Aa
Axillary Lymph Node and Lung Cancer
am a 46 y/o female. There is history of Breast cancer in my family. My oldest sister was 48 when she passed away from Breast cancer. Last year (3/6/06) I had a mamo and sono done in my right breast which came back abnormal. I went to them because while taking a shower I found/felt a hard nodule under my armpit which I found to be disturbing. I was told to get a sono which came back indicating the following:
Examination shows evidence of 20 x 8 mm (2. 1 cm?) oval shaped solid nodule noted rt mid axilla. This appears to fall into probably benign category. When I came back to the breast doctor with the results he told me the nodule is very deep in my underarm. Surgery (Lymph node biopsy) was an option, however, he told me that I could possibly have complications with my right arm and since I am right handed it may be more of a problem. When I came back to the breast doctor with the results he told me the nodule is very deep in my underarm. Before contemplating on surgery, which I was ready for, he sent me to my primary doctor for blood works (TB and HIV). Those came back fine and I went back to see the breast doctor again. If the blood work came back fine, then we were going to talk AGAIN about surgery. That didn't happen. He (breast doctor) changed his mind and decided to wait a couple of more months to see if there were any changes. By now I am frustrated, tired but most of all worried to death. Okay, so I now wait a couple of months and to my surprise I am out of health insurance. (long story). A year has passed and the Lymph node seems to have gotten bigger. Since then, I've been without insurance but I have managed to contact a clinic where they have given me some insurance to have a diagnostic mamo done. I should mention that the lump feels fixed, no pain and rather large. I've had 3 prior biopsies of the breast but they all have come back benign.
I should also mention that I went to see my primary doctor because for the past 3 weeks I noticed a large swollen/enlarged mass (almost the size of my palm) on my right side around my rib cage (under my bra line) --perhaps 2-3 rib at bottom? I paid no mind thinking that maybe I slept wrong but it has not gone away. There is no pain in the immediate area; however, there is at times discomfort/pain on my back (shoulder blade/lung) and in front/right of my stomach. I've always had pain in my stomach since I suffer from ulcers so didn't give it another thought. I am also coughing (moderately) and bringing up phlegm (brownish).
In any event, the doctor immediately told me I needed to get a CT scan of chest and right sided lateral trunk with contrast. This is to rule out mass chest wall malignancy (cancer). As well as having several blood work done: ANA, CMP, CBC, RF, FBS, TSH, LFT. Since my ANA came back positive (1:80)(320) last year he wants to run it again. I also have what seems to be the butterfly mark on my face. I was seeing a doctor for Lupus but because the other blood work did not come back positive I was told that perhaps it may be rheumatoid Arthritis.
Also, about a week before I noticed the swollen rib cage area I went to the emergency room because my right knee (top) was extremely swollen. Since I have thrombophlebitis I thought it may had something to do with that. I had a sonogram done of veins to look for DVT and it came back negative. The doctor at the emergency room did not do any tests for my knee. She only said that it could be from the thrombo in my legs.
Well, until I have the CT done and blood work I will not know what on earth is wrong. He also mentioned it could be fatty tissue but to tell you the truth he did not convince me of that. I still have no insurance and the program I was given for the mammogram does not cover anything else. Why does he feel there may be a malignancy? Is it because where is located/symptoms?
My question is, could this swelling of my rib cage be related to the Axillary Lymph node and/or Lung cancer? I am a smoker and my father passed away of Lung cancer several years ago.
Thanks so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Examination shows evidence of 20 x 8 mm (2. 1 cm?) oval shaped solid nodule noted rt mid axilla. This appears to fall into probably benign category. When I came back to the breast doctor with the results he told me the nodule is very deep in my underarm. Surgery (Lymph node biopsy) was an option, however, he told me that I could possibly have complications with my right arm and since I am right handed it may be more of a problem. When I came back to the breast doctor with the results he told me the nodule is very deep in my underarm. Before contemplating on surgery, which I was ready for, he sent me to my primary doctor for blood works (TB and HIV). Those came back fine and I went back to see the breast doctor again. If the blood work came back fine, then we were going to talk AGAIN about surgery. That didn't happen. He (breast doctor) changed his mind and decided to wait a couple of more months to see if there were any changes. By now I am frustrated, tired but most of all worried to death. Okay, so I now wait a couple of months and to my surprise I am out of health insurance. (long story). A year has passed and the Lymph node seems to have gotten bigger. Since then, I've been without insurance but I have managed to contact a clinic where they have given me some insurance to have a diagnostic mamo done. I should mention that the lump feels fixed, no pain and rather large. I've had 3 prior biopsies of the breast but they all have come back benign.
