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Firm lymph node + low WBC for 1 year — could it be lymphoma?
Blood Cancers & Disorders | Last Active: Jul 11, 2025 | Replies (7)Comment receiving replies
> I’ve had multiple CBC with differential tests over the past year. Here’s a summary of the results:
WBC ranged between 2.6 and 6.0 ×10³/μL
In the last 2 detailed tests:
• Absolute Neutrophils: 1665 and 1836 (low)
• Absolute Lymphocytes: 1591 and 1440 (borderline)
In a previous test with WBC = 2.9, there was a generalized decrease across all white cell lines, not just one — which could suggest a systemic or immune-related issue.
Other parameters like hemoglobin, platelets, and ESR have remained within normal ranges.
Viral screening (EBV, CMV, toxoplasmosis) was negative for active infection (IgM negative).
The lymph nodes (firm but painless) are only in the inguinal/pubic region and have been stable in size for about a year.
I haven’t seen a doctor in person in quite a while, which is why no biopsy or imaging was requested yet. I’m trying to gather information to better understand my situation before proceeding.
Would you suggest starting with a CRP test, or go straight to imaging or biopsy
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Hi @ahmg, I’m with you on wanting to know as much as possible about what’s going on with my body if something feels amiss. We do have to be our own health advocates because no one knows our bodies like we do! But your symptoms have been causing you a level of concern for a year and it would be huge relief for you to find out definitively if there something more to your symptoms.
So, frankly, instead trying to determine which tests to get first, it’s time to check in with your doctor…either your GP or maybe seek a referral to a hematologist.
Since the swollen lymph nodes and your low wbc seem to be persisting, if this were me, I’d request an appointment with a hematologist. They specialize in blood disorders…not that you have one. But anytime you have blood numbers consistently out of a normal range it’s just good medicine to try and find the cause. Again, it might not be anything more than something like generalized inflammation. But I get the feeling you’d really like to have an answer.
Do you need a referral to a hematologist?