repost -.5cm lymph node

[mariaclara]

I qam from the Philippines. I was diagnosed with Papillary CA 4.5 years ago (January 2008). I had  undergone complete thyroidectomy on February 2008 and RAi 150 mci April 2008. After 6 mos, my tg levels was 05 and anti-tg within normal level. Since then (for more than 4 years now) my tsh was always been suppressed ( always .04 - .212 from 150mg thyrax down to 125mg) and my tg levels which is taken every year (off thyroid drugs) were maintained at .05. Except for some weright gain, I feel fine

My question now is about the result of my recent thyroid ultrasound taken yesterday (May 30, 2012) which states   "NO NORMAL LOOKING THYROID GLAND SEEN.  NO MASSES SEEN IN THE CERVICAL AREA.  A NON-ENLARGED LYMPH NODE IS SEEN IN THE LEFT JUGULAR CHAIN, MEASURING .5cm IN ITS SHORT-AXIS"

I got very worried when my endo says it could be a recurrence and was instructed that my tg level should be taken after 3 mos (last wk of August 2012) and  a repeat thyroid ultrasound and chest xray to check on the lymph node again. I was also informed that if my tg level is still below 1, the .5cm lymphnode could be an indication of breast CA or tuberculosis so I have to undergo mamoggraphy too.  I dont feel any lump and I feel fine. Should I be worried on the .5cm lymph node found? What should I do?  I dont want to undergo surgery again

Your response would help me a lot.  Thank you

[Mark Lupo, M.D.]

We have 200-300 lymph nodes in the head/neck area -- it is very common to find several nodes on ultrasound.  The 0.5cm short axis means it is a small-medium sized node but more important would be the characteristics on ultrasound -- blood flow pattern, presence of calcification or cystic chage -- in most cases, however this would be a benign node unrelated to a cancer, but follow your doctor's advice to make certain.

[mariaclara]

Thank you Dr. Lupo. Your response  makes me feel better and not to worry so much.  I was just adviced by my endo to have my tg level, anti tg, tsh after 3 mos and a repeat ultrasound and chest xray as well.  Godbless and take care.