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Dr. Andrew Rynne
MD
Dr. Andrew Rynne

Family Physician

Exp 50 years

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Can Lymphoma Be Detected Through Blood Test?

I'm a 15 year old healthy male, I'm about 5'10" and weigh 122 lbs. I've had a (slightly) swollen inguinal and two slightly swollen axillary lymph nodes (you cannot see them, but can feel them) for at least 2 years now, maybe longer. They have not grown in size since I first discovered them. They do not hurt or anything of that nature. I recently had blood work done and it all came back normal. I'm concerned that it is Lymphoma. If I had lymphoma, would something show up on my blood work (although I know that lymphoma cannot be diagnosed through blood work, I was wondering if there was a "if you don't have this level abnormal, it can't be lymphoma" kind of thing)
Mon, 8 Sep 2014
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Pathologist and Microbiologist,  's  Response
Hi!
welcome to HCM!
Your blood test is normal but the problem is that we cannot diagnose lymphoma by a blood test. All we can do is review the results and see if "something" appears to be wrong. Lymphoma circulates within the lymph system and not the blood system so detecting lymphoma by a simple blood test is extremely unlikely. What we can detect however is abnormal blood counts which simply gives them a clue to look for a cause which is very rarely found.
Lymphoma is diagnosed by FNAC and if required followed by a biopsy.In your case lymph nodes have been there for 2 years as such so they can be reactive or sometimes tuberculosis also presents like this,lymphoma must be ruled out too,so you can get a FNAC done and get relieved from your anxiety.
hope this helps!Take care!
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Can Lymphoma Be Detected Through Blood Test?

Hi! welcome to HCM! Your blood test is normal but the problem is that we cannot diagnose lymphoma by a blood test. All we can do is review the results and see if something appears to be wrong. Lymphoma circulates within the lymph system and not the blood system so detecting lymphoma by a simple blood test is extremely unlikely. What we can detect however is abnormal blood counts which simply gives them a clue to look for a cause which is very rarely found. Lymphoma is diagnosed by FNAC and if required followed by a biopsy.In your case lymph nodes have been there for 2 years as such so they can be reactive or sometimes tuberculosis also presents like this,lymphoma must be ruled out too,so you can get a FNAC done and get relieved from your anxiety. hope this helps!Take care!