Internal Mammary Lymph Node

I was diagnosed with lobular cancer and had a lumpectomy prior to having any other diagnostice tests.
At the time of the lumpectomy, they did SN and axillary node dissection.  Three nodes possitive.

In a susequent PET, internal mammory glands showed possible metasis.  All other areas were clear as well as blood tests.

An MRI was also done showing possible other breast involvement in the same breast as the lumpectomy.  The other showed clear.

An internal lymph node biopsy was suggested but I have yet to see anything that shows this is a good idea.  Mastectomy is scheduled with chemotheraphy but I have yet to receive any guidance from my oncologist as to prognosis etc.  

I am extremely frustrated with my medical team communication etc.  Don't know how to proceed?


This discussion is related to Internal mammary lymph nodes.

[PaulMD]

Hi.

The finding of possible internal mammary node involvement would really complicate things, since the cancer can be upstaged if ever the internal mammary nodes can be proven to have cancer metastases.

I would agree with a mastectomy procedure for this situation along with lymph node dissection.  You may require post operative radiation if the nodes are indeed involved.  Additional chemotherapy would ensure that any other microtestases can be addressed and would lead to a better survival outcome.

The final pathologic confirmation after the operation would ascertain the stage of your cancer and from there, prognosis can be estimated.

Regards.