lymph node

my moms report says 4.1X3.8 cm irregularly marginated soft mass within the left lobe . there is a 1.5 X0.7 cm lymph node in the left helium .does this mean that the lymph node is cancer too? they never mentioed it at doctors appointment only the lung mass and bone mets........angie

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

The pattern is consistent with cancer spreading into the lymph node. The spread usually involves the nodes on the hilum (this is an area between the major lobes of the lung and extends into the major airways), then the mediastinum (this is the area of the heart).

I am still waiting for you to post any biopsy results though. This would be confirmation that the diagnosis is indeed cancer.

[ANGIE1965]

we are too, that is why i am so angry, we can not get biopsy till may 24 then follow up appointmnet not till june 6  in the mean time spreading like wildfire!!!!!!!!!it is obviously cancer but what about treatment ??????? i think they have written her off already.ps they were not even going to do biopsy till we insisted and also after do they still need to biopsy node and bone?

[HeinrikMD]

Hi,

Hang in there. One of the problems with the biopsy is the necessary preparation of the specimen even before the pathologist is able to see it. While I understand that this could cause a lot of anxiety, shifting away from established protocol may render an erroneous reading- which wouldn’t help and could even be harmful.