Possibly Lymphoma?

scorpio · New User Joined: 09 Mar 2008 Posts: 1

I am looking for some answers as to what my medical tests mean. Although I've been diagnosed with Sjogren's syndrome mostly because I tested positive for the SSA antibody and have a high rheumatoid factor, I'm not quite sure I have that disease because I don't fit the classic criteria.

Along with that, I've had blood tests revealing low RBC intermittently, high gammaglobulins and beta-2 microglobulin levels. I recently had two CT scans showing "small lymph nodes are identified in the supraclavicular region at the anterior and posterior triangles of the neck. Some calcifications are identified bilaterlly in the parotid glands. The significance of this is uncertain. In the chest, small lymph nodes are identified in the axillary regions bilaterally which appear to be radiographically benign. In the right lung, some linear parenchymal changes are identified in the right middle lobe anteriorly. A 3mm nodular density and 2 mm nodular density subpleural location. The significance of these is uncertain."

Then 4 months later, the second CT scan indicates "Again noted are small pulmonary nodules in the subpleural location of the right middle lobe that measure 4mm and 3mm in diameter. There is linear fibrosis within the right middle lobe that extends obliquely in a somewhat vertical orientation."

My rheumatologist is concerned with the possibility this is lymphoma and is recommending I see an oncologist for a lymph node biopsy. Does this sound like the best next step? How do they pick a lymph node to biopsy? Do they just take tissue samples or remove the whole node?

Any answers or suggestions would be very much appreciated. I will appreciate any responses. Thanks.

brainman · Posted: Mon Mar 10, 2008 7:41 pm Post subject: Re: Possibly Lymphoma?

scorpio, sorry about your current health issues. Certainly, the next step is to do a biopsy... that is the only way you can know for sure. Keep working with your medical team to identify the cause(s) of those enlarged lymph nodes and nodules.

Best wishes.
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