I should also mention that I went to see my primary doctor because for the past 3 weeks I noticed a large swollen/enlarged mass (almost the size of my palm) on my right side around my rib cage (under my bra line) --perhaps 2-3 rib at bottom? I paid no mind thinking that maybe I slept wrong but it has not gone away. There is no pain in the immediate area; however, there is at times discomfort/pain on my back (shoulder blade/lung) and in front/right of my stomach. I've always had pain in my stomach since I suffer from ulcers so didn't give it another thought. I am also coughing (moderately) and bringing up phlegm (brownish).
In any event, the doctor immediately told me I needed to get a CT scan of chest and right sided lateral trunk with contrast. This is to rule out mass chest wall malignancy (cancer). As well as having several blood work done: ANA, CMP, CBC, RF, FBS, TSH, LFT. Since my ANA came back positive (1:80)(320) last year he wants to run it again. I also have what seems to be the butterfly mark on my face. I was seeing a doctor for Lupus but because the other blood work did not come back positive I was told that perhaps it may be rheumatoid Arthritis.
Also, about a week before I noticed the swollen rib cage area I went to the emergency room because my right knee (top) was extremely swollen. Since I have thrombophlebitis I thought it may had something to do with that. I had a sonogram done of veins to look for DVT and it came back negative. The doctor at the emergency room did not do any tests for my knee. She only said that it could be from the thrombo in my legs.
Well, until I have the CT done and blood work I will not know what on earth is wrong. He also mentioned it could be fatty tissue but to tell you the truth he did not convince me of that. I still have no insurance and the program I was given for the mammogram does not cover anything else. Why does he feel there may be a malignancy? Is it because where is located/symptoms?
My question is, could this swelling of my rib cage be related to the Axillary Lymph node and/or Lung cancer? I am a smoker and my father passed away of Lung cancer several years ago.
Thanks so much for your time and I look forward to hearing from you.
Thanks to all for your replies. I am so sorry that I have not responded sooner but it has been a rollercoaster ride since I last posted here. I can actually write a book on it! I've had MRI's, CAT scans, ultrasounds, PET scans, Axillary Lymph Node Needle Biopsy, endoscopy, colonoscopy, Barium Enema and finally, Axillary Lymph Node Removal!
CAT Thorax-enhanced - Chest (9/13/07) The lung fields show no infiltrate, effusion or mass. There is minimal atelectasis- fibroric scarring present at both lung bases posteriorly and inferiorly. The pulmonary vasculature is adequately visualized and is normal. The aorta demonstrates no evidence of dissection. There are minimal degenerative change involving the dorsal spine. the heart is not enlarged. There is no mediastinal or hilar adenopathy. CONCLUSION: Minimal fibrotic changes are present in both lung bases posteriorly. There are no pulmonary emboli or aortic dissection. The remainder of the study is also normal.
However, on a CAT scan done on 3/13/08 showed a 4mm nodule in the posterior left lung. The PET scan that I did on 3/20 stated that the nodule is stoo small to be characterized. I have a follow-up PET scan in 3 months.
I still have the pain/swelling in my right knee but I haven't done anything about it since other medical issues are more important.
As far as the Axillary Lymph node is concern, I've had a needle biopsy and it came back negative (B9). However, I was not satisfied that it was done through a needle and continued to seek second/third opinions. I had a PET scan done (320/08) for it and it came back stating that I did NOT have a axillary lymph node! BUT the lymph node was there! can you believe that? Well, I was told by my first surgeon that if the Oncologist/Head of Dept. agrees that I should have a lymph node removal, he would go ahead and do so. The Oncologist agreed and we went ahead with the lymph node removal. I just had it done last week on Tuesday (4/8). I have a large cut underneath my armpit from the beginning (front) of my armpit to the end (back) of it. It looks like a huge smile with 9 big staples on it! I am kind of sore but I thought it would be worse than this. My arm feels a bit numb in the back and heavy. I can handle it. I have a return appointment for the results this Friday (4/18). My surgeon stated that he will be extremely surprised if something should come back positive.
Also on this day, I had a colonoscopy because the PET scan showed the following:
There is small focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5. Evaluation of colonoscopy or barium enema can be performed.
