Surgically Removing Swollen Node For Biopsy?

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Blossoms
Blossoms Member Posts: 113
edited June 2014 in Not Diagnosed With a Recurrence or Metastases but Concerned

I have a swollen lymph node in my neck after being one and a half years cancer free from IDC Er+ 2 nodes+. Surgeon suggested removing the swollen node for biopsy under local anesthesia. I am wondering if this is too invasive just to find out if the cancer has returned in that node. I had 18 nodes removed under armpit from initial mastectomy, but I am really wondering if removing the node in my neck is the right way to go? It's possible it is not cancer and then I had an important lymph removed for no good reason. I would really like to hear others comments.

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  • kathleen1966
    kathleen1966 Member Posts: 793
    edited June 2012

    I hope you get answers soon. I really don't know what to tell you.  They could biopsy the node I suppose without taking it out?  Why do they not want to remove the node?  Even if it were not cancer, it would light up on a PET scan.  The only way they could know would be to biopsy it or remove it.  I don't know how I feel about biopsying nodes. I had a biopsy on one of mine.  I wonder if that is the reason I had four positive nodes at surgery instead of the possible one that may have been there at diagnosis.  It lit up slightly on a pet but appeared benign in a CAT scan and benign in ultrasound. I am curious as to why they want to remove it and biopsy it rather than just biopsy it.  I'm sorry you are having this scare.  Where is the node located in your neck?  Is it near your ear?  When I used to wear earrings, a node below my ear would always, always enlarge. I can see why you are concerned.  Why remove more nodes if it is not really necessary. I hope you get good news soon!

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  • Blossoms
    Blossoms Member Posts: 113
    edited June 2012

    The node is just above my collar bone. My surgeon said given my history that he would remove it altogether. I had recurrence before, but just locally where the original cancer was, not in a node. It's been a year and a half and I have been clear, now this. And I am worried as I read if cancer spreads to nodes in the neck the prognosis is not good. I wonder if it is, how much time to I have left?

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