Question about SNB Pathology Report

JoyY

I went to the doc today to have a check up and while I was there, I asked for a copy of my pathology report.  My doctor said that the report showed that there was no cancer in the lymphnodes and everything is great. 

 However, when I read the report,.... well, would you all read this and let me know what your first  thoughts are?  I put in bold what has me confused. 

 Comment:

 The sentinel lymphnodes contain occasional small scattered, non-caseeating epithelioid granulomata.  These may very well represent a foreign body type reaction, but special stains for AFB and fungi will be performed on a representative section.  The results of these stains will be issued in an addendum report.

 ADDENDOM:

As mentioned in the original report, special stains for AFB and fungi were to be performed on a representative portion of the sentinel node due to the finding of scattered, non-caseating epithelioid granulomata.  Although theinterpretation of the GMS stain for fungi is limited by abundant nonspecific background staining. No definitive fungi are identified. No unequivocal acid-fast bacilli are identified with the AFB stain. Negativce stains do not entirely  exclude the possibility  of an infectious etiology for the granulomata.  Although considered less likely, the differential diagnosis, in addition to a foreign body reaction, would also include sarcoid.  Clinical correltation is suggested

soccermom96

 Bacilli is the plural form of bacteria and fungi is plural for fungus.  Sounds like a non-specific, as in not clearly diagnosable, infection to me. One that was not clearly identified.  If you aren't symptomatic, your lymph nodes are doing their job...catching and filtering stuff that can make you sick.  I'd probably follow up to make sure I didn't need an antibiotic since I just had surgery....if you were on one already because of the surgery then your doctor would not need to give you another.   

whippetmom

The term "clinical correlation is suggested" infers that someone on your medical team should be doing some follow-up of the findings in the pathology "final".  So call your doctor - oncologist - and remember that in most instances, we have to be our own healthcare advocate and push for more answers.

From a diagnostic standpoint, the findings are also suggestive of perhaps some recent allergic reaction - some inflammatory response - around the time of surgery?  It can also be suggestive of, as 2tzus stated, sarcoid etiology - a number of underlying auto-immune factors. Just throwing out possibilities here. Talk to your doctor about what this might represent.  The ball is in their court to follow up on the pathologists recommendation. 

Karmic108

Did any one find the cause of granulomatas. I have the same and wondering why

Fungi negative