I have swollen lymph nodes in armpits, groin and neck. Is it lymphoma?

Question

Hi doctor,

I have noticed swollen lymph nodes in both my armpits and groin area, as well as on the right side of my neck. They have been there for six weeks now and are not painful. I had a blood test, and the results are normal. I am having a CT scan this week. I have no other symptoms. Do you think it is lymphoma? The lymph nodes are small, especially in the groin area.

Answer 1

Hi,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

Your condition requires a definite verification with a biopsy of a lymph node in order to exclude the presence of lymphoma. A case of generalized enlarged lymph nodes is always very concerning. I would advise you to undergo a biopsy test for sure, regardless of the CT scan results. In the case of lymphoma, changes in blood tests are present in already very advanced stages, which is why they are not reliable for diagnosis. The only reliable test is histology based on biopsy specimens. This is the only test to rule out lymphoma as well. There are other cases of generalized lymphadenopathy, such as infections, autoimmune and metabolic disorders, but the search for them requires the exclusion of primary hematologic disease. This is what I would recommend to you.