Mesenteric lymph nodes - growing after stable for years

bluesea

Hi everyone,

This is my very first post, so thank you in advance for reading. My husband recently found a palpable mass in his abdomen, and an ultrasound revealed that one of his mesenteric lymph nodes has grown. The largest measures 30mm. We’re currently waiting for an appointment with the haematology/oncology team, and his GP mentioned that a biopsy will likely be needed. Needless to say, the waiting and uncertainty are quite stressful. Some background: We first discovered his enlarged mesenteric lymph nodes back in 2016 during a routine test. Further investigations, including a biopsy at the time classified found it was benign. He had annual ultrasounds up until 2021, and the lymph node size remained stable (around 2.2cm), so he was told monitoring was no longer necessary However, last week, after feeling something unusual in the same area, we saw his GP, and upon an ultra sound we learned the node has grown to 3cm. We’re now back in a holding pattern while we wait to see a specialist, and I’m feeling understandably anxious. His routine blood reports are all fine. 
I’m reaching out here to see if anyone has had similar experiences or insights. Has anyone dealt with stable lymph nodes that later changed? What kind of outcomes or next steps should we be mentally prepared for? Thank you so much. The waiting is the hardest part.