Dad's needle biopsy of post tx enlarged lymph node results

VanessaSLO

Hey everybody!

Last week my dad had and ultrasound of the neck and the fine needle biopsy of one enlarged lymph node and here are the results.

But first a reminder: Dad finished tx (chemo/rads) for oropharingeal (BOT) cancer in September 2012. First CT in January showed that the cancer is gone, but one lymph node (2 x 1cm) still enlarged. They decided to wait as it could be still from rads. He then had an ultrasound of the neck last week. It showed that this node is still the same size, so they did a needle biopsy.

Result is that there is no result I guess .

So, the results say that on the left side of the neck in level II (where he had originaly enlarged nodes last year  before tx and they were cancerous) there is hypoechoic lymph node (2x1 cm), of more solid consistency. Around there are other 5 to 7 mm oval lymph nodes. In thyroid there is 5 mm hypoechoic nodus.

Needle biopsy of the largest lymph node: peripheral blood elements, husks, debris. Material is not diagnostic.

Soooo, what does this mean? My mom called the ONC hospital and got one doctor who explained that it does not mean that there is cancer in those nodes. They can't prove that there is any cancer in them but they will monitor it now, so they sceduled him for May 8th for a check-up again.

I'm a bit confused, tried to get some more info... Here on this board I read that debris in sometimes common and that that node maybe means dead cancer cells. CT and ultrasound can't tell for sure if there is still cancer cells in them or not - only surgery and biopsy could or needle biopsy. But his needle biopsy was not succesful. What actually means hypoechoic?? Is it more likely to be cancerous?

Well, we'll just have to wait and see. It might be nothing as doctor said, they will monitor him closely and we'll see.

Thank you again for all the support!

phrannie51

Well I looked up Hypoechoic...

Imaging adjective Relating to an abnormal ↓ in echoes by ultrasonography, due to a pathologic change in tissue density.

Which reads to me that the node doesn't echo back in ultrasound the same as other tissues because of the change in it...my guess it is due to radiation and all the elements and "husks" that they pulled out of it....dead stuff.

 ....if they take it out I'll bet that all they'll find is junk.

p

longtermsurvivor

forget the hypoechoic part

as it really isn't significant.  The deal is this:  enlarged nodes remain.  The FNA was NEGATIVE for cancer.  Forget all the other terms, it didn't find cancer.  This means the FNA wasn'tt helpful.  FNA is ONLY helpful if it finds cancer.  Therefore the choices are two.  You can surgically remove the nodes in question.  This offers the advantage of having a perfect pathology report, ad the disadvantage of having to go through surgery.  The other option is to wait and follow with more scans.  Eventually, if the nodes contain cancer, they will grow.  It really is that simple.  Neither course of action is right or wrong, it is done both ways.

 

best,

 

Pat

VanessaSLO

Thank you both!

Yes, it crossed my mind that it is most likely just "junk" in those nodes... Especially due to aspir. needle biopsy which showed debris and husks... But ok, they will monitor him and see what happens with nodes. It dose a bit worry me that "hypoechoic" word. All the nodes the report mentions (even those of 5 mm) are "hypoechoic". But you two, Pat and Phrannie are right. I'll stick to that. It is just junk there, no cancer! Let me believe that! It is spring time and it helps a bit that I don't see everything so dark anymore .

 

 

Tim6003

VanessaSLO said:

Thank you both!

Yes, it crossed my mind that it is most likely just "junk" in those nodes... Especially due to aspir. needle biopsy which showed debris and husks... But ok, they will monitor him and see what happens with nodes. It dose a bit worry me that "hypoechoic" word. All the nodes the report mentions (even those of 5 mm) are "hypoechoic". But you two, Pat and Phrannie are right. I'll stick to that. It is just junk there, no cancer! Let me believe that! It is spring time and it helps a bit that I don't see everything so dark anymore .

 

 

I'm sorry I missed this post!!!

Hi Vanessa,

Well, I'm happy with the results.  No cancer found yet they stuck the node!  I would say that is a good sign.  Also that fact that this node has been the same size now since treatments (I think that is correct) shows it is not growing ....so good!

And you are correct, spring is in the air, Dad is doing good and looking good, I am making that assumption based on your posts .......so get out there and enjoy.

You, and Dad, Mom should be planning a trip to Idaho, that would keep you busy! LOL

Say hello and be sure and tell them I am happy all is leaning towards the good!

Tim

longtermsurvivor

Tim6003 said:

I'm sorry I missed this post!!!

Hi Vanessa,

Well, I'm happy with the results.  No cancer found yet they stuck the node!  I would say that is a good sign.  Also that fact that this node has been the same size now since treatments (I think that is correct) shows it is not growing ....so good!

And you are correct, spring is in the air, Dad is doing good and looking good, I am making that assumption based on your posts .......so get out there and enjoy.

You, and Dad, Mom should be planning a trip to Idaho, that would keep you busy! LOL

Say hello and be sure and tell them I am happy all is leaning towards the good!

Tim

you have

too much hair.

VanessaSLO

Tim6003 said:

I'm sorry I missed this post!!!

Hi Vanessa,

Well, I'm happy with the results.  No cancer found yet they stuck the node!  I would say that is a good sign.  Also that fact that this node has been the same size now since treatments (I think that is correct) shows it is not growing ....so good!

And you are correct, spring is in the air, Dad is doing good and looking good, I am making that assumption based on your posts .......so get out there and enjoy.

You, and Dad, Mom should be planning a trip to Idaho, that would keep you busy! LOL

Say hello and be sure and tell them I am happy all is leaning towards the good!

Tim

Tim, you maybe don't have to say it twice

'cause my husband was already looking for plane tickets . Well, actually, the truth is that my Mom and Dad probably wouldn't travel that far (especially because they don't speak the language), but I would love to come with my husband and 4-year old daughter one day... I know you must be one great family! Thanks for invitation.

Considering that node... We'll