What is Non-hodgkins Lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer arising from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells. It is so called because of its distinction from Hodgkin's disease, a particular subt...
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About a month ago my husband found a list of possible symptoms of NHL, unfortunately they began to worry him and he reasearched which only got him more worried - because I display quite a number.
Anyway, my dilemma is that I display quite a few symptoms, and I know that's uncommon. I don't know if I should bother having myself checked out. I also have no idea what to say to my Dr if I do go - they've been unable to help me for months now and I don't like to think that they'd just pass over NHL without good reason. Here's what's up anyway: I've been constantly sick and exhausted since May I have particular problems with recurring throat infections Enlarged (but not painful) gland in my neck (one constantly and another that comes and goes) Very (unbearably) itchy - particularly my legs. I have scars from scratching in my sleep. Some weightloss - despite having no energy to continue at the gym and a fairly similar diet. Frequent fevers. And so far nothing has helped other than (and this confuses me) one type of allergy med that releives some of the itching. So what should I do? Put it all down to stress? Or should I consider requesting a biopsy/expert opinion? Posted on 10/22/08, 04:10 am |
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I would definitely go to a doctor to get it checked. Present your list of findings... and seek out a second and/or expert opinion regardless of what your current doctor recommends if you are not at peace with it. If it is NHL, you need to know. If you don't have it, then at least you won't worry that you do and can continue to search for what is going on with you. Have you been to an ear, nose and throat specialist? That might be another path to look into. 
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If I were you,especially the itching part,go see a medical oncologist& they can almost tell you right away.That is one of the biggest symptoms.I have it as well.good luck
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I would ask to see an oncologist. They will probably not tell you straight away, but they will order the appropriate tests. A biopsy of the enlarged lymph node, and a CT scan to see if any of the internal lymph nodes are enlarged would be a good starting point.
You are correct that lymphoma is very rare, and as a result most general practitioners might only encounter one or two cases in their entire careers. They are not usually good at diagnosing it. If it is stress, then continuing to not know will exacerbate it, or at least serve to keep the problem going. You cannot diagnose lymphoma from symptoms alone, because every one of them can have an alternative cause. The symptoms you describe could fit lymphoma, either HD or NHL, but they could also have a number of other causes. I would advise seeking an expert opinion, and let them decide whether to proceed with further tests.
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I would surely see your doctor. When I first began symptoms of my NHL, I went to my doctor who right away did a CT scan and then a biopsy (not even near as bad as I envisioned) and in 1 week I had all my answers and began my treatments right away. You really are better to be on the safe side and get checked out. Never worry about what you should say to your doctor. He is there to help you. And even if it all turns out to be nothing, he'll be just as happy for you! The worst thing you can do is to put yourself thru stress and worry not knowing what it is. You need to stay positive and strong! I know first hand how scary it is to worry about such a hard thing, but the best thing you can do is get answers right away. For your sake and your husband;s too. I am so glad that I went and got everything figured out. It was a long road, but I am in remission now and doing great. Please go see your doctor too. My best wishes are with you and also my prayers.
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I would go to your physician. Don't know your health insurance situation. Whether s/he is your primary or family doc or what ever. Don't worry if s/he thinks you're a hypochondriac. Its your body, your life.
So what if you jumped to conclusions. Your health is what matters. My aunt went to her doctor for severely itchy skin throughout her body. Her dr. said it was a skin rash. She later learned it was NHL. My point is you may want a 2nd opinion to be certain.
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