Lymph node biopsy consistent with Ovarian Cancer

My friend had swollen lymph nodes and recently had a biopsy.  The biopsy showed "pathology consistent with ovarian cancer"!?!?!  Today, she had her OB appointment and a vaginal ultrasound.  Both ovaries have cysts and solid masses.  She has been referred to a Gyno-Oncologist.  Does this mean she has Ovarian Cancer?  Does it mean it's spread, since it was detected through her lymph nodes?  How do they find out where else it is?  How do they determine what stage this is?  3C?  Any advice?

[nyc lady]

There is a few more things that have to happen before they determine if she has OvCa and the stage.  They cannot stage the cancer until they operate and sample numerous tissues and sights for spread.  It is imperative that if OvCa is suspected a GYN/Oncologist does the surgery.  It has been proven that sugery done by a GYN/Oncologist can prolong life.  Where was the lymph node sampled from?

The Gyn/Oncologist will explain the "debulking" surgery to your friend....please be certain that she does not go to the doctor alone as it can all be very overwhelming and very scary.

You are a good friend...try not to panic yet...when we know for certain what is going on we are all here to support you and your friend.  OvCa is a very scary diagnosis, but, you can get through it.

Best of luck to you and your friend....please let her know that we are here and can help her as well.

Pam

[memphisjayhawk]

Thanks so much for the information.  Her lymph node was from underneath her arm.  I know I shouldn't, but I guess I am leaping to the worse case scenario, assuming that since it was found in her lymph nodes, it's spread and is at lease stage 3C, even though I'm not even sure what that really means.  She had a hysterectomy in her 30's and is 49 now.  She has had no symptoms, but recently had pneumonia.  During a follow-up, a dr. was concerned about her lymph node and sent her for a ct and ultra sound before biopsy.   Of course, there really isn't a lot of encouraging information on ovarian cancer, and, while she's been told "pathology consistent with ovarian cancer" and "solid masses on both ovaries" and she's being referred to a gyn/oncologyst, no one is coming out and saying, "hey lady, you have ovarian cancer".  we're both pretty straight up people and need to hear it that way.  she will ask the gyn/oncologyst this question as soon as she gets in to see him.

[marie3B]

You are a good friend to be researching for her.  No matter what this turns out to be it is a scary thing to face and she will need you.  Let us know how it turns out.  We are here for both of you.  Even if t is 3C there is treatment and many have had full and very long remissions.  I am almost a year past my chemo and was diagnosed in June of 2007.  I hope for the best for her.  Marie

[memphisjayhawk]

Her official biopsy report states:  Metastatic high grade serous carcinoma.  Now why isn't anyone telling her she has cancer?