swollen glands for years. now sent for CT and MRI

Allergies, blood and immune system
1

Hello,

I have had swollen glands in my neck for as long as 5 years. Recently my glands in my neck have flared up and are also massive in my groin but are not accompanied by a sore throat/illness. HOWEVER my left side under my ribcage hurts indicating A large spleen. The pain in my side became unbearable so I went to A&E and they took blood tests and they came back fine. However my HR was very high at 160. The other day I went back to my GP and she has ordered a MRI and CT scan for my glands, aswell as more blood tests tomorrow. My question is that obviously my glands are massive for a reason, but why are my blood results coming back as negative? I'm getting quite worried as I know something inside is wrong.

2

Hi there.

I, too, had swollen glands for some considerable time. I still have them in the neck and groin, although not painful. However, it was the dry eyes and dry mouth, painful swelling in the joints and extreme fatigue, that led me to being diagnosed with Sjogren's Syndrome, following a lip biopsy.

I had previously had lots of blood tests but nothing showed up until I had the lip biopsy. Apparently, patients with Sjogren's can have swollen glands and it is nothing sinister. However, there is a risk, albeit a very rare one, that some patients later develop lymphoma, which cannot be detected through a blood test as it is carried through the lymphatic system.

It's good that you are having the scans, especially the CT as any abnormality or enlargement of the glands, not related to a recent infection or condition, will be picked up and analysed. Depending on the outcome, treatment will then start fairly rapidly, I imagine.

Do you have some of the other symptoms I describe? If so, it's possible you have Sjogren's. 

I do hope all goes well with scans and you get some answers. Five years is a long time to be experiencing such issues with your glands and I am not surprised you're worried.   

Let me know how you get on.

Take care,

Angela.

 

3

Thanks, because I'm only 20 my doctors normally think "hmm 20 years old, probably tonsillitis or glandular fever". I don't have dry eyes or dry mouth but I find that I get dehydrated very quickly. Over the past 2 month I get intense aching pain in my right arm on and off, enough to actually stop what I'm doing. Everytime I have had a blood test, even for glandular fever everything comes back normal. My glands don't hurt they are just extremely uncomfortable. It sounds bad but I'm actually almost excited to have a CT and MRI as I can't wait to get the problem sorted!!

4

Hi Jamie.

Excuse delayed response. Given your age, I, too, would be most concerned. 

I initially didn't have dry eyes or mouth; that came much later.

I can wholly understand when you say you're almost excited to have CT and MRI scans as they are remarkably accurate and it's amazing what they can pick up and they will set your mind at rest.

You are lucky to have these tests as most people in my experience are told not to worry, swollen glands will go down. However, mine never did and are still swollen. That said, they don't hurt either, but they are very tight and extremely uncomfortable, especially around the neck and groin area.

It took almost 2 years before I was diagnosed with Sjogren's. It is a miserable condition but it is manageable, although rare for someone your age.

I would advise keeping a diary. I know that might sound silly, but it will help you keep track of what's going on and when. You might have days when you feel fine and other days when you feel absolutely awful. 

Has your doctor checked for diabetes or thyroid problems? It's a thought.

Don't be scared to ask questions. After all, you know your own body, know when something is not right, regardless of what the blood tests show or don't show. And remember, your average GP tends to deal with common issues; coughs, colds, rashes, etc. If they are unsure, they'll refer you to a specialist so I am pleased that you haven't been fobbed off, as can be the case with a lot of people.

Good luck and please keep me posted, let me know how you get on with the scans.

Angela.

 

5

Hi Angela,

Quick update: my GP has fast tracked me to see a head and neck cancer specialist at the macmillan cancer centre Next week.

I'm obviously quite worried but il make sure I keep a diary from now to then and write down any important questions I need to ask. Thanks so much for your help

x

6

Hi Jamie.

Great that you are being dealt with so promptly. I have children a wee bit older than you and I would be so worried. That said, you seem to be in the right hands. If the scans detect anything out of the ordinary, those in charge will authorise an immediate biopsy, which usually takes a few hours for the results to come back.

I imagine your family will accompany you.

I do so hope all goes well. I am sending you a great big hug.

Angela.

7

Just a quick hello and to say I hope all went well. Do let me know your progress and whether you have had any updates. Thinking of you. Angela. X

8

Hi Angela,

I went to the specialist heamotologist, and they stuck a camera up my nose and said I needed a CT scan an biopsy which I'm a bit worried about. Have also been re tested for several diseases.

Thanks for thinking of me <3

Jaimie

9

Hi,

I was just wondering what happened as result of your scan and have you found out what's wrong? I'm in similar position to you and waiting for results. Also how did you find out about scan results?

10

Hi Jess. I have had swollen glands for some time and they never caused me problems until recently when they became tender and solid. Referred for ultrasound and MRI so will let you know when I get results. By same token, do let me know how you get on and good luck. Admittedly glands can be swollen for some time and it does not necessarily mean anything sinister. That said, if they do change in size or feel different, I would get it checked.

All the best

Angela. X

11

Hi,

I had a CT scan and now waiting for results, how should I expect to get these and when? I've rung up but they're not sure what's happening and can't tell me anything yet x

12

also, hope you get on okay! Sorry just seen you haven't had scans yet so you might not know about how to get results, sorry! 

13

Hi Jess. Excuse delay, was on way out to meet up with some

friends last night and only just noticed your posts I imagine

results will go to your GP. If there is something that warrants

further investigation, I am sure they will let you know and ask to

talk to you face to face. I very much doubt, if anything sinister

found, you would be told over the phone. That would be

inappropriate, not to mention unprofessional.

I would say, no news is good news. However, I would have

thought it common courtesy to let you know regardless.

I could say try not to worry but it's only natural to do so.

Please keep me posted and trust all is well.

Angela x

14

Hi,

No worries! Still no results and no one seems to know how I'm going to get them or when either, I do have an appointment for hospital which I already had anyway but that's not for another 4 weeks.. So confusing as I really want to know what's going on and they just keep telling me that they don't know anything yet and not to ring anymore!

15

Hi any update on your scan results?