MASTECTOMY/LYMPHEDEMA/SWOLLEN NECK NODES

[Polly1971]

I linked to this site back in March, 2008 under the name Polly1971.  To recap my history, I had Stage 1 breast cancer dx'd in Jan, 2000. I had the rt breast removed in 2/2000. At the time, I didn't realize it, but the surgeon removed ALL of my rt axillary lymph nodes along with the chest wall tissue supporting my rt breast.  I now have rt lymphedema since March, 2008.  (Also, I've had melanoma in two places on my back, in 2005 and 2006, though I never  sunbathed and generally keep out of the sun. Had these surgically excised and was told they hadn't spread.)  A chest CT scan on 5/17 (to r/o something unrelated) noted that I have an enlarged lymph node in my neck.  I realize that a swollen lymph node can indicate some sort of infection and not necessarily any kind of cancer metastasis.  But you can all understand, I'm sure, that I might be just a teensy bit nervous.  Has anyone had anything similar and it turned out to be nothing much?  I WILL be consulting my PCP, I can assure you!!  Thanks for any info you want to share.

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

I understand your bit of nervousness knowing your previous history of cancer and melanoma. More commonly, this could be due to an underlying infection, especially if the  lymphedema causes some form of skin injuries that are prone to infection.  I believe that your doctor would recommend a biopsy of that swollen lymph node, along with concomitant antibiotic administration.  The biopsy would tell us definitely the nature of those enlarged and swollen nodes.  I agree with the prompt physician consult and I hope everything will turn out fine.

Regards and God bless.

[BKathyB]

Go to http://ReversingLymphedema.com to see what's happening...and we're in Austin!!!