Swollen Lymph node - blood tests come back with abnormal ESR levels anyone know what this means?

[SportyBobster]

I've had a swollen lymph node in my neck for around 4 weeks, I was at the docs on Wednesday and they took bloods and i have just had a phone call from the receptionist that said the ESR levels were abnormal.

I was to make an appointment to have the bloods redone in 3 weeks. Initially she told me they were raised and then said they were low, so actually I have no idea what's wrong. I asked for a consultation with my GP over the phone, but I have to wait until Monday night.

Google is mainly showing pretty rubbish outcomes. Is it likely that it can't be too abnormal if they want to wait 3 weeks to re-test? Anyone in the know about blood tests able to advise?

Thank you!

[HamSandWitches]

I've had lymph nodes removed from my neck for biopsy but my bloods had came back ok.

[SportyBobster]

Thanks, my Doc did mention a biopsy of some sort the other day.

I'm wondering if me having a cold could impact on my blood test? Will find out more on Monday I suppose!!

[unweavedrainbow]

ESR is a way of measuring inflammatory markers in the blood. A raised ESR would mean that there was inflammation somewhere in the body. They want you to repeat the test as sometimes other factors (like, as you said, colds) can cause the ESR to be a bit high without there being another underlying cause. Try not to worry too much-but I know that's easier said than done

[LaughingLlama]

No idea sorry. Hopefully someone in the know will be able to advise.
I really dont get who thinks its a good idea to call someone just before a weekend with such vague information and unable to answer any questions. They may as well left calling you until Monday.
Try not to worry too much. In the mwantime write down your questions so you are fully informed when you can speak to a dr.

[HamSandWitches]

Not too sure, what happened with me is they blew up and got stuck probably due to an infection I didn't realise I had or was mild so I didn't notice. I went to the docs weeks later as I kept fiddling with them and he took the bloods, when the blood came back fine he gave me the option of having them removed for biopsy or leaving them, they might have gone down eventually. I was sick of worrying about them so they were removed in the day surgery unit, was in a couple of hours then went home. Not too sure about your blood's though as I think mine came back ok

[HamSandWitches]

Was 0ver 10yr ago now

[HamSandWitches]

What unwavering says makes sense regarding the bloodsz you could have an infection or somewhere causing inflammation and that's why the node's have blew up, it doesn't mean the bloods are related to the actual lymph node's iyswim. I didn't know I had an infection, still don't know why they blew up

[BearFoxBear]

What unweavedrainbow says. Try not to worry.

[SportyBobster]

Thanks everyone I feel a bit more reassured! I'll step away from google now.

I agree, I don't really see the point in phoning me this afternoon with really vague info when it could have waited until Monday when I could have got a better idea of what was going on from the doctor.

[nocoolnamesleft]

I'd consider a raised ESR good news in this context. More likely to be infection/inflammation. Which makes it less likely to be scary stuff.

[verystressedmum]

If you have a cold the swollen lymphs and raised esr are likely to be because of that so try not to worry.
If you didn’t have a cold and were well generally it might be a bit more worrying but still likely to be because of something else.

[SportyBobster]

Thanks both, I feel a bit better reading that.

I've had the swollen lymph nodes for about a month now and the cold for about a week. I'm wondering if it would have been better to have waited til I was over the cold to have gotten the bloods done?

I'll assume if I've not to go back for 3 weeks it can be anything too terrible

[Amani]

In the same boat - got a lump in my neck where jaw meets neck and it's so painful. My ESR has come back v high and seeing gp tomorrow. Hoping I will be given something strong to calm it down .... been on amoxicillin already and this is third trip to doc... anyone recovered from something like this? Please give me some good news as I have been suffering for nearly a month now..

[verystressedmum]

Amani hope the doctors went ok. Usually most malignant lumps on the neck (which would be lymphoma) are painless so I’m sure yours will be ok.

[SportyBobster]

Hope you get on ok today at the Dr.

I still have my lump, I've now been referred on for a scan and a biopsy, I should have an appointment within 2 weeks. I've also to have my bloods repeated next week. Just desperate to get to the bottom of it now.

Let me know how you get on today

[Amani]

Well went into gp and my ESR was borderline not very high as told by the receptionist!! Was given painkillers and told to keep taking them until my turn in the NHS occurred! been told to have a blood test next week though ...

[susma]

Did you find out what this was? I've got the same thing and my doctors surgery left a message yesterday afternoon to say my bloods came back slightly abnormal but I've got to wait until Monday to speak to a doctor (I'm trying really hard not to worry over the weekend!).

[SportyBobster]

Hi sorry to hear you are going through this too.

I still have the lump, since October it has gotten a little smaller at times then grown again. It's currently about the size of a smartie.

I seen a haematologist Just before Xmas but they just just did more blood tests (which were still slightly abnormal again) and that was it.

I was then referred to an ENT finally saw them last month and I now have to wait for a scan. The ENT consultant said the raised inflammation markers in my blood were nothing to do with him

My gp now thinks the lump and the raised ESR in my blood are 2 separate issues (4 blood test since October and the inflammation markers have risen each time)

So long story short, I still have no idea what's going on!

Hope you get some answers. Let me know how you get on. Good luck 😊

[MmeButtox]

How bad is the node removal surgery, can anyone advise what to expect? Thanks

[susma]

Thanks so much for replying. I finally spoke to my doctor last night and apparently it's my white blood cell count that's elevated not the ESR. My symptoms haven't changed but he thinks it's just a viral infection so all that worrying for nothing!

I really hope you get to the bottom of your problem. Good luck!

[UndomesticHousewife]

Sporty what does the lump feel like? Ie soft/hard/moveable
Ultrasound on the lump is the way to go they should be able to tell from the scan what sort of lump it is.
The ENT consultant is probably not concerned with the raised ESR on its own but combined with the lump should be a concern.
However the ENT is looking at the lump now and you should get some answers.

For lumps in the neck the usual route is ENT will see you and order the tests, if it's found to be lymphoma you'll then be referred onto haematology (not to say it can't differ but this is the usual route).

MmeButtox, the lump removal is not bad. You'll be given an anaesthetic and a small incision made it doesn't take long and you'll be out in a few hours.

Hope all goes well x

[SportyBobster]

Susma glad all was well!

Undomesticated thanks for replying. The lump is under the skin, not part of the skin if you see what I mean. It is hardish but not totally solid but it isn't moveable. I have had it since October and it has varied in size sometimes feeling a little smaller and sometimes larger, not by huge variations. I feel like I am a bit obsessed with touching it.

I have an appointment through for a scan now in a few weeks so hopefully that will provide some answers.

[Veltgirl7]

Any updates @SportyBobster