Covid between urgent referral and FNAB

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Hi, 

I noticed a lump in my neck at the beginning of September. After 3 weeks, it had got bigger so I went to my GP who tried antibiotics in case it was an infection. There was no change so i was referred to the Head & Neck clinic on October 1st, who arranged an ultrasound on the 8th, which revealed a 42mm lymph node.

I am due to have a FNA biopsy tomorrow (Oct 15th) but unfortunately I fell ill with cold/flu symptoms around the 10th of Oct, and home testing was positive for covid. I am better in myself now but am very anxious that the covid will muddy the waters of my diagnosis. (I have, of course, informed the team about being ill and have been told to attend the biopsy anyway. I will be masking and taking care with hand washing.)

But I would like to know whether and in what way this might affect the results of the test and/or any examination. I assume it will be likely that my lymphatic system will be reactive and I'm very worried that this might mask any more nefarious result. 

Many thanks

  • Hi Seventh,

    Thanks for getting in touch and a warm welcome to the Online Community. I’m Heidi one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line.

    Thank you for your question about whether a recent covid infection can mask FNA biopsy results.

    As your specialist team would like you to attend your appointment this might suggest that any recent infections would be taken into account when looking at the cells under the microscope. It is understandable that you would want reassurance about how this might affect your biopsy results.

    Normal cells have certain shapes and sizes depending on the job they do. The size and shape of cancer cells are often abnormal and can appear distorted. The nucleus of a cell is where DNA is contained and in cancer cells the nucleus is larger than a normal cell.

    After the biopsy the cells are stained with dyes so they can be analysed. In cancer cells the nucleus can appear darker than a normal nucleus after staining. This is because it can contain more DNA than a normal cell nucleus.

    How the cells are arranged in the body’s tissues relates to the job they do. Cancer cells can behave very differently, they can also clump together and/or move away into nearby tissues where they wouldn’t usually belong.

    The cytologist will be looking closely for any of these changes when analysing biopsy results and should take into account any other factors that might affect the results.

    An infection should not prevent the pathologist from identifying abnormal cells, but for your reassurance please do feel comfortable talking to your consultant again about this.

    I hope the information helps. Waiting for tests and results can be a stressful time so please don’t hesitate to get in touch again if we can support you further.

    Best wishes

    Heidi

    Cancer Information Nurse Specialist 

    You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or email us. 

    Ref/HeP/HC