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What Do Swollen Lymph Nodes Indicate?

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Posted on Mon, 21 Apr 2014
Question: HI MY PLATELETS COUNT WAS SLIGHTLY HIGH WITH A COUNT OF 407 SHOULD I BE CONCERNED ABOUT THIS. I HAVE HAD SWOLLEN LYMPH NODES FOR SEVEN MONTHS AND HAVE BEEN TO EVERY DOCTOR AND SPECIALIST IN TOWN. I HAVE HAD CT SCAN OF MY CHEST PELVIS AND ABDOMEN, I HAVE ALSO HAD A LYMPH NODE BIOPSY. THE RESULTS WERE REACTIVE HYPERPLASIA. I DO HAVE CHEST AND LOWER BACK PAIN. JUST TRYING TO GET TO THE BOTTOM OF THIS.
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Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (20 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Platelet count- normal,Lymph node biopsy is benign Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. The normal range of platelets is between 1.5 to 4.5 million per cubic millimeter. Thus, value of 407 is within normal range. As you have mentioned that the lymph node biopsy has come out to be reactive hyperplasia, thus there is nothing to worry. Lymph node hyperplasia can occur in cases of infections which are common in respiratory tract. There is nothing to worry. If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (17 minutes later)
The lymph node biopsy was an ultrasound guided core biopsy. I understand that as with anything in medicine the results are not 100%. I am wondering how likely is it that I have gotten a false negative result. I was shown to also have small lymph nodes in my lungs that on the report say " not significant adenopathy in chest or abdomen" does this mean the lymph nodes are too small to cause a big concern? I have not shown any respiratory infection at all. Was diagnosed with Strep C over 4 months ago and then had my first HSV outbreak on my upper back of all places a week after the strep. I have been tested for everything under the sun from mono to cat scratch fever. Is it normal to have lymph nodes that persist in my neck armpits and groin for months. I* am WORRIED about CANCERThank you for the reply. Can you please shed some light on my follow up question. I cannot even sleep at night worried that something is being overlooked or missed by the countless doctors I have seen. I have been to my GP, ENT's, Infectious Disease and an Oncologist which ordered the biopsy and scans. Can I stop worrying this is cancer that no one is finding. I see that you are a pathologist I could not be happier that you are answering my questions. I am sure you know the best answers to my questions. Thanks so much maybe I can get some sleep tonight.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (21 hours later)
Brief Answer: Do not worry, no evidence of cancer Detailed Answer: Hello and welcome again, Lymph nodes may persist for long periods. We are constantly being exposed to infectious agents, thus, lymph node enlargement can be encountered. Moreover, the biopsy results are negative of malignancy. Biopsy is the gold standard investigation and it detects the basic pathology in the tissue. You can relax. The investigations that you have had rules out cancer, so do not worry. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal
Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Follow up: Dr. Shailja Puri (36 minutes later)
ok last quick question. The biopsy was core biopsy rather than the one that they remove part or all of the lymph node. Is this still the gold standard? I can stop worrying... This will be my last paragraph of rambling sorry and thank you so much.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Shailja Puri (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer: Core biospy samples only a small bit of tissue Detailed Answer: A core biopsy samples only a small part of entire tissue and not the complete tissue. However, if cancer is present, there is presence of associated constitutional symptoms of cancer which are not present in your history. Symptoms present in majority of cancers are fever, tiredness, loss of appetite, etc. Thanks and take care Dr Shailja P Wahal
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Yogesh D
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Dr. Shailja Puri

Pathologist and Microbiologist

Practicing since :2006

Answered : 9705 Questions

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What Do Swollen Lymph Nodes Indicate?

Brief Answer: Platelet count- normal,Lymph node biopsy is benign Detailed Answer: Hello, Thanks for posting your query on HealthcareMagic. The normal range of platelets is between 1.5 to 4.5 million per cubic millimeter. Thus, value of 407 is within normal range. As you have mentioned that the lymph node biopsy has come out to be reactive hyperplasia, thus there is nothing to worry. Lymph node hyperplasia can occur in cases of infections which are common in respiratory tract. There is nothing to worry. If you have more queries, I will be glad to answer Dr Shailja P Wahal