lymph nodes

My wife recently had a mammorygram. A few days later the doctor called requesting a new scan. After the second scan the doctor informed her that a lymph node not previosly seen was in her right breast. He told her to obtain another in six months. He compared 12 previous years worth os scans none of which showed this previouslt undetected lymph node. Is this a precursor for cancer? Does the body grow new nodes?

Jim

[zouzi]

Hi,
Lymph nodes are often present in the breast tissue and it means nothing unless it becomes abnormally enlarged. Lymph nodes in the breast can swell because of an inflammation or infection somewhere in the body and can remain swollen even after the infection is gone.Sometimes lymph nodes can remain swollen indefinitely.
The purpose of watching an enlarged lymph node is to ensure that the lymph node is not continuing to grow, which may be cause to investigate further.
I don't think that you or your wife should worry about it.Just keep the recommended follow up as scheduled to make sure that there are no changes.
Best wishes to both you and your wife.