CT scan results- Any input?

[Haileys Mom]

Any insight? Not sure what to think. After many appts. to family Dr., he finally sent me to ENT Dr. to help 'convince' me I have no life-threatening condition, ie. cancer, lymphoma. I kept prodding and urging for 'answers'. ENT ordered CT scan of chest w/contrast and of neck/soft tissues w/ contrast.

My results:

CHEST: There are small bilateral axillary lymph nodes. The largest node identified on left and measures less than 12 mm.No other adenopathy or abnormalities...liver, spleen, adrenals, lungs, normal.

SOFT TISSUE/NECK: No significant abnormalities of skull base. There are multiple lymph nodes seen deep to left sternocleidomastoid. Majority of these are relatively small. A node is seen in subcutaneous fat posteriorly on left, measures 8mm. More anteriorly on left, closr to left carotid bifurcation are some enlarged nodes, measuring about a centimeter in diameter. Above carotid bifurcation in left side there is a 14 mm node which is the largest node identified. On right side, there are small nodes anterior to carotid and jugular that measure about 7 mm in diameter. Small submental nodes are noted less than a centimeter in size.

When Dr. reviewed this w/ me, he said no immediate urge for operating room and would like to try nasal steroid irrigation to see if it 'calms' the nodes down. I asked for biopsy of a node in back of neck and he said ok, so we scheduled it. He said I should be only remotely worried of lymphoma, but to me, it sounds awful to have so many nodes seen! He said it could be reactive nodes or something is actually 'wrong'.

[alchris]

Talk to the doctor about your concerns before the test you will get to speak to the doctor.  From what I was told the nodles are pretty much benign findings so try not to worry about that.  I completly understand your nerves.  But the test is tuesday never feel uncomfrotable postponing anything its you and your body.  Sometimes you might have to switch doctors to make yourself more comfortable.  Since though you feel your going,  the most anesthsia will do (depending on how long under) will make you feel groggy and somethimes a little nausea can happen.  Try not to worry and by the time you are under you wake up in no time and it will be over .  Best wishes for tommrrow.  by the way my dad had over 24 nodules found so somehow I hope this is comforting to you.  

[Haileys Mom]

I am wondering if the lymph node that is left and near the carotid bifurcation is anything to worry about? And, the one near the jugular... Could these pose a threat to these very important veins/arteries??? It makes me nervous just knowing they are near these things. Thanks in advance!

[Haileys Mom]

Thanks for replying. I recall asking my family dr. to order a PET scan while talking to him on the phone for the umpteenth time and he said, "for what?" He said you need a reason. I replied with saying isn't having enlarged lymph nodes enough? It was then that he suggested sending me to an ENT doctor to quell my worries.

I thought the CT scan would show what was going on. Instead, I went to the follow up and didn't get real answers, just told about the lymph nodes they found deeper that neither me or the doctor could feel! I never thought there would be this many and it really floored me. I just don't know what to think.

The biopsy is already planned and I can't back out now. I hate the thought of being under general anesthesia, but the Dr. wants to be able to have me fully 'under' so he can have good access to my neck in the back. I think he just wants to have me under so that my  nervousness and anxiety doesn't get in the way. LOL

I'm glad to hear your Dad and husband have nothing to worry about and all was completely benign! That is certainly great news :-)

[alchris]

hello.... just a note if you are nervous of biopsy you can always put it off and seek another surgeon.  Sometimes hitting the right doctor makes someone feel less nervous.  Just a thought though.  Another note.  my dad had many nodules on his chest exray.  the doctor sent him for a PET SCAn with a non allergic dye.  What a PET scan does differently is litteraly check for cancer.  the lmpyh nodes show up differently with the PET SCAN/Dye they use.  This might be an easier alternative and make you less nervous.  My dad just had it done and all his nodules were fine.  My husband had this has they found them on him too and all was fine.  best wishes.

[Springbrock04]

I know exactley how you feel, they have no idea what is wrong with me it will be 6 months on the 15th since I got sick, i have cramping in arms and legs, muscle twitches and stiff neck. I have just barely tested postive for lyme twice. They treated me the first time  for 4 weeks but refused to again. i am at a loss. I too have an 11 year old and after lots of trying and a miscarriage a 2 year old. good luck I pray for you!

[Haileys Mom]

Thank you for your kind post! I'm glad you were reassured that they think it was an old infection. That's good to  hear. I doubt they would wait 6 months to reevaluate if they thought you had anything to worry about. I'm sorry about the scar. I bet it will fade and become less noticeable soon! :-)

My biopsy is on an 8mm node on posterior left side. It's right at the bottom of my hairline, maybe down an inch, at the top of my neck in the back. I'm afraid to get 'put under' for the surgery too, as I've never been under anaesthesia before! I have no idea what to expect from this Tuesday.

I was given the Dr.'s first option which was to try steroid nasal irrigation spray (?) to see if they calm down, but I don't want to wait 6 more weeks hoping on a wing and a prayer that they go down...especially as nervous as I tend to get!

It all started out as left shoulder pain in August. Twinges, then burning dull ache. Now, just dull ache that involves back/bottom part of left shoulder and down the arm. I also get an aching "pulling hair sensation" behind my left ear (sometimes the right side too)and sometimes my neck aches, almost as if it's the lymph  nodes. It's all very strange.

Like you said, I shouldn't worry, but each day I wake up and am gripped with fear. There isn't a day that goes by that I'm not feeling 'something' strange within my neck or that same ache in my shoulder. I have had 3 CBC's (normal), echocardiogram (normal), 2 EKGs (normal), chest xray (normal), shoulder xray (normal)and now this CT scan, which wasn't given any type of status as of normal or abnormal by the radiologist. I just don't know what to think.

I have a 17 month old baby girl that took me 5 years to conceive. I never thought I would have this little miracle and here she is! And, I want to stay healthy and live a long life for her and my husband. I am so happy with everything in my life and now this. I hope and pray all is ok, but I am trying to find ways to prepare myself for not-so-good news. I never thought I would be in this situation.

Keep in touch. And, thanks once again for the reply.

[Springbrock04]

I had abnormal ct in chest after months of heaviness in arms and legs, heaviness in chest and muscle trouble. It showed alot of enlarged nodes. one dr said no sugery and the other said yes. i went with the surgery only to find that they could only tell that maybe it was fron an old infection. They did biopsy on a holiday week and i was terrified of lymphoma , i had to wait a week. Now i have scar across my neck for no reason. Dont worry. What r your other symptom? They still have no idea why the nodes are there and are going to look at them in 6 months. Good Luck!