarged lymph nodes with out having cancer. My husband did, and they removed the lymph nodes and he hasn't had a problem since. But if they have located tumor and want to biopsy or remove enlarged lymph glands surrounding the tumor that is a different story. It wasn't clear in your question. Regardless you will have a much better understanding of what you are dealing with after the biopsy as they can tell what type of tumor it is, if it is malignant, and if and how far it has spread into the lymph nodes. Treatment can be planned according to that information. So hang in there and I'll say a prayer for your son and your family.

Answer 3

First of all, I'm so sorry about the potential bad news. I lost my heartdog in October 2007 of cancer and it was one of the worst loses of my life. Next, I would seek a second opinion ASAP. On something that serious I would want another professional to give me something more definitive than a maybe. Finally, once you know if you actually are dealing with cancer and what type, I would do extensive research to learn about everything you can do to help your pup. Cancer is a diagnosis, not a sentence and many cancers repond very well to treatments, both holistic and conventional. Everything about your pup's wellbeing depends on the choices that you make for him and just because he may have cancer, or even if he does, does not mean you need to rush to put him down. Inform yourself and give your best friend every opportunity to spend as much quality time with you as he can. There are some wonderful books out there on just this topic that contain stories of many dogs beating the odds. Best wishes.

Answer 4

Hi! Ask the doctor where the tumor is located and what type of tumor it is. There are tumors that aren't life threatening, this will likely ease much of your worries. If it is lifethreatening, it'll need immediate medical intervention so ask the doctor for the next step. Ask the doctor if he/she can recommend specialists who can help with your son's condition.
You can surf the net for informations regarding the type of tumor your son have. God bless you! and stay strong!

Answer 5

Contact your local chapter of the American Cancer Society immediate!!!

ACS has lots of information and will help answer your questions. And, they have great support system for both the child and the family.

Go to www.webmd.com and read read read and be sure to ask question. IF you don't understand what the doctor is telling you or have any concerns, be assertive. Speak up, and ask questions. There is never a dumb question.

Answer 6

well you dont kno yet whether its cancer or not...if it is the doctors there be there to explain the plan of treatment they have for your son. Their are soo many people that would be involved with your sons case..and since your sons a child they will be extra careful with him...try not to worry and pray about it...trust me i kno for a fact..i hope everything works out for you

Answer 7

I also think that you should get a 2nd opinon, the more drs that can help you, that better I think.
Good luck
God Bless

Answer 8

you are very vague in telling the history of the disease,the site of tum our &so on , unless you do that it will not be good to say any thing. Kindly writr in detail.