Get Virtual Care
For Businesses
About Us
A member asked:
Hi. if one has lymphoma and does a neck ct scan of swollen lymph node, would the ct scan show an abnormality that leads to a biopsy or can it miss it?
8 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
Imaging studies: There are no imaging studies that are 100% definitive. Anything can potentially be missed, but with the state of current instrumentation it would be unusual for a node sufficiently large to warrant a biopsy to be missed. Follow-up imaging may be needed.
Answered 1/27/2014
5.1k views
No test perfect: But a contrast enhanced ct scan of the neck performed and interpreted well should see any enlarged lymph nodes. Unfortunately, sometimes disease is located in lymph nodes that are normal in size. That is why for lymphoma, pet/ct is often performed for restaging. See your doctor and decide what further workup is needed.
Answered 10/10/2018
5.1k views
Related Questions
A member asked:
Will a CT scan for your neck show swollen lymph nodes even if they are not present at the time?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Can a CT scan show the difference between granulomas and lymphoma of a swollen lump node in the neck?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
A member asked:
Ct showed many lymph nodes in neck and one 3mm that's been there for three months. ct says no lymphoma. im not sick at all. why is that there still?
5 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Ct scan: swollen neck lymph node for 2 mths. Dr said reactive of benign nature and to f/u in 3 mths. Insist biopsy?
2 doctors weighed in across 2 answers
A member asked:
Enlarged lymph nodes in neck and crease of arm. Dr wont do a biopsy. Just a CT scan but only of my neck. how can i get her to do test for other nodes?
A doctor has provided 1 answer
People also searched for:
Can a cat scan detect if a swollen neck lymph node is cancerous bc my ENT dr said it can? I thought only a biopsy can. Thanks.
Multiple swollen lymph nodes, non tender, armpits, neck, clavicle, tiny lung nodules, progressive in number last 6 months, none big enough for biopsy (just under cm), if was low grade lymphoma how quickly would they grow? Well otherwise?
Extremely swollen neck lymph nodes was one side now on both. CT scan and biopsy lean toward reactive source. Getting bigger and lumps more numerous.
Pet scan=many swollen lymph nodes-ongoing 9mo-would lymphoma definitely show on a pet?Can it be diagnosis from just pet? Biopsy 3wks away & feeling impatient
Multiple swollen lymph nodes on back of neck and side for months. CT scan shows no lymphoma and im not sick. they wont go away, why? ent not worried.
Didn't find what you're looking for?
90,000 U.S. doctors in 147 specialties are here to answer your questions or offer you advice, prescriptions, and more.
Ask your questionMore of what we treat
Download HealthTap
Video visit and message your doctor
