Worried about lymphoma

Worried you might have a blood cancer?
1

Hello,

I’m curious if anyone else has experience similar symptoms and how their GP responded please.
I am 23 and have been experiencing noticeable fatigue for 6+ months and since the middle of August have had low grade fevers regularly, but I have had no virus or infection or any illness in this time to explain the fevers. I have also had hot flushes during the day where I feel sweaty and shaky. I have had my blood checked multiple times which have all come back normal and show no sign of infection.
In October I noticed a small swollen lymph node in my neck and in the last couple of weeks another lymph node has swollen on the other side of my neck. I have also had mild chest pain on and off for the last couple of months.
I saw a different doctor after I noticed the lymph nodes, who said we need to consider lymphoma, but after my LDH came back at 192 they said they were not worried and my lymph node felt reactive anyway.
My GP wrote a letter to haematology for advice who have said it’s likely viral not lymphoma, so do not need to be seen by haematology.
I’ve had a chest x ray this week and was told I can have an ultrasound, which has a 4 week wait. So I will be having my ultrasound privately for reassurance.
I’ve felt a little let down by the NHS after knowing that other people with my symptoms have been seen urgently. Is it possible to tell a lymph node is only reactive based on feeling it ?
In terms of other tests. I had glandular fever 18 months ago so I know that is not a cause and my autoimmune blood test markers were all negative.
The GPs have not offered any other possible cause for feeling so unwell for months. Just wondering if anyone has had a similar experience please ? Wondering if it is because I am young that they are not concerned.

Thank you :slight_smile:

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Dear @rosie1234,
Welcome to the forum, although I am sorry the worries about your health is what has led you here.
It is understandable that you are worried about your symptoms.
It sounds like your GP has been thorough which is reassuring, a blood test is the first thing we would recommend with any concerns about blood cancer and also an ultrasound of any swollen nodes, it is great you have been referred for this and the GP has already discussed your symptoms and results with the haematologist.
I can understand the wait for ultrasound being frustrating, you can always call the ultrasound department and explain your concerns, or you can also go back to the GP to ask if this can be expedited. You could also ask your GP if a 2 week wait referral is appropriate, although this is possibly what they asked the haematologist?
At the ultrasound scan the radiographer will hopefully be able to tell you if the node is reactive and if there are any concerns they will possibly recommend a biopsy.
I have linked in our pages on signs and symptoms of blood cancer. These pages also have some useful questions you can ask your GP. Blood cancer symptoms and signs | Blood Cancer UK.
If the ultrasound is clear and you are still feeling unwell it is important to go back to the GP as your symptoms will need continued investigations.
Please do also seek urgent medical attention with any chest pain and please do go back to the GP if your symptoms are worsening while you wait for the scan.
We are very much here for you. You can call us on 0808 2080 888.
Please keep us updated on how things go!
Take Care,
Heidi J (Support Services Nurse)

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