Expert: Dr Graham Smith - 10/9/2009

Question
My 11 year old son has a swollen lymph node in his armpit that has been there for approximately a month. Our doctor has treated with antibiotics but his labwork shows no signs of infection. Recently his lymphocyte count came back as 15.5 (0.8 absolute). We are being referred to a surgeon and an oncologist. What is the likelihood he has lymphoma? I am very worried about this and I am not getting very many answers at this time.

Answer
I assume 15.5 is a percentage of total white cells. The total white cell count is therefore not high. This is not my area of expertise and I have not seen your son so any comment I make is ill-informed. You are best speaking to the doctor who has seen your son. My guess is that the risk is low but that is a poorly-informed guess! Obviously you will only get a definitive answer when the lymph node is removed and examined, if that is felt necessary.