Mediastinal lymph node enlargement in Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Dear Ask The Doctor: I have non hodgkins disease have been in remission for 8 years.was told that i have swollen lymph nodes in my chest now. is this a sign that the disease has returned?was put on o2 this past week due to o2 sat of 74 on excersion.

Dear Geri:Enlargment of the lymph nodes in the chest or mediastinum may be an indication that your Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is no longer in remission. These enlarged nodes may be compressing your bronchi (large airways) and resulting in low oxygen saturation readings and the need for supplemental oxygen. The only way to definitively diagnose this is to obtain a biopsy (tissue sample) of the lymph node. I would discuss further investigation or treatment with your Consultant Haematologist.