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Are The Lymph Nodes Malignant Or Benign?

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Posted on Fri, 23 Oct 2015
Question: Had needle aspiration performed on a submandibular lymph node measuring 1.7cm3. Swelling noticed for about 3 months now. Tightness in throat on side of swollen node.

Report says negative for metastatic malignancy. Numerous lymphocytes consistent with lymph node sampling.
Excisional biopsy may still be indicated if there is suspicion of a lymphoproliferative disorder, as cytology alone is not sufficient for this diagnosis.

To me, the report seems very vague. What kind of lymphocytes? Is numerous too many or just right? I would think the report should say.

1. Is this type of report common or is it likely I only r we received part of it?
2. Does this report indicat that lymphoma is still likely?
3. Should I ask for further testing and if so, w h at?
Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
You should go for excision biopsy if suspicious.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
Your reports suggest lymphnode. No evidence of any kind of malignancy. It is not vague report. It is clear negative report for cytology.

In every cytology report it is true that if you strongly suspect malignancy then go for excision biopsy. Because negative cytology report doesn't rule out malignancy completely.


In your case report is ok. If your symptoms suggest any chance of malignancy then you should go for further testing.
From report only there is no need.

But from symptoms if your doctor suspect malignancy then excision biopsy and histopathological examination is the confirmatory test.

Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Neel Kudchadkar
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (26 minutes later)
So just to confirm, there is no difference here between a metastatic malignancy and a primary malignancy (lymph node cancer)?

Numerous lymphocytes is a normal finding?

Thank you
doctor
Answered by Dr. Hardik Sanghvi (6 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
Numerous lymphocytes only is normal finding.

Detailed Answer:
Hi, dear
I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern.
Ofccourse there is difference between metastatic malignancy and primary malignancy of lymphnode.

Metastatic malignancy is the secondary spread of cancer to the lymphnode.

Lymphoproliferative disease like lymphoma is the primary malignancy of lymphnode.

But your report doesn't suggest any kind of malignancy. So don't worry about that.

Numerous lymphocytes only is normal finding.

Just be relaxed.

Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic.
Wish you a very good health.
Note: For further inquiries on surgery procedure and its risks or complications book an appointment now

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T
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Answered by
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Dr. Hardik Sanghvi

Hematologist

Practicing since :2008

Answered : 7043 Questions

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Are The Lymph Nodes Malignant Or Benign?

Brief Answer: You should go for excision biopsy if suspicious. Detailed Answer: Hi, dear I have gone through your question. I can understand your concern. Your reports suggest lymphnode. No evidence of any kind of malignancy. It is not vague report. It is clear negative report for cytology. In every cytology report it is true that if you strongly suspect malignancy then go for excision biopsy. Because negative cytology report doesn't rule out malignancy completely. In your case report is ok. If your symptoms suggest any chance of malignancy then you should go for further testing. From report only there is no need. But from symptoms if your doctor suspect malignancy then excision biopsy and histopathological examination is the confirmatory test. Hope I have answered your question, if you have doubt then I will be happy to answer. Thanks for using health care magic. Wish you a very good health.