Enlarge internal mammary node. Is this really bad?

Kiks1

So I went to my drs tiday and found out that the breast mri showed an enlarged internal mammary node. Does that mean that I will be in stage 3 or 4 if it turns out to ge cancerous? I am so scared.

614

Dear Kiks1:

I do not know what an enlarged internal mammary node is.  However, I don't think that this means stage 3 or 4.  I think that since no mention was made of any lymph node involvement that this is good news. 

Who told you about the enlarged internal mammary node?  Do your doctors have the report from the MRI?

You need to get a copy of the MRI report so that you can read it and ask questions. 

Did your doctors recommend any follow up? 

Don't overthink anything.  There are so many "things" that can show up on imaging.  Everyone has a different diagnosis.  Nothing is "normal" or "standard".

I know that it is extremely difficult, but try not to worry.  Only a pathology report from surgery or from a biopsy can tell you whether something is malignant or benign.  Things that sound/look bad, may be nothing serious.

I am hoping that you have a follow up appointment so that you can have your questions answered and your fears can be calmed.

Good luck and I am praying that your MRI shows a benign finding and that the enlarged internal mammary node is nothing to agonize over.

For what it is worth, I was just told that I have an enlarged right hilar region of my lung but that this is normal for me.  That is just how I am "built".  My lung x-ray in November showed the enlargement but so did my last x-ray.  Therefore, no issue or problem.  Hopefully, that is the case with you too.

I wish you the best and I am sending you hugs.

 

Kiks1

614, thank you for offering your support. Went for full body pet scan this morning and my very compassionate oncologist called in for results asap. He just told me that the radiologist found no evidence of dpread and the enlarged internal mammary gland node was negative. Some good news for now. Very relieved.

614

That is great that you were able to have a full body pet scan.  That definitely will give you relief.  I am so happy for you that you have nothing to worry about.  That is great news.  Congratulations.