OpenHealth Q&A

Get answered by medical professionals

Seeking Clarity on a Lymph Node Diagnosis

7/9/2025, 11:10:22 PMMale25-34

Hello, I’m reaching out regarding my twin sister, who has been experiencing swollen lymph nodes along with some minor weight loss for an extended period. Initially, a private ultrasound indicated that the lymph nodes were merely reactive. However, a week later, during an NHS scan conducted for a different issue, she requested a review of her neck. The results revealed that she has a grade 4 lymph node that lacks a hilum. Following this, her GP scheduled an appointment for her, and they were prepared for a biopsy, which is set to take place this Friday. I am seeking guidance on the probability of cancer in this situation. My sister is understandably distressed, and while I’ve tried to remain strong for her, I found myself feeling overwhelmed and anxious tonight. In your professional opinion, what is the likelihood she may have cancer? Thank you for your support.

LupusCOPDInternal Medicine

Answers (1)

Cony

7/9/2025, 11:10:39 PM

OpenHealth AI

It's completely understandable to feel overwhelmed and anxious in this situation, both for your sister and yourself. Swollen lymph nodes and weight loss can certainly be concerning, and awaiting test results can heighten those feelings. While I cannot provide a definitive prognosis or probability of cancer, I can offer information to help you and your sister navigate this difficult time.

Key Points:

  1. Swollen Lymph Nodes: Lymph nodes can swell for various reasons, including infections, inflammation, or malignancies (cancer).
  2. Ultrasound Findings: A grade 4 lymph node with no hilum can be a point of concern, but the context and accompanying symptoms (like weight loss) are vital for a thorough evaluation.
  3. Importance of the Biopsy: The biopsy will provide critical information to determine the nature of the lymph node swelling.

Explanation:

  • Reactive Lymphadenopathy: This is common and can occur due to infections (like a cold) or other benign conditions. Grade 4 lymph nodes might be observed cautiously, especially if they do not have a well-defined structure (the hilum).
  • Symptoms to Consider: Weight loss and persistent swollen nodes could indicate a need for further investigation, hence the biopsy scheduled by her GP.

Next Steps:

  1. Support Her Emotionally: Continue being there for her; your support is invaluable. Encourage open conversations about her feelings and concerns.
  2. Prepare for the Biopsy: Assist her in preparing questions for her healthcare team to clarify what to expect during and after the procedure.
  3. Stay Informed: Once the biopsy results come in, they will guide the next steps. It’s important to wait for the medical evaluation before drawing conclusions.

While waiting for results can feel daunting, reminding yourselves that many conditions are treatable and that her healthcare team is taking proactive steps can provide some reassurance. Make sure to focus on taking care of yourselves during this time. Let me know if you have more questions or need further support.

Related Questions

Understanding Tonsil Stones and Their Management

I'm a 25-year-old who has been struggling with the issue of tonsil stones frequently. Recently, I've found myself dealing with a significant stone located in one of my tonsils, surrounded by smaller ones from time to time. On the opposite tonsil, there seems to be a membrane-like covering that tends to accumulate tonsil stones roughly every two or three days. Despite my efforts in maintaining oral hygiene—I brush my teeth twice daily with an electric toothbrush, floss regularly, and use mouthwash—these bothersome stones continue to appear. I'm eager to find effective solutions to reduce or eliminate their occurrence. Additionally, I want to note that the slight yellow hue visible in the provided images is due to a tea I recently consumed, which does not reflect the usual condition of my oral health.

LupusInternal MedicineRheumatology
Male25-34
30 minutes ago

Seeking Guidance

I am a 27-year-old woman, standing at 1.5 meters tall and weighing 46 kilograms. Since I entered my second trimester ten weeks ago, I have been experiencing several concerning symptoms, including fatigue, a fluttering sensation in my heartbeat, nausea, frequent headaches, and episodes of shortness of breath. My heart rate has spiked at times, reaching between 160 and 180 beats per minute. I have undergone a variety of tests, including D-dimer, thyroid function tests, a full blood count, and ferritin levels. Additionally, there were ultrasounds of my thyroid and heart, along with examinations for pheochromocytoma, an echocardiogram, and an electrocardiogram, all of which returned normal results. Despite this, my symptoms continue to persist three months after giving birth. Furthermore, my Huawei Band 9 has been reporting arrhythmia or premature ventricular contractions (PVC) as many as 15 times during the night. I am seeking urgent assistance, as I have already consulted several healthcare professionals without resolution.

Thyroid DisordersCOPDEndocrinology
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Persistent Dry Cough for Over Five Years

I am a 25-year-old male who has been grappling with a persistent dry cough since 2020. Initially, I suspected that it might stem from allergies; however, allergy treatments have not alleviated my symptoms. This cough occurs at all hours, regardless of the season or location, making it rather unpredictable. It’s entirely dry, meaning I can’t expectorate anything, and it manifests as a slight irritation or tickle in my throat that provokes coughing fits. Although it hasn’t severely impacted my quality of life, it has become increasingly bothersome. I’m not currently on any medication and have never smoked. Throughout the years, I have consulted various medical professionals and explored numerous treatments, including inhalers and nasal irrigation. After a consultation with a specialist in asthma, I experimented with Symbicort, but it provided limited relief. I have encountered challenges in using inhalers correctly because of the nature of my cough; inhaling deeply often triggers an urge to cough, causing me to expel most of the medication before it can take effect. I would appreciate any insights regarding potential causes for this ongoing dry cough. Additionally, are there different types of inhalers or techniques for using them that might yield better results for my situation?

AsthmaCOPDInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Recovery from De Quervain’s Tendon Surgery

Hello! I’m a 22-year-old female, and I underwent De Quervain’s tendon release surgery about 15 hours ago. Currently, I’m experiencing numbness from my middle finger to my thumb, starting from the middle of my forearm. The procedure was conducted under local anesthesia, and while it wasn’t unbearable, there were moments of discomfort throughout. Is it typical to have lingering numbness in such a significant area of my arm and hand? I plan to reach out to the office when they open in the morning, but I wanted to gather some insights from anyone who might be familiar with this. I was informed that the numbness should subside within 5 to 6 hours. Additionally, my surgeon mentioned that there are two anatomical variations in my wrist—though I can’t quite recall one of them; the other was an unusual growth of muscle in the tendon, which he noted was problematic but successfully addressed. I have complete trust in my surgeon (let’s hope he doesn’t see this!) and just wanted to see if others have had similar experiences before I consult someone tomorrow.

ArthritisMultiple SclerosisInternal Medicine
Male25-34
1 hour ago

Recovering from Hepatitis A: A Personal Journey

I am currently in the fifth week of my recovery from Hepatitis A. I'm curious to know when I might be able to return to the gym, start taking supplements, and if it's safe to use recreational drugs or consume alcohol. I've attached my lab results from week one and week four for reference. In my week one tests, my bilirubin level was 5.1, which decreased to 1.23 by week four. My ALT/SGPT levels were initially 1250, falling to 39.6 in the following week. For AST/SGOT, the numbers dropped from 515 to 26.3. The GGT values also improved, from 540 to 129. As for my personal stats, I am a 23-year-old male, weighing 70 kg and standing at 180 cm tall. I previously had a habit of smoking regularly.

LupusCrohn's Disease
Male25-34
1 hour ago