ITP & Swollen Submandibular Glands

Hi, has anyone ever had / continues to have issues with lymph nodes with ITP.

I developed bruising in 2012, low count, diagnosed with ITP, was monitored for two years no treatment, count was always under 150.

I had bone marrow biopsy, every viral test going, scanned neck, chest, abdomen. I had a submandibular neck node develop, that was biopsied FNA. All clear, then this year, the bruising / bleeding returned really low count, on Pred etc, now tapering off after good response. However, the doctors are talking about removing my lymph node, and they mentioned that the lymph node could be just related to the ITP, or possibly low grade lymphoma.

I have never heard of people with ITP mentioning lymph nodes, and now I am wondering if this is in addition to ITP, not really ITP after all or transforming into something more sinister. Any other experiences?

John:

Swollen lymph nodes are not directly related to ITP, but could be caused by immunosuppressants/viruses.

Sometimes swollen lymph nodes mean nothing. My Mom has had lymphoma (1993) and has had several enlarged nodes removed since then, all have been fine. The only way to know is to have a biopsy.

Yes, once in a great while, ITP could be the result of a slow growing lymphoma. In 17 years, I have only seen that scenario twice. Odd the things that I remember, I can even remember their names. Anyway, it's great that you have doctors who are on top of things. Many lymphomas can be treated or cured these days, so try not to worry too much.

Hi Sandi,

Thanks for the response, I think I will have the biopsy, I was thinking at first to leave it. I guess burying my head in the sand is not the way forward.

The doctors I see have been good and I can not fault them with everything thus far, so will have to continue to trust them and go through with it. I will have to wait, apparently until I have tapered off the Pred, in the next 4 weeks, and let it be flushed from my system, before they will remove it.

Let's hope it's nothing, and I can carry on with ITP. :laugh:

Thanks again

I get the burying your head in the sand, I'm good at that too. But since I just heard you say that you're going to have the biopsy (and it's in writing), I'll expect you to carry through!

Please keep me updated.