How To Rule Out Lymphoma?

Posted on Mon, 9 Nov 2015

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Mon, 9 Nov 2015 Answered on

Wed, 9 Dec 2015 Last reviewed on

Question : My 44 yo daughter has had thyroid issues for years taking thyroid Rx for many years. Endocronologist has been seeing her regularly. She had sonogram in Feb of this year with no issues. In March large swelling developed in her neck. After seeing ENT specialist (2 drs) she had another sonogram, biopsy of contents of large cyst, and finally removal of approximately 6 inch cyst which had attached to items in the neck. 1/2 of her thyroid gland was also removed. Never did any of test reveal lymphoma. Even test in OR revealed no lymphoma. After the specimen was sent to lab, the test came back w/some lymphoma cells. Why didn't this show up on blood work, or biopsy of fluid inside cyst and even after surgery, dr. suspected nothing. This is a huge blow to the family. How did this not be found in some of above tests?

Answered by Dr. Deepak Sundriyal (36 minutes later)

Brief Answer:
Hello dear.lymphoma is diagnosed on biopsy

Detailed Answer:
Hello dear. I can understand your concern. Please dont get worried. Actually speaking it is not the fault of doctor or the lab.
Lymphoma is such a malignancy that it can only be diagnosed with certainty on a large tissue specimen and not on fluid.
Similarly lymphoma of the thyroid can not be diagnosed on blood tests as lymphoma cells are not found in the blood. Same is the reason for the cyst fluid.
Do not consider it as a blow as this can happen to anybody in the world.
Lymphoma is a curable illness and effective therapies are available depending upon the type of lymphoma.
Please revert back with the final reports and the treatment plan.
And get the complete treatment.
Thanks and regards

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Sonia Raina