Talk me down..CT results...

[AmyG]

Okay, I'm sure this is probably nothing..but it's the first time it's come up for me.

Here's from my CT last week:

Interval increase of a right axillary lymph node, measuring 1.2 cm, not
appreciated on the prior exams. Otherwise, no enlarged lymph nodes in
the mediastinum, hilar, or axillary regions.

Also:

Axillary region: Interval development an enlarged lymph node in the
right axilla measuring up to 1.2 cm (image 33, series 6), not seen on
the prior examination. No left axillary lymphadenopathy.

Mediastinum and hila: Small lymph nodes are noted in the paratracheal
region measuring up to 0.3 cm. However, no discrete lymphadenopathy.
Thymic remnant is noted in the anterior mediastinum.

WTF. An enlarged lymphnode in my armpit is common...right? I did read that most benign ones are under 2cm, which mine is but still. Low key freaking out until Tuesday when I seen the oncologist.

[Rock_Robster]

OK here’s my attempt:

- 1.2cm is not unusual for an an axillary node; indeed as you suggest 20mm would be closer to a more useful pathological cutoff
- the axilla is not a typical metastatic pattern for CRC (described in one paper I found as “virtually unheard-of” and “exceedingly rare”)
- lymph nodes enlarge for all sorts of reasons, including low level infection and inflammation, and lots of them not cancer. Although of course it’s good to be cautious about these things, but I would be putting this in the “it’s nothing until it isn’t” category.

Any help?

[AmyG]

Tons of help.

Like, I know it's probably nothing, but it's new for me. Cancer does stupid things to your emotions.

[michelle c]

This is slightly different but my son had a lump in his neck as a child. I could see it before he even noticed it. It felt like it was at least 1cm in size. The doctor wasn’t concerned and said it was an enlarged lymph node possibly due to him having a cold/flu. However, he didn’t have a cold or flu. Don’t know why it was enlarged but it did go down on its own. That was over 10 years ago.

Try not to freak out but I know it’s hard not to worry.

[Rock_Robster]

Tons of help.

Like, I know it's probably nothing, but it's new for me. Cancer does stupid things to your emotions.

It sure does! Just when you think the physical game is done, the mental game begins. Sorry for the rollercoaster; hope the onc meeting goes well.

[Lee]

I was about 3 yrs out when a CAT scan showed a couple of swollen nodes in my stomach area. Onc told me not to worry. I had 2 young kids and she thought/assumed one of them brought some germ home and my body was fighting it off. 6 months later, those swollen nodes were no longer there.

Hope this helps, cancer can really wrecks havoc on our well being.

Lee

[Nohogirl]

Try to calm down and not worry much. Not all enlarged lymph nodes are cancer. My husband had a 9 mm lymph node in his abdominal area near his main aorta popping out on all his post surgery scans which scared us for a long time but was later determined to be granulation from his LAR. You recently had a liver resection which is big shock to your body and your enlarged lymph nodes could be reacting to the trauma

[teacher2017]

Breathe- cancer can make us nuts. I was told if a lymph node under the pit comes and goes, it’s nothing. I wouldn’t worry-if the dr isn’t worried, you shouldn’t be. Thank goodness though that these scans see everything even the minor stuff.

[AmyG]

Saw the oncologist today. She's not super worried, said if it was cancer that I'm still getting chemo and that should take care of it. If it's just inflammation, it will be gone on my next scan. I do get another CT when I finish chemo, which picks back up next monday. She does want to keep an eye on it, but not getting a biopsy or anything like that. I was satisfied with that.

I should be ringing the bell the first week of December!