This is an archive article published on November 29, 2024

T-Series head Bhushan Kumar’s aunt Tanya Singh shares heartbreaking plea after daughter’s death: ‘Please make sure to get a second and third opinion’

“Lymph nodes are the body’s defence guards and they can also swell due to emotional trauma, etc, or due to a previous infection not treated fully,” said Tanya Singh

Tanya revealed that her daughter Tishaa did not have cancer but suffered due to misdiagnosis. (Source: Instagram/Tanya Singh)

By: Lifestyle Desk

6 min readNew DelhiNov 30, 2024 10:46 AM IST First published on: Nov 29, 2024 at 10:00 PM IST

When a parent tragically loses their child, their grief often brings to light concerns that many might overlook.

In a heart-wrenching Instagram post, Tanya Singh, wife of producer Krishan Kumar and cousin-in-law of T-Series head Bhushan Kumar, cautioned others about the importance of seeking multiple medical opinions before undergoing invasive tests like bone marrow biopsies.

Sharing a video collage with pictures of her daughter Tishaa, Tanya revealed that she did not have cancer but suffered due to misdiagnosis. “The truth is that my daughter did not have ‘cancer’ to begin with. She had a vaccine at age 15-and-a-half, which possibly triggered an autoimmune situation, which was wrongly diagnosed (we did not know this at the time),” she revealed.

Urging parents to seek multiple medical opinions before getting a bone marrow test or biopsy, the grieving mother said, “Please make sure to get a second and third opinion before going in for a bone marrow test or a biopsy. Lymph nodes are the body’s defence guards and they can also swell due to emotional trauma, etc, or due to a previous infection not treated fully. We were already sucked into the ‘medical trap’ much before all this information found us. I pray daily that no kid should ever have to face this cruel world of medical traps or hidden negative forces (sic).”

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A post shared by Tanya A Singh 🧿 (@tanyasingghofficial)

Her plea raises significant questions about medical protocols, the necessity of certain diagnostic procedures, and the risks of misdiagnosis. To understand this better indianexpress.com spoke to Dr Srinath, Senior OrthoOncologist and Founder at Asha Hospitals and Research Centre.

Common reasons for lymph node swellings in younger patients

According to Dr Srinath, lymph node swellings, or lymphadenopathy, are a common occurrence in younger patients and are often a sign of the immune system actively fighting an infection or other stressors.”

Common causes, according to him, are:

Infections: Viral infections like the common cold, mononucleosis (Epstein-Barr virus), or cytomegalovirus are leading causes of swollen lymph nodes. Bacterial infections, such as strep throat or skin infections, can also result in lymph node enlargement.

Post-Infection Reaction: After an infection, lymph nodes may remain swollen for weeks as the immune system resolves inflammation.

Autoimmune Conditions: Disorders like lupus or juvenile arthritis can cause persistent lymph node enlargement due to chronic immune activity.

Emotional or Physical Stress: Emotional trauma or significant stress can trigger physiological responses, including mild lymphadenopathy. Stress hormones may suppress the immune system, leaving residual inflammation from previous infections unaddressed.

Allergic Reactions: Exposure to allergens or irritants can cause local lymph nodes to react.

Rare Causes: Less commonly, lymphadenopathy can signal malignancies such as lymphoma or leukaemia, which require thorough investigation.

Before proceeding with these tests, the doctor stresses that it is “vital to seek second or third opinions.” (Source: Freepik)

Under what circumstances should a biopsy or bone marrow test be considered for young patients with swollen lymph nodes?

Dr Srinath states, “Biopsies and bone marrow tests are invasive procedures and should only be considered when there are strong clinical indications that point to a serious underlying condition. The decision should be guided by a pediatrician or specialist after a thorough assessment.”

Indications for Biopsy	Details
Persistent Swelling	Lymph nodes that remain enlarged for more than 4–6 weeks, despite treatment for potential infections, may warrant further evaluation.
Size and Texture	Nodes larger than 2 cm, hard or rubbery in texture, or fixed in place (non-movable) are considered abnormal.
Systemic Symptoms	Red flags include unexplained fever, night sweats, significant weight loss (more than 10% of body weight), or fatigue, which are common symptoms of lymphoma or leukaemia.
Unusual Locations	Swelling in non-typical areas like supraclavicular (above the collarbone) nodes is more concerning.
No Apparent Cause	When infections or autoimmune conditions have been ruled out through blood tests and imaging, a biopsy can help identify malignancies or other rare conditions.

Indications for Bone Marrow Test	Details
Pancytopenia	A reduction in red cells, white cells, and platelets on a complete blood count (CBC).
Suspicion of Leukemia	Based on symptoms like unexplained bruising, frequent infections, or abnormal blood work.

Before proceeding with these tests, the doctor stresses that it is “vital to seek second or third opinions,” as mentioned in the Instagram post, to avoid unnecessary interventions.

Differentiating between routine swelling and signs that might indicate a serious underlying condition

Parents can differentiate routine lymph node swelling from concerning signs by observing key characteristics and patterns, as mentioned by Dr Srinath:

Key characteristics	Details
Routine Swelling	Associated with Infection: Swelling that occurs with common symptoms like sore throat, fever, or cold and reduces as the infection resolves. Soft and Movable: Nodes that feel soft and can be moved under the skin are generally harmless. Localised: Swelling confined to one area, such as the neck during a throat infection. Short Duration: Swelling that resolves within 2–4 weeks without treatment is usually not concerning.
Concerning Signs	Systemic Symptoms: Presence of unexplained fever, night sweats, persistent fatigue, or weight loss. Rapid Growth: Nodes that enlarge quickly over a few days without an apparent cause. Firm and Fixed Nodes: Hard, non-movable lymph nodes may indicate malignancy. Unusual Locations: Swelling in areas like the supraclavicular region or groin is more likely to signal serious conditions. Discolouration or Pain: Red, tender nodes could indicate an abscess or localized infection needing immediate attention.

Key characteristics

Details

Routine Swelling

Associated with Infection: Swelling that occurs with common symptoms like sore throat, fever, or cold and reduces as the infection resolves.
Soft and Movable: Nodes that feel soft and can be moved under the skin are generally harmless.
Localised: Swelling confined to one area, such as the neck during a throat infection.
Short Duration: Swelling that resolves within 2–4 weeks without treatment is usually not concerning.

Concerning Signs

Systemic Symptoms: Presence of unexplained fever, night sweats, persistent fatigue, or weight loss.
Rapid Growth: Nodes that enlarge quickly over a few days without an apparent cause.
Firm and Fixed Nodes: Hard, non-movable lymph nodes may indicate malignancy.
Unusual Locations: Swelling in areas like the supraclavicular region or groin is more likely to signal serious conditions.
Discolouration or Pain: Red, tender nodes could indicate an abscess or localized infection needing immediate attention.

Dr Srinath asserts, “Parents should seek medical advice if they notice any of the concerning signs or if routine swelling persists longer than expected. Timely consultations and non-invasive tests can help avoid unnecessary anxiety and ensure proper care.”

DISCLAIMER: This article is based on information from the public domain and/or the experts we spoke to. Always consult your health practitioner before starting any routine.