Cancer & Lymph node

[Rkymtnbloom]

I was treated 11 years ago (at age 44) for and aggressive invasive breast cancer, had a left side mastectomy, all lymph gland removal on that side, and 6 months chemo. The removed lymph nodes revealed no cancer cells.  All has been well until a recent MRI and ultrasound found an axilary lymph gland on the right healthy side was found to be enlarged.  The elongated node is "burried in the chest wall muscle".  Subsequent biopsy of the node shows cancer cells, but there was no cancer mass found in that side's breast with these tests.  I am confused, as I am told this may be a reoccurance of the previous cancer.  But how can that be with no cancer in that breast, and after 11 years?  If it is a reoccurance, would that cancer have to be elsewhere in the body to show up in the lymp node?  If so, would it be considered a metastases?  I was told it may also be a "new" cancer.  If that is so, would it be breast cancer, or what other kinds of cancer can this be?  I am waiting to see an Oncologist, and I'm not getting good answers from my primary care doctor, and I am finding little on this situation on line.  

Also, I have been suffering from acute uticaria, fever (99-101 F), general ill feeling, and high white blood count.  Interestingly, 4 months prior to diagnosis eleven years ago, I had the exact same symptoms occur.  Can there be some link between cancer and these horrible hives?

[PaulMD]

Hi there.

It is indeed possible for this to be another new breast cancer on that side, since a previous history of breast cancer would really increase your risk of developing another invasive cancer on the normal breast.

Tests to confirm if this lymph node is from a breast cancer is to have it stained for ER or PR (hormone receptors).  You may also want to have a mammogram or MRI of the breast since this might identify the origin of this cancerous lymph node.

I doubt if the hives and the allergies have contributory factors to the development of cancer.  I hope that your consult with your oncologist will be fruitful and enlightening

Regards and God bless.

[Rkymtnbloom]

Hello  Paul MD, and thank you kindly for your answer.  I did have an MRI and there appears to be no cancer in the remaining breast.  This is why I am perplexed that it could be breast cancer in the healthy side's lymph node.  My previous breast cancer was not Estrogen or Progesterone receptive.  I was told it would be better had it been, because Tamoxifin would have been used.  But I did fine for a decade.

Thanks,