HER2 Support Group Forums - View Single Post - On reactive lymph nodes and delayed diagnosis

Debbie L. · 02-25-2011, 11:02 PM

Marcia, I don't think your concerns are unreasonable, at all. Even if not taken from a breast cancer perspective, a swollen axillary node in a healthy person should be checked out, in my opinion.

A large node is what led to my diagnosis, also (but I was 49). My surgeon, like yours, said it was most likely a "reactive" node (he quoted a stat of 80% chance it was benign, I think) but with hindsight I wondered if he hadn't just been trying to keep me from worrying. But whether it was false reassurance or not, he did not dilly-dally around - he did an excisional biopsy as quickly as he could schedule it. This was just a basic general surgeon in podunckville - it's not as if I was at a big cancer center and that's why he jumped on it. It was thought, once it was clear that my nodes were malignant, that it was most likely a lymphoma, probably non-Hodgkins. For about 4 days, anyway. So there are not just breast cancer reasons to get a large node checked out. Mine was larger than yours, but it seems to me like palpable is palpable, and should be biopsied unless there is a clear infection process going on.

As for what is the right thing for you to do about your concerns at this point -- only you can figure out the right answer there. There's a whole RANGE of right answers, and your gut, your heart, your conscience, whatever -- will tell you what's right for you.

Good luck with this, I hope it helps to get input and talk it out here.

Debbie Laxague

02-25-2011, 11:02 PM	#5
Debbie L. Senior Member Join Date: Jul 2006 Posts: 463	Re: On reactive lymph nodes and delayed diagnosis Marcia, I don't think your concerns are unreasonable, at all. Even if not taken from a breast cancer perspective, a swollen axillary node in a healthy person should be checked out, in my opinion. A large node is what led to my diagnosis, also (but I was 49). My surgeon, like yours, said it was most likely a "reactive" node (he quoted a stat of 80% chance it was benign, I think) but with hindsight I wondered if he hadn't just been trying to keep me from worrying. But whether it was false reassurance or not, he did not dilly-dally around - he did an excisional biopsy as quickly as he could schedule it. This was just a basic general surgeon in podunckville - it's not as if I was at a big cancer center and that's why he jumped on it. It was thought, once it was clear that my nodes were malignant, that it was most likely a lymphoma, probably non-Hodgkins. For about 4 days, anyway. So there are not just breast cancer reasons to get a large node checked out. Mine was larger than yours, but it seems to me like palpable is palpable, and should be biopsied unless there is a clear infection process going on. As for what is the right thing for you to do about your concerns at this point -- only you can figure out the right answer there. There's a whole RANGE of right answers, and your gut, your heart, your conscience, whatever -- will tell you what's right for you. Good luck with this, I hope it helps to get input and talk it out here. Debbie Laxague __________________ 3/01 ~ Age 49. Occult primary announced by large (6cm) axillary node, found by my husband. 4/01 ~ Bilateral mastectomies (LMRM, R elective simple) - 1.2cm IDC was found at pathology. 5 of 11 axillary nodes positive, largest = 6cm. Stage IIIA ERPR 5%/1% (re-done later at Baylor, both negative at zero). HER2neu positive by IHC and FISH (8.89). Lymphovascular invasion, grade 3, 8/9 modified SBR. TX: Control of arm of NSABP's B-31 adjuvant Herceptin trial (no Herceptin, inducing a severe case of Herceptin-envy): A/C x 4 and Taxol x 4 q3weeks, then rads. Raging infection of entire chest after small revision of mastectomy scar after completing tx (significance unknown). Arimidex for two years, stopped after second pathology opinion. 2017: Mild and manageable lymphedema and some cognitive issues.