Lymphoma

FormerMember
FormerMember
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Hello. A couple of years ago I noticed a solid growing lump on my neck after having glandular fever/ chronic tonsillitis and over the past few months I have had symptoms that indicate lymphoma (fatigue, weight loss, night sweats, many more). I have been seen by ENT which consisted of an ultrasound. I was told it was just a reactive lymph node which should go in a couple a weeks to a month; which it hasn't. My concern is that because I am still young I fear that doctors often don't take me seriously (and I am autistic so find it hard to explain problem). Also on the NHS it says that the only way to diagnose lymphoma is by having a biopsy which I was declined in having. 

Very confused of how the diagnosis of it all works and whether or not I should be advocating for myself or if I shouldn't worry. 

  • Hi Annie,

    Welcome to the Macmillan Online Community. I’m Kirstine and I’m one of the nurses here.

    I’m sorry to hear you are feeling worried by these symptoms you have been having. There could be many different causes or reasons that might explain these. Often when somebody is worried that they might have a cancer it turns out not to be the case but it’s important to have it checked properly by a doctor.

    We would always encourage you to speak to your GP if a symptom you have had for a while is not getting better, or if you are having new or worsening symptoms.

    It’s understandable that you might feel a little anxious about not being able to say what you want at the time of the appointment. Many people feel this way. Your GP can take some extra time to be sure you are comfortable with the information you both discuss, especially if you let them know that this worries you because of your autism.

    It can help to write down everything that is troubling you before you go and use this list to guide your conversation with the GP. You could use a symptom diary for this to help you describe what’s been happening. This will help your GP decide what the problem may be and what steps to take next. They will want to know how long you have had the symptoms and they may ask if anything makes the symptoms better or worse – keeping a note of this for a few days before your appointment can be really useful for the GP. Remember it’s ok to ask questions if you need more information about something they say or want to understand the reasons for any decisions they propose.

    You are right to speak to your GP again. I hope this is helpful for you and you get some reassurance about how you are feeling soon.

    Wishing you the best of luck with this,

     

    Kirstine – Macmillan

    Information Nurse Specialist