I've been having stomach problems for a long while, especially with constipation, abdominal pain/cramping, nausea, etc. So, the colonoscopy was set for the same day but according to the surgeon my colon was not empty enough and therefore I had to do a Barium Enema... OMG ... NEVER again!! I will have the results on Friday as well.
Before all of this I also had an endoscopy/biopsy performed because of my stomach problems and it came back fairly well except that my stomach lining is inflammed and I also have H. Pylori. I am currently taking medication for it.
On a blood test that was perfermed, my glucose levels were high and I am now a DIABETIC! Taking meds for that as well. Also, high cholesterol and on meds for that as well.
More info PET Scan/CT Study Findins and Impressions:
The study was performed following intravenous administration of 15.6 mCi FDG. Some 45 minutes later, PET images fromthe skull base to the mid thigh were obtained. Attention correction is performed with the simultaneouly performed non-contrast CT of low diagnostic quality.
FINDINGS:
There is symmetrical uptake in the submandibular gland, tonsils with SUV of 2. This is likely physiological. ( I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THIS, WHAT COULD THIS BE?) THE DOC. DID NOT SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THIS) There is no significan axillary lymph node enlargement. There is no significant hilar lymph node enlargement which is hypermetabolic. There is no hypermetabolic focal liver lesion or splenic lesion. There is no hypermetabolic axillary lymph node enlargement.
On the previous CT chest study performed on 3/13/08, there was a 4mm nodule in the posterior left lung. This nodule is too small to be characterized witha PET scan.
There is a small right inguinal lymph node with SUV of 0.6 measuring about 1.5 cm in axial image 378 at table position 324. This is likely nonspecific. There is uptake in the region of the right ischial tuberosity bursa with SUV of 2.1 (I ALSO HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THIS. THE DOC DID NOT COMMENT ON THIS NEITHER.)
there is focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5 at table position 239 in image 46.
impression:
1.no hypermetabolic axillary lymphadenopathy or mediastinal lymphadenopathy
2.there is a small focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5.
3.small lymph node in the medial aspect of the right inguinal region in the proximal right thigh measuring about 1.5cm with SUV of 0.6
4.small nodule seen at the posterior apsect of the left lung is too small to be characterized with petscan. followup ct at 3-6 months.
In all, a hell of a couple of months, but well worth it. Right now, just waiting for the results. A bit sore from the lymph node removal but okay.
I am, however, having problems with my stomach/bowel movements. I am still constipated, nausea, sometimes diarreah, stool looks too mucous, funny color - orange; lower abdominal cramps. (period like cramps) that I have to bend over, sometimes huge amount of saliva stores in my mouth when I get nauseous; and lower back pain. poor appetite and sometimes as soon as I eat I have to run to the bathroom in pain.
To tell you the truth, all of this sounds too familiar like colon cancer. But, I just have to wait for the results which right now seems like an eternity. Wish me luck! Any thoughts are welcomed.
CAT Thorax-enhanced - Chest (9/13/07) The lung fields show no infiltrate, effusion or mass. There is minimal atelectasis- fibroric scarring present at both lung bases posteriorly and inferiorly. The pulmonary vasculature is adequately visualized and is normal. The aorta demonstrates no evidence of dissection. There are minimal degenerative change involving the dorsal spine. the heart is not enlarged. There is no mediastinal or hilar adenopathy. CONCLUSION: Minimal fibrotic changes are present in both lung bases posteriorly. There are no pulmonary emboli or aortic dissection. The remainder of the study is also normal.
However, on a CAT scan done on 3/13/08 showed a 4mm nodule in the posterior left lung. The PET scan that I did on 3/20 stated that the nodule is stoo small to be characterized. I have a follow-up PET scan in 3 months.
I still have the pain/swelling in my right knee but I haven't done anything about it since other medical issues are more important.
As far as the Axillary Lymph node is concern, I've had a needle biopsy and it came back negative (B9). However, I was not satisfied that it was done through a needle and continued to seek second/third opinions. I had a PET scan done (320/08) for it and it came back stating that I did NOT have a axillary lymph node! BUT the lymph node was there! can you believe that? Well, I was told by my first surgeon that if the Oncologist/Head of Dept. agrees that I should have a lymph node removal, he would go ahead and do so. The Oncologist agreed and we went ahead with the lymph node removal. I just had it done last week on Tuesday (4/8). I have a large cut underneath my armpit from the beginning (front) of my armpit to the end (back) of it. It looks like a huge smile with 9 big staples on it! I am kind of sore but I thought it would be worse than this. My arm feels a bit numb in the back and heavy. I can handle it. I have a return appointment for the results this Friday (4/18). My surgeon stated that he will be extremely surprised if something should come back positive.
