Lymph nodes in neck frequently swollen, ever since tx in 2018

catsnroses

Has this been the case for others? My lymph nodes in my neck are frequently swollen, with no signs of a cold or anything like that. This has been happening since my breast cancer treatment in 2018, during which I had a double mastectomy with a sentinel node biopsy. I'm wondering if having some lymph nodes removed is what causes this issue and if it’s related to lymphedema. Thanks!

Ps- I see my oncologist and breast surgeon 4x a year and they don't feel anything concerning on exam

MinusTwo

You can develop lymphadema anytime - even with just sentinel nodes removed. Many docs aren't really knowledgeable about LE. I'd suggest you see a trained, certified LE therapist for a review. THis link has lots of helpful advice. https://www.stepup-speakout.org/

I will say that my "local recurrrence" was found because of a swollen lymph node by my collar bone. It was visable but even then, my MO wasn't convinced it was recurrent cancer. If the doc's can't feel or see anything, maybe ask for an ultrasound for your peace of mind.

catsnroses

Thanks, I appreciate your response! I think I will ask about an ultrasound at my next visit.

AliceBastable

I have a lump that showed up in my neck last year. My MO sent me to get an ultrasound. There's a something there, but they say it's not cancer. So I have a lump that they'll keep an eye on until it gets larger or disappears or who knows.

cowgal

It sounds like MinusTwo had something similar to me. I had sentinel nodes removed when I had cancer the first time in 2010. I have been dealing with lymphedema since going through radiation but had it pretty well under control. Fast forward to 2019, I was having swelling at the base of my neck and my collarbone. Told MO at my yearly appointment and he ordered a CT guided biopsy of my bone. Turned out I had a cancerous lymph node that spread to my collarbone so the swelling was not from the lymphedema but from cancer returning. Not trying to scare you but definitely I would let your MO know and like MinusTwo said maybe you can get them to do an ultrasound. My MO took it pretty serious when I showed him my swelling.