Masential Nodes

[Faith in Him]

What are they and where are they? If they are swollen, what does it feel like?

I am just a little concerned about an area on my chest wall.

Thanks

[dlaxague]

Dear Faith,

I don't know what they are. I've never heard the term. Google doesn't know either. Where did you hear of this? You're not talking about sentinel nodes, are you?

I hesitate to answer with no answer - but you asked this awhile ago and you sound worried so maybe if we clarify what you're concerned about, someone WILL know the answer.

Love,
Debbie Laxague

[Sheila]

Do you mean mediastinal nodes?

[Believe51]

I will be going to the doctors with Ed tomorrow and will try to remember to ask. Actually, I will write this on my question log so I can remember. See you upon our return. Lots of love>>Believe51

[Faith in Him]

Thanks Shelia. Mediastinal Nodes. That's what I mean. What are they?

[dlaxague]

I think that they are near your heart. Inside the rib cage. The mediastinum is the middle of your chest, sort of. But regardless of what and where mediastinal nodes are - if you're concerned about a new swelling or lumpish thing, don't you think that you should probably get it checked out?

Is this one of those things so subtle that once you discover it, you are not sure that it hasn't always been there? I hate it when that happens.

Debbie

[StephN]

Hi -
My understanding is that Mediastinal Nodes are pretty deep inside and between the lungs. If you have something that you can feel from the outside of your sternum, that would not be these.

If there is something on a scan that you wonder about, best ask your team.

These nodes normally become swollen from Lymphoma or lung cancer mets.

Hope this helps!

[Sheila]

Steph is correct...these can show up as enlarged on a CT scan or PET...

Mediastinal lymph nodes are lymph nodes located in the mediastinum. The mediastinum is an area in the central part of the chest in between the two lungs.

You can get mets here, but I would say you would have symptoms...mine have been slightly enlarged before, then shrunk with chemo....

Hope this helps!