Diagnosed with Hodgkins Lymphoma aged 12 and treated successfully with chemotherapy. I am now 23 years old and have been in good health ever since. I am very thin and had a baby 1 year ago. I have been checking myself a bit more since giving birth and have noticed palpable lymph nodes in my groin (both sides), under my arms (both sides) and one behind my ear. My CBC was fine, everything was noraml. Chest X-ray clear. The node behind my ear is firm but small (less than 1cm) - doc says its fine but it is a concern to me. The nodes in my groin and under my arms are also less than <1cm, movable, rubbery and are only tender if I keep poking at them etc. I have no night sweats, itches, chills or weight loss and apart from acid reflux I'm feeling pretty good other than been worried about these lymph nodes. I don't want to get cancer again and I'm just so worried that these lymph nodes are not normal even tho my GP said they are...please help! Is it normal for hodgkin lymphoma survivors to have palpable lymph nodes or shotty lymph nodes if this is what they are?
Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor (11 years later) - 1265371
lou23whel1
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Reply # - August 11, 2014, 10:17 AM
Reply To: Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor (11 years later)
Hello,
Welcome to GRACE.
Usually when a period of remission is as long as yours has been, recurrence is much less likely. There can be many other causes of enlarged lymph nodes that would not indicate a recurrence, most commonly an infection. You will want to keep an eye on them and bring any changes to your doctor's attention, but I hope they resolve soon so that you can rest easily.
JimC
Forum moderator
Reply # - August 11, 2014, 11:29 AM
Reply To: Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor (11 years later)
It actually sounds as if none of these lymph nodes is pathologically enlarged -- they can be up to one cm in most of the body and even up to 2 cm in the groin without being considered abnormally enlarged. It's not necessarily abnormal to have palpable lymph nodes, and it's reassuring if your doctor does not feel there is anything abnormal. It makes sense to be vigilant and pursue further workup if lymph nodes are clearly enlarging, but none of what you're relaying sounds like there is reason to doubt the appropriateness of the assessment by your doctor.
Good luck.
-Dr. West
Reply # - August 13, 2014, 03:57 AM
Reply To: Hodgkins Lymphoma Survivor (11 years later)
Thank you so much for putting my mind at ease! I think I am going through a period of anxiety and worry for some reason! Thank you for your help I really appreciate it.