Useful Tests to Diagnose Lymphoma

Dear Ask The Doctor: I'm a 20 year old healthy male, I'm about 5'10" and weigh 122 lbs. I've had a (slightly) swollen inguinal and two slightly swollen axillary lymph nodes (you cannot see them, but can feel them) for at least 2 years now, maybe longer. They have not grown in size since I first discovered them. They do not hurt or anything of that nature. I recently had blood work done and it all came back normal. I'm concerned that it is Lymphoma. If I had lymphoma, would something show up on my blood work (although I know that lymphoma cannot be diagnosed through blood work, I was wondering if there was a "if you don't have this level abnormal, it can't be lymphoma" kind of thing)

Lymphoma is usually suspected when a person is having fevers, night sweats, unexplained frequent infections, weight loss, and painless lymph node enlargement. A lymph node is considered enlarged when it is ~3cm in diameter. Confirmatory diagnosis of lymphoma is usually through bone marrow biopsy. If one has lymphoma, blood tests may show abnormal looking cells but blood tests are usually the preliminary tests. There has to be enough clinical (signs and symptoms) and lab findings for lymphoma to be considered. Xrays (chest, abdomen) can be done to see if the lymph nodes on these areas are also enalrged. If you really are worried about the enlarged lymph nodes you are having, consult another doctor for a second opinion. It is always better to be safe than sorry. I wish you well always. Take care.