Large Lymph node

I just had a CT scan done in Jan 2011 and it showed progression in disease (ovarian cancer/peritoneal) and I am trying to find out what lymph node is involved.  There was a spot on, they call it the largest lymph node, and it had increased in size but I was off chemo from 9/21/10 till my treatment in January, 2011 because I had hernia surgery.  My CA 125 in those 4 months only went from 38 to 61 which to me is a good sign.  I have searched online but can't find any information on lymph node.  They said something about IVC which I don't know anything about.  Any information you can provide is appreciated.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Trisha
could you get a copy of the CT scan report? then we can know the size of the lymph node and the location.

Lymph nodes are little collections of fatty looking tissue that are usually about 3-5 mm in size. They line all the blood vessels in the body and are connected together by little thin walled tubes called lymphatic channels. The clear , blister fluid that contains immune cells and protein circulate through the lymphatic system. So it is like a parallel circulation system that runs parallel to the blood stream (arteries and veins)

the lymphatic system is a defense system.It strains bacteria and cancer cells. So an enlarged lymph node can be secondary to an infection (you just had surgery, may there was some inflammation) or due to cancer.

IVC is the inferior vena cava, a major vein that brings blood back to the heart and runs along the spine next to the aorta -the artery).
please write back with more information
take care

[Trisha58]

I talked to my dr today and the lymph node is near my aorta and he said it is about the size of a silver dollar and there are also some lymph nodes in my pelvic area that are the size of a dime.  I have my 2nd round of Abraxane this Thursday which will be my 7th cycle so I am hoping it will work great for me.  

[Annekathryn Goodman, M.D.]

Dear Trisha,
thank you for the additional information
Abraxane is a good drug.
It is similar to taxol

those enlarged lymph nodes that you describe are mildly to moderately enlarged. Usually at that size, you do not have any symptoms.
sometimes lymph nodes in the pelvic area cause a blockage of the ureter which is the tube that brings the urine from the kidney to the bladder. it is important to check the kidneys every few months in this situation.

sometimes lymph nodes along the aorta can cause back pain because they can press along the nerves coming out from the spine

the best way to see how the chemo is working is with a CT scan
please keep in touch
take care