Also on this day, I had a colonoscopy because the PET scan showed the following:
There is small focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5. Evaluation of colonoscopy or barium enema can be performed.
I've been having stomach problems for a long while, especially with constipation, abdominal pain/cramping, nausea, etc. So, the colonoscopy was set for the same day but according to the surgeon my colon was not empty enough and therefore I had to do a Barium Enema... OMG ... NEVER again!! I will have the results on Friday as well.
Before all of this I also had an endoscopy/biopsy performed because of my stomach problems and it came back fairly well except that my stomach lining is inflammed and I also have H. Pylori. I am currently taking medication for it.
On a blood test that was perfermed, my glucose levels were high and I am now a DIABETIC! Taking meds for that as well. Also, high cholesterol and on meds for that as well.
More info PET Scan/CT Study Findins and Impressions:
The study was performed following intravenous administration of 15.6 mCi FDG. Some 45 minutes later, PET images fromthe skull base to the mid thigh were obtained. Attention correction is performed with the simultaneouly performed non-contrast CT of low diagnostic quality.
FINDINGS:
There is symmetrical uptake in the submandibular gland, tonsils with SUV of 2. This is likely physiological. ( I HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THIS, WHAT COULD THIS BE?) THE DOC. DID NOT SPEAK TO ME ABOUT THIS) There is no significan axillary lymph node enlargement. There is no significant hilar lymph node enlargement which is hypermetabolic. There is no hypermetabolic focal liver lesion or splenic lesion. There is no hypermetabolic axillary lymph node enlargement.
On the previous CT chest study performed on 3/13/08, there was a 4mm nodule in the posterior left lung. This nodule is too small to be characterized witha PET scan.
There is a small right inguinal lymph node with SUV of 0.6 measuring about 1.5 cm in axial image 378 at table position 324. This is likely nonspecific. There is uptake in the region of the right ischial tuberosity bursa with SUV of 2.1 (I ALSO HAVE NO IDEA ABOUT THIS. THE DOC DID NOT COMMENT ON THIS NEITHER.)
there is focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5 at table position 239 in image 46.
impression:
1.no hypermetabolic axillary lymphadenopathy or mediastinal lymphadenopathy
2.there is a small focal area of increased uptake in the lower descending colon with SUV of 2.5.
3.small lymph node in the medial aspect of the right inguinal region in the proximal right thigh measuring about 1.5cm with SUV of 0.6
4.small nodule seen at the posterior apsect of the left lung is too small to be characterized with petscan. followup ct at 3-6 months.
In all, a hell of a couple of months, but well worth it. Right now, just waiting for the results. A bit sore from the lymph node removal but okay.
I am, however, having problems with my stomach/bowel movements. I am still constipated, nausea, sometimes diarreah, stool looks too mucous, funny color - orange; lower abdominal cramps. (period like cramps) that I have to bend over, sometimes huge amount of saliva stores in my mouth when I get nauseous; and lower back pain. poor appetite and sometimes as soon as I eat I have to run to the bathroom in pain.
To tell you the truth, all of this sounds too familiar like colon cancer. But, I just have to wait for the results which right now seems like an eternity. Wish me luck! Any thoughts are welcomed.
Connie I just posted a message to Newhall Which I really meant for you please let me have your thoughts
by anailil
I was diagnosed with lung cancer Oct/06. Stable since Feb/07. Had a lymph node taken out in Dec/04. Now I have another growing. What happens now ? Are lymph nodes continue to swell and will have to be taken out or is this an indication that the cancer might be spreading to other parts of the body ? Any thoughts>
I was diagnosed with lung cancer Oct/06. Stable since Feb/07. Had a lymph node taken out in Dec/04. Now I have another growing. What happens now ? Are lymph nodes continue to swell and will have to be taken out or is this an indication that the cancer might be spreading to other parts of the body ? Any thoughts>
MEDICAL PROFESSIONAL
Did you get your CT scan? What did the doctors say?
Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA
Dr. Enoch Choi, MD
Palo Alto, CA
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