Could you explain a few terms?

[nancyspenc]

Hi, I just had some lymph nodes removed for biopsy, as a precaution after my lumpectomy. There are a couple terms in the surgical pathology report I don't quite understand, even after Googling them. Could you help out? Thanks.
1) right axillary lymph node biopsy (sentinel node)--reactive hyperplasia (not malignant). What's reactive hyperplasia, is it common, and is it of concern?
2) four lymph nodes showing sinus histiocytosis (not malignant). What's sinus histiocytosis? of concern? Thanks.

ps Sorry I have 2 other questions too.  AT the same time, I had my upper left lung lobe removed (never smoked though). No further treatment is needed at this time for the lung.  For the right breast, radiation was menitoned. My two concerns are: 1) possible effect of radiation of right breast/lymph on my right lung, especially considering I've lost most of my left lung to cancer. and 2) since it was only Stage One, and small, and there's always a chance of recurrence, especially with my risk for cancer, why not forego the radiation this time and save it for next time, since you can only do radiation once on any one area. (I'd really rather not do chemo later, espcially because of other medical conditions such as borderline to stage 3 kidney disease).
Thanks so much.

[PaulMD]

Radiation pneumonitis usually appears during or a short time after treatment.  In some cases, these can result in fibrosis whose effects can linger and last for months or even years.  Regards.

[nancyspenc]

Thanks for your clarification.  The radiation pneumonitis you mentioned, is it a temporary condition that tends to only occur at/after the the time of radiation, or does it have a tendency to then become chronic or recurring?  thanks again!

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

Reactive hyperplasia is just a term for increased number of cells in the lymph node probably from something in the breast (can be latent infection or malignancy).  Sinus histiocytosis is a benign condition which is characterized by increased number of cells called histiocytes which can be likewise seen in cases of infection or malignancy.  These findings mean that the nodes are negative for cancer involvement.

Radiation is almost always recommended after a lumpectomy procedure for breast cancer.  This would decrease the chance of recurrence.  Radiation is not indicated if you had a mastectomy rather than a lumpectomy.  The right side of the lungs can have radiation injury called radiation pneumonitis which can manifest as difficulty of breathing and pneumonia like symptoms.

Hope this helps... regards and God bless.