Monday, November 16, 2009

What does this mean - Lymphoma?

This is the findings on my ct scan. Does it sound bad?





FINDINGS-





The airways are normal. There are two small pulmonary nodules measuring 3 mm in the right lower lobe on image #30 and 6 mm in the middle lobe on image #32.





Mediastinal windows demonstrate significant bilateral, hilar, and mediastinal adenopathy. Small lymph nodes are also noted adjacent to the left carotid artery in the superior mediastinum and in the supraclavicular fossa bilaterally.





There are also small gastrohepatic ligament and celiac axis lymph nodes with portocaval, mesenteric, and periaortic tiny lymph nodes as well.





There are no lytic or blastic bone lesions.





IMPRESSION-





Given the widespread nature of the lymph nodes, lymphoma is of primary consideration though sarcoidosis is possible though considered much less likely.

What does this mean - Lymphoma?
Well, as many people have already mentioned Lymphoma is a cancer. In Lamen's terms it's basically a blood cancer that can spread to virtually any part of the body. I definetly recommend that you get in to see an Oncologist or Hematologist immediately. Some forms of Lymphoma are very slow-growing and don't require immediate treatment. Other types are very aggressive and if not treated quickly they will spread very fast.





Not to scare you, but there's a specific type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma that can grow so quickly that you may not survive after 6-8 months, so it's very important that you be tested immediately. I recommend finding a Doc that will hospitalize you while you are tested for whatever this is. Becoming an In-Patient will help them to test you more quickly. Doing it as an Out-Patient could take a longer period of time.





I find the best site for information is www.lymphoma.com. There's also a discussion board for Hodgkin's and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas. Hope this helps!
Reply:Yes, it is serious. Lymphoma is a cancer that spreads through the lymph nodes. It is very serious and you should see an oncologist right away. This does not mean you have cancer or are going to die, but it is very serious and could mean you have a very serious cancer.





Here is a wikipedia definition:





Lymphoma is a variety of cancer that originates in lymphocytes or, more rarely, of histiocytes. Collectively, these cell types form the reticuloendothelial system and circulate in the vessels of the lymphatic system. Just as there are many types of lymphocytes, so there are many types of lymphoma. Lymphomas are part of the broad group of diseases called hematological neoplasms.





Traditionally, Lymphoma is classified as Hodgkin's lymphoma, discovered by Thomas Hodgkin in 1832, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (all other types of lymphoma). Modern classifications of lymphoma are more sophisticated than this simple scheme.
Reply:A lymphoma is a malignant growth of a lymph node.


For more information go to this website
Reply:Pulmonary-pertaining to the lungs


Nodules- A small knot-like protuberance.


Mediastinal-


1. a median septum or partition between two parts of an organ, or paired cavities of the body.


2. the partition separating the right and left thoracic cavities, formed of the two inner pleural walls, and, in humans, comprising all the viscera of the thorax except the lungs.


Adenopathy-Enlargement or disease of the glands, esp. the lymphatic glands.


Lymph- A clear yellowish, slightly alkaline, coagulable fluid, containing white blood cells in a liquid resembling blood plasma, that is derived from the tissues of the body and conveyed to the bloodstream by the lymphatic vessels.


The airways are normal. There are two small lung knots measuring 3 mm in the right lower lobe on the image they gave you and 6 mm on other image.





The window beteween the two lungs demonstrate significant


bilateral, hilar, and mediastinal disease of the glands...





and Lymohoma means- Any of various usually malignant tumors that arise in the lymph nodes or in other lymphoid tissue. One of the four major types of cancer.





That sounds serious. You should have them explain this. If this is about you, you most likely have cancer. You should tell your loved ones, and try to get treatment.





Good Luck!
Reply:It sounds like what it says.





Nodules are not good. They are suspect for cancer.





Based on the impression, lymphoma seems a high probability. Additional tests will be needed (biopsy and blood work) to verify.





If it is lymphoma, fortunately most lymphomas can be treated and cured.
Reply:I'm not a doc but try and be patient and see what the Pathologist has to say. Obviously, you've had the ct scan but have you had a biopsy yet? X-rays, CT scans, Gallium Scans, MRI's, etc,,, will only tell so much. Once you have a biopsy and the pathologist has a chance to see what is going on will you have a direction to go.





Based on my own experience, it perhaps could be an infection and/or scar tissue from a prior illness (possibly one you didn't know you had).





None the less, follow up with your doc, get a 2nd opinion (if not a 3rd) and keep this in mind,,,, Never rely on the result of a single test!





Best of luck and good health to you!
Reply:Your results also state sarcoidosis as a possibility. Sarcoidosis is an immune system disorder that can appear to be similar to lymphoma. If you have sarcoidosis you can expect to be put on steroids to at least slow the course of the disease. Sorry to be another bringer of bad news.. but it isn't sounding like life is going to be especially fun for awhile. I'm praying for you.
Reply:they are like the bodies little filters for toxins so if they are swelled up you need to get looked at. it could be naything from a virus to cancer but your body is telling you somethings wrong so get checked
Reply:Not good. Now, please don't panic, there are good treatments out there. Listen to your doctors. Stay in close touch with them. I'm not a doctor, but I'm here to tell you, Lymphoma CAN be beaten.


Check this website for info and to see if you have any other symptoms: [esp. night sweats and itching]


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


Best wishes

lilycare

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