Question 1

are fna's - even w/ flow cytology - useless for diagnosing lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

Pretty much: Accurate histopathologic evaluation of lymphomas requires a tissue biopsy, preferably an intact lymph node. Fnas suggesting the presence of a lymphoma should be followed up with a definitive tissue biopsy. Some centers use fna as an initial screening test to determine if the patient's lymphadenopathy is a benign reactive form. The accurate diagnosis of lymphoma based on fna is not possible.

Question 2

can fna diagnose low grade lymphoma? and what is smallest size of lymph node that can be fnad?

Accepted Answer

: For lymphoma, node resection is preferred but FNA can be used. In general, lymph node of less than 1 cm is rarely biopsied unless metastasized sentinel node is suspected. A lymph node of 1 cm or bigger can be easily sampled. Take care.

Question 3

3.5cm lymph node growing for years with no cause found. fna clear but doesnt rule out lymphoma/leukemia. doc removed an adjacent node of 1cm near the 3.5cm node which was clear.. he said this rules out lymphoma in the big nodes too.. is this true?

Accepted Answer

: usually.

Question 4

ive had slowly growing lymph nodes for 5 years the largest is now 3.5cm in my neck, im 27 my doctor did an fna of the largest two nodes and it was clear. he is confident this rules out lymphoma but i thought that fna isnt accurate at ruling it out?

Accepted Answer

: Our understanding of these indicators are being updated by new research. please go and see you encologist and get the most up to date advice.

Question 5

ive had a few lymph nodes swollen for 4 years now, slowly grew from 2cm to 3.5cm long. ultrasound shows normal characteristics. docs cant explain it, fna was clear and doctors are saying its fine. but cant fna miss lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

: Several reasons why lymph nodes may become swollen for an extended period of time. While lymphoma is a possibility, it is important to consider other potential causes as well. One explanation for persistent enlargement is a chronic infection. Certain infections, such as tuberculosis or HIV, can cause lymph nodes to remain swollen asymptomatic for years.

Question 6

is a pathology report from a fine needle aspiration diagnosis:  suspicious for non hodgkin's lymphoma.  favorable, follicular lymphoma, give enough in?

Accepted Answer

No: I wouldn't accept the diagnosis without cytogenetics and maybe flow cytometry in the absence of at least a core tissue biopsy.

Question 7

i have swollen lymph nodes in both parotid glands.  fna has r/o cancer and lymphoma.  autoimmune tests all negative, no dental infections. now what?

Accepted Answer

Talk to your docs: Close clinical follow up for a change over time may be appropriate. If there is more of a concern an excisional biopsy would be more definitive.

Question 8

fnac report negative, but biopsy shows burkins lymphoma.is it possible?why?

Accepted Answer

Sampling error: Fine needle aspirate of lymph nodes are not ideal for ruling out abnormal findings. Especially, with lymphomas there may be areas within the ln that are not involved and sampling of these areas may be misleading. Excisional biopsy is the gold standard, as it allows for assessment of individual cells and architecture of lymph node and adequate tissue for specialty workup.

Question 9

question had skin biopsy do they automatically do a cd3 on every skin biopsy & if cd3 is negative does that r/o lymphoma or do u still have to watch?

Accepted Answer

Complex question!: Cd3 is on t cells. Your doctor is looking for t cells in your skin biopsy, which can be present for many reasons including allergy. It looks like you have autoimmune disease (positive ANA in the past), so your doctor may be checking to see if your skin lesions are related to that.  Based on what you've told me, lymphoma does not come to mind!  ask your doctor what he/she is thinking!  don't worry!

Question 10

does a negative parr result rule out lymphoma?

Accepted Answer

No?: Polymerase chain reaction (pcr) for antigen receptor rearrangements (parr) is not a test i would necessarily consider in initial lymphoma diagnosis.
Lymphoma is diagnosed (ideally) by an excisional (not just needle) biopsy and/or bone marrow biopsy. There are many additional tests including molecular (eg, pcr) tests that can be used to further subclassify diagnosis.

Get Virtual Care

For Businesses

About Us

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Doctor answers about:

Fna negative for lymphoma

A member asked:

Are fna's - even w/ flow cytology - useless for diagnosing lymphoma?

A member asked:

Can fna diagnose low grade lymphoma? and what is smallest size of lymph node that can be fnad?

A member asked:

3.5cm lymph node growing for years with no cause found. fna clear but doesnt rule out lymphoma/leukemia. doc removed an adjacent node of 1cm near the 3.5cm node which was clear.. he said this rules out lymphoma in the big nodes too.. is this true?

A member asked:

Ive had slowly growing lymph nodes for 5 years the largest is now 3.5cm in my neck, im 27 my doctor did an fna of the largest two nodes and it was clear. he is confident this rules out lymphoma but i thought that fna isnt accurate at ruling it out?

A member asked:

Ive had a few lymph nodes swollen for 4 years now, slowly grew from 2cm to 3.5cm long. ultrasound shows normal characteristics. docs cant explain it, fna was clear and doctors are saying its fine. but cant fna miss lymphoma?

A member asked:

Is a pathology report from a fine needle aspiration diagnosis: suspicious for non hodgkin's lymphoma. favorable, follicular lymphoma, give enough in?

A member asked:

I have swollen lymph nodes in both parotid glands. fna has r/o cancer and lymphoma. autoimmune tests all negative, no dental infections. now what?

A member asked:

Fnac report negative, but biopsy shows burkins lymphoma.is it possible?why?

A member asked:

Question had skin biopsy do they automatically do a cd3 on every skin biopsy & if cd3 is negative does that r/o lymphoma or do u still have to watch?

A member asked:

Does a negative parr result rule out lymphoma?

HealthTap Online Primary Care Doctors Accepting New Patients

Telemedicine

Primary Care

Manage Your Conditions

Women's Health

Children's Health

Men's Health

Senior Health

Wellness, Prevention & Lifestyle

Sexual Health

Mental & Behavioral Health

Travel Medicine

Urgent Care

Didn't find what you're looking for?

More of what we treat

Allergies

Antibiotics

Asthma

High Blood Pressure

Prescriptions

Type 2 Diabetes

For Businesses

Company

Health Content

Join Us

Download HealthTap

Questions?