Question about enlarged lymph node. (Have seen doctor but unsatisfied with answers)?

Question

I have had an enlarged lymph node for at least a year and a half. Went to doctor who gave me steroids to make inflamation go down but didn't work. Had me get an ultrasound which showed I had an enlarged lymph node (duh). She said I was fine and not to worry. I have no infections at all so there is no explanation for it to be enlarged. The doctor said it's just doing its job but if that is the case then I don't understand why she tried to make it go away and why she wanted an ultrasound of it. Ultrasounds do not tell if something is cancerous. I have had horrible night sweats and itching all over my body...not due to an allergic reaction. The "enlarged lymph node" is about 1cm in long and about 3/4cm wide. It does not hurt AT ALL in fact I cant even feel it in my neck. I can only feel it between my fingers. Much of what I am experiencing seems to be symptoms of lymphoma. Why do you think my doc does't think it should be biopsied?
Thanks in advance for your advice =)

Answer 1

Dear One, PLEASE get to another doctor soon. PLEASE. You can't tell until you cut into that lymph node. [biopsy or fine needle aspiration]. Honey, YES, night sweats and itching are definitely signs of Lymphoma. Here is a web site with the best disease info:
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls
Now, I'm not a doctor, but I am a Lymphoma survivor, and you are starting out exactly like I did. I shook when I read the part you wrote about night sweats and itching. Please don't be afraid, even if it is something bad, there are GOOD treatments out there. And there is a chance it will NOT be something bad.
I am two years post treatment. [email if you have questions]
Best wishes to you.

Answer 2

you need to see another doctor...usually a lymph node is enlarged due to a tumor or infection...Anterior cervical: These nodes, both superficial and deep, lie above and beneath the sternocleidomastoid muscles. They drain the internal structures of the throat as well as part of the posterior pharynx, tonsils, and thyroid gland.
Posterior cervical: These nodes extend in a line posterior to the sternocleidomastoids but in front of the trapezius, from the level of the Mastoid portion of the temporal bone to the clavicle. They are frequently enlarged during upper respiratory infections.
Tonsillar: These nodes are located just below the angle of the mandible. They drain the tonsillar and posterior pharyngeal regions.
Sub-mandibular: These nodes run along the underside of the jaw on either side. They drain the structures in the floor of the mouth.
Sub-mental: These nodes are just below the chin. They drain the teeth and intra-oral cavity.
Supraclavicular: These nodes are in the hollow above the clavicle, just lateral to where it joins the sternum. They drain a part of the thoracic cavity and abdomen. Virchow's node is a left supraclavicular lymph node which receives the lymph drainage from most of the body (especially the abdomen) via the thoracic duct and is thus an early site of metastasis for various malignancies. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped and range in size from a few millimeters to about 1-2 cm in their normal state..

Answer 3

Lymphedema Treatment Methods: Compression Aids Compression Garments Compression garments are elastic knit two-way stretch sleeves or stockings that aid in controlling swelling by providing additional support for the lymphatic system. These garments are worn while the wearer is awake and active. Massage Theripists and Lymphedema Treatment Manual lymph drainage is an essential part of Combined Decongestive Therapy (CDT) that is used by qualified massage therapists in the treatment of patients with lymphedema. A licensed massage therapist, with training in lymph drainage massage, often uses these technique when caring for clients. Drink plenty of clear fluids and move. If you are too swollen to move, just stand and gently bounce, either standing or sitting. Because the lymph system is not a pump like the heart, your body movement is what helps it along. Gentle massage will help eliminate the bodies waste. justme LMT

Answer 4

You certainly could get another opinion about it. I don't see what the harm would be in getting it biopsied though. I'm not sure why your doctor is so resistant to the idea. Just to play devils advocate though, you could argue that it has not gotten any bigger in the past year and a half and therefore may be nothing to worry about. If it was lymphoma it would continue to enlarge.

If you are worried, seek another opinion.

Answer 5

All I can say is go to a different doctor if she is not willing to look into it further. She is not doing the tests (biopsy) or paying for them, so I cant see why she wouldnt refer you to see someone. Have you had blood tests too, skin itching can be related to liver problems. Sometimes when there are problems in the body it affects the liver, when i had gall stones and chicken pox my poor liver was badley affected (but recovering). Also not knowing can be very stressful.

Answer 6

get a biopsy because you might have lymphoma because some tumors are painless and cancer spreads fast throghout the body. the faster you tell ur doctor 4 a biopsy u may be able 2 treat it ealy

Answer 7

Sounds like a dumb Doc...
I have lymphoma cancer in the same place....
I got a blood test and a CT scan done before my doc said BIO time.....go get a 2nd option...Good luck

Answer 8

As I keep advising people; there is only a 10% factor (in any business) of efficient and effective personnel. Seems like you need to find one who falls within that 10% to determine what your problem is.

Answer 9

every time i would dye my moms hair i always noticed a bump . i noticed it was getting bigger every time i dyed it so i told her get to the doctor. it never hurt at all she said like there was no feeling. so she went and seen the surgin who said don't worry its only a lympth noid , so of course she believed him, 4 months later she got in a car accident out of town the doctor who exsamed her neck to see if it was broken noticed that (lympth noid) and said to get it removed. so she did and it was a tumor

Answer 10

you need a second opinion from another doc