PET scan: "slightly enlarged internal mammary lymph node"

Anonymous

PET scan: "slightly enlarged internal mammary lymph node"

ella23

I just had a PET scan done and while I know that they're notorious for lighting up non-cancerous areas, I am concerned about the language in the report. I'm freaking out, actually....

Has anyone had this language appear on their PET scan reports? What did it turn out to be? The word "metastasis" was also used in the report...but do they really know that for a fact, based on a PET?

I'm trying not to sweat it but it's going to be a terribly long weekend. :

Maya15

Hi Ella,

I had the exact same wording in my PET and it was determined to be just that, a "slightly enlarged internal mammary lymph node", and benign. It is common to have enlarged lymph nodes that aren't cancer.How is the word metastasis used? Is it in relation to lymph nodes near the breast or somewhere else in the body?

ella23

hi Maya,

Thank you so much for your response. It brings me so much comfort!

I don't actually have a copy of the report but had my doc (PCP) read it to me over the phone; I can't recall how the word "metastasis" was used (I just froze when I heard the word) but I think it was "possible metastasis." My doc thought it was a careless choice of words and didn't seem to concerned, which I couldn't understand at first but am taking some comfort in now. I did have my hip light up as well but I wasn't as worried about that as I was the lymph node.

Thank you again.

ElaineTherese

Hi!

I had my left hip (femoral neck) light up three times on a PET scan, and the PET report said re: hip: cannot rule out metastases. Well, my MO scheduled me for a hip MRI, and the MRI didn't find anything there. So, MO considers it to be a false positive. Maybe, that's what's going on with you. Good luck!

leftduetostupidmods

I've had 6 PET scans to date, and had various lymph nodes in various areas (including hilar and groin) light up and it was nothing. Especially when it comes to lymph nodes, the slightest infection or inflammation can make those get a little enlarged. Usually as long as they're under 1 cm you're fine. Your onc will probably order an MRI for peace of mind.

TwoHobbies

Ella I had enlarged lymph nodes thoughout on my MRI three years ago after recurrence. My breast surgeon warned me the report was going to be alarming because the radiologist noted "suggestive of metastis", but that the team had conferred and they were not worried due to the location of said nodes. Three years later still no issues.

Recently had an enlarged lymph node in my armpit. That was biopsied and the radiologist scared me to death-talking as if I have cancer for sure. It was negative.

So I'm 2-0 against radiologists! Don't be discouraged.

leftduetostupidmods

TwoHobbies, I noticed your signature says BMX but then "local recurrence". Where was the leftover breast tissue?

KBeee

Seachain, I also had a local recurrence after BMX. There does not have to be breast tissue remaining. Even a cell or 2 that escape can set up shop and form a tumor.

ella23

ElaineTherese, Seachain and Twohobbies: thank you for responding! You didn't have to but you did and as a result I am at so much more peace than I was two days ago. Thank you.

The more scans I get done, the more frustrated I get...wish there weren't so many possibilities for "false positives" and a better (more efficient) way to find what we're looking for without so many scares. I'm thankful for technology and don't mean to complain but really...the number of unwarranted panic attacks I've had through this process is just ridiculous!

KBeee

Radiologists seem to use the words metastasis differently than MOs. hoping all comes back clear

pennsygal

Ella23, I also had an intramammary lymph node on scans all through treatment. They hit it during radiation, and no one every could determine whether is was benign or not. I had a CT scan of my chest a few weeks ago, and the report said - no visible nodes. I understand the worry, believe me. Once they have seen it, they will continue to monitor it. Hang in there.