Is it possible to have multiple lymphoma symptoms, yet still not have/get it?

A friend of mine has many symptoms related to Hodgkin's Disease and/or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma..


-occasional mild night sweats


-mild anemia


-joint pain


-lymphadenopathy (small lymph nodes in the both armpits and neck)


-tiredness


-last winter she had unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite, but that seems to be resolved as she's eating fine and has gained some weight back





The thing is, a few months ago, a few CT scans and ultrasounds of her chest, abdomen, and pelvis have proven "unremarkable" save for the small lymph nodes.





But the thing is, the other symptoms still remain. We were starting to think she might just be alright, but then the joint pain kicked in a week or so ago. She's going to see her physician in a few days, but I was wondering if anyone else had any insight on this matter as to what could be going on, or if there are other possiblities?

Is it possible to have multiple lymphoma symptoms, yet still not have/get it?
I would listen to her doctors, and stay in constant touch with them. There are indolent [slow-growing] types of lymphoma. Have her keep a journal of all symptoms, or anything else unusual. You often forget all that when you're in the doctor's office.


Here's where you'll find the best info:


http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/hm_lls


Best wishes
Reply:First and foremost, if she doesnt trust the opinion of her docs then maybe she needs to seek a second opinion.





Also, aside from the lymph nodes, and given she is under the care of an oncologist, the rest of her symptoms are really not that bad. The anemia is probably just a lack of iron intake and the tiredness is a result of the anemia. Has she tried taking iron supplements? Everyone gets joint. Has she ever had any injuries or does she have arthritus, does the whether affect this? The winter thing could have been depression. And everyone has night sweats on occasion.





I would say she's probably fine. HOWEVER, she knows her body better than anyone. If she seriously doesnt trust her doc's opinion she should get a second opinion
Reply:lots of different diseases cause symptoms similar to those of lymphoma. Sarcoidosis, for example, causes all the symptoms you mentioned including growing lymph nodes and night sweats that come and go. Lupus and other autoimmune diseases also cause symptoms similar to lymphoma. If the Dr is unable to find the cancer after 12-18 months of consistent symptoms my advice is to start looking hard at non-cancer causes for the symptoms. good luck