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Ovarian Cancer (Expert Forum)
Groin lymph nodes related to ovarian cancer?
Answered by
Annekathryn Goodman, M.D. - Gynecologic Cancers, Complex Gynecologic, Surgeries, Palliative Care, Acupuncture
Massachusetts General Hospital Cancer Center
Boston - MA
Groin lymph nodes related to ovarian cancer?
by meligold, Sep 22, 2006 12:00AM
I am 33 years old and have a 1.8 cm complex cyst on my right ovary. I also suspect based on pain that I have one on the left ovary as well (only the right ovary was looked at during u/s). I also have prominent but not overly large lymph nodes that can be felt in the groin on both sides. I've been on bc for 3.5 weeks to try to keep cysts under control, and am going on Sept. 22 for a follow up on the lymph nodes. My dr plans on rechecking cysts by u/s after a few cycles. Is there any evidence that swollen lymph nodes in the groin are linked to ovarian cancer? Thanks for any information.
Doctor's Answer
by Annekathryn Goodman, M.D., Sep 24, 2006 12:00AM
, Sep 24, 2006 12:00AM
Hi There,
It is very unlikely that swollen lymph nodes in the groin are related to ovarian cancer. The groin lymph nodes drain fluid from the feet, legs, and vulva. Any inflammation or trauma (even just shaving your legs) can cause swelling in these lymph nodes. Of course an abnormally enlarge lymph node should be biopsied to rule out unusual causes (for instance - lymphoma). You should ask you doctor if the size of the groin nodes is abnormally enlarged.
As far as ovarian cancer goes, yes, ovarian cancer can travel into the groin nodes. That usually occurs as a later event for a woman who is experiencing an advanced ovarian cancer. Small complex cysts on the ovaries are usually related to ovulation. repeat ultrasounds in 2 to 3 months is the usual follow up.
take care
It is very unlikely that swollen lymph nodes in the groin are related to ovarian cancer. The groin lymph nodes drain fluid from the feet, legs, and vulva. Any inflammation or trauma (even just shaving your legs) can cause swelling in these lymph nodes. Of course an abnormally enlarge lymph node should be biopsied to rule out unusual causes (for instance - lymphoma). You should ask you doctor if the size of the groin nodes is abnormally enlarged.
As far as ovarian cancer goes, yes, ovarian cancer can travel into the groin nodes. That usually occurs as a later event for a woman who is experiencing an advanced ovarian cancer. Small complex cysts on the ovaries are usually related to ovulation. repeat ultrasounds in 2 to 3 months is the usual follow up.
take care
It is unusual but it can happen that ovarian cancer travels to a lymph node in the groin. Unlike my previous comments to Meligold, if you have a known diagnosis of ovarian cancer, swollen lymph nodes need to be evaluated carefully. If that is the only area of cancer (in the groin nodes), you should ask your gyn oncologist about surgically removing those lymph nodes.
best wishes to you