Understanding My Biopsy Results
Age: 35 years old, female. I recently received the results from my core needle biopsy, and my ENT specialist has requested a consultation to go over the findings. I'm feeling uncertain about how concerned I should be. **Diagnosis:** No evidence supporting a lymphoproliferative disorder based on a limited study (notably low cellularity); further details are included in the comments. **Comments:** Given the low cellularity, a restricted flow cytometry panel has been applied. There are too few B-cells to accurately evaluate light chain clonality, while the T-cell population shows a normal CD4 to CD8 ratio. It’s important to note that flow cytometry cannot definitively rule out conditions such as Hodgkin lymphoma, certain large cell lymphomas, or non-hematopoietic tumors. It’s recommended to correlate these findings with additional diagnostic tests, morphological analysis, and clinical history. Before undergoing the biopsy, I had two ultrasounds and one CT scan, primarily focusing on the concern of cervical lymphadenopathy. Below is a summary of the previous ultrasound findings: - **December 22, 2024:** Right level 2 lymph node measuring 1.9 x 1.2 cm. - **June 14, 2025:** The same right cervical level 2 lymph node is now 2.5 x 2.0 x 0.9 cm, showing stability but lacking a distinct fatty hilum. - **December 22, 2024:** Left level 2 lymph node measuring 1.7 x 1.5 x 1 cm. - **June 14, 2025:** The left cervical level 2 node measures 1.5 x 1.2 x 0.6 cm, which is also stable with an eccentric fatty hilum noted. Additional subcentimeter nodes in both bilateral level 3 and right level 5 areas are present (II - upper jugular, III - middle jugular, V - posterior triangle). I’m not sure whether this is pertinent, but I recently had two moles removed from my back, which were identified by my dermatologist as a compound dysplastic nevus.
Answers (1)
8/3/2025, 6:10:53 AM
OpenHealth AI
It's understandable to feel uncertain and anxious about your biopsy results and the next steps. Based on your results, there are some important points to consider.
Key Takeaways:
- Your biopsy showed no evidence of a lymphoproliferative disorder, which is a positive sign, but further evaluation is needed.
- The low cellularity indicates that additional tests and a thorough clinical review are necessary to ensure nothing is overlooked.
Explanation:
Your biopsy results suggest that while there is no clear evidence of a lymphoproliferative disorder (like lymphoma) from the limited sample, the low cellularity means that it wasn't possible to confirm the absence of certain conditions. The fact that flow cytometry indicated normal T-cell ratios is reassuring, but it cannot completely rule out the potential for other lymphomas or tumors.
Given your history of stable lymph nodes and previous imaging results indicating no significant changes, it seems that there might not be an immediate cause for alarm. However, it's crucial to discuss these findings with your ENT specialist, who will likely correlate your biopsy results with the imaging studies and your medical history for a comprehensive evaluation.
Next Steps:
- Stay Informed: Prepare a list of questions to discuss during your consultation with the ENT specialist. Focus on clarifying the implications of the biopsy results, the significance of the stable lymph nodes, and what other tests may be needed.
- Monitor Symptoms: Keep an eye on any new or changing symptoms (such as swelling, pain, or changes in nodes) and track them. This will provide helpful information for your specialist.
- Consider Support: If you're feeling overwhelmed, talking to a mental health professional or a support group can be beneficial. Sharing your concerns and receiving reassurance can help manage anxiety during this waiting period.
- Health Follow-Up: Maintain regular follow-up appointments with both your ENT and dermatologist to monitor your overall health and any skin changes that may arise after mole removal.
Remember, it’s completely normal to feel anxious about your health, and seeking answers is an important part of your process. Don't hesitate to voice all concerns and questions during your upcoming consultation.
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