Microscopic cancer cells in Sentinal Node

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sbpop
sbpop Member Posts: 20
edited June 2014 in Just Diagnosed

I had a lumpectomy Dec. 17 which included a biopsy of the sentinol lymph node. Immediately following surgery I was told the pathology report showed no cancer in this lymph node - woohoo happy days! At this time I already knew I would be having radiation. When I went to the surgeon for my follo up appointment the next week, he told me that pathology did a more intensive study (which is a usual procedure, and I am glad they do that) that showed there were "microscopic cancer cells" in the sentinol node. He said it my cancer was "Stage 1 with an asteric behind the 1" until my oncologist could see my results.  My legs felt like they were kicked out from under me!

He went on to explain that sometimes cancer cells are pushed or squeezed from the lump to the sentinol lymph node, and that it was probably nothing to be concerned about. BUT, he wants my medical oncologist to review my results  and my oncologist will be the one to decide on the next step as far as removing any more lymph nodes (or not?).  I've done some research but cannot find any ifo about cancer cells being "pushed" to a lymph node.

My oncologist appt. is not until January 16!  I feel like I am back to square one with not knowing if my cancer has spread. Of course the waiting game is a rough game to play -I feel like I am on a roller coaster! Has anyone out there had this problem? I understand the sentinol procedure is fairly new. I would appreciate any feedback.  Thank you.

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  • LW0919
    LW0919 Member Posts: 196
    edited January 2014

    I had a lumpectomy and was hold after surgery that the 3 sentinel nodes that were removed showed no signs of cancer in the frozen sections.  However, they do send them off for further testing and it was during this testing that I was told about a week later that  a 4mm macromet was found in one of the nodes that didn't show up on any of the previous scans or MRI.  I called my oncologist at that point and requested to be seen sooner to get some answers and they brought me in.  I would suggest that you call and explain to them that your worried about the node and that you need some clarification.  Hopefully, they can get you in sooner.  Best of luck to you.

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  • shoppygirl
    shoppygirl Member Posts: 694
    edited January 2014

    Hi

    I was also told that I had clear nodes and when I finally saw my oncologist it was determined that I had under 2mm of cancer in a node. I did not have the rest of the nodes taken out as it was deemed unnecessary. I did do 6 rounds of TC and also chose to do rads even though I had a bmx. I believe that I read studies that said that having a micro invasion has similar survival rates as having no nodes as the amount of cancer is so small. 

    Good luck and I hope you get some answers soon. 

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  • BrooksideVT
    BrooksideVT Member Posts: 2,211
    edited January 2014

    Same story: A total of ten cells in the subcapsular area of one lymph node.  The subcapsular area is the entry into the node.  In other words, these cells were newly arrived, and it was something to do with the procedure that forced them into the node.  Neither surgeon nor onc seemed the least bit excited.  I did ask that radiation be sure to include that area.

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  • SpecialK
    SpecialK Member Posts: 16,486
    edited January 2014

    Sentinel lymph node biopsy was first introduced in 1990's, it is not a new procedure.  It is possible that some isolated cells were present in your node from your biopsy.  I would suggest that you specifically ask if you need radiation to the axilla to deal with this node issue since you are having radiation after your lumpectomy.  I am another one who had a clear SNB in the operating room only to find out that I had a micromet discovered after the node was examined further by the pathologist.

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  • annabananas
    annabananas Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2014

    I just had a lumpectomy and sentinel lymph node biopsy right breast for invasive ductal carcinoma. The tumor was larger than they expected at 3cm It was also determined that I had cancer in 3 out of 5 or 6 sentinel nodes. I was advised to have axillary node dissection surgery  in my armpit. I do believe that this is the standard despite the controversy that it may not be necessary as axillary radiation can destroy the cancer in that area. I am seeking a second opinion but hope delaying the surgery is ok!

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  • annabananas
    annabananas Member Posts: 23
    edited January 2014

    Hi there,

    So may I ask how your axillary node dissection went. I understand that this is a controversial surgery but remains a standard for tumors greater than 2 cm and 3 or more positive sentinel nodes. I am worried that it is a rather delicate surgery that has many side effects. I was informed that I need it but am concerned of that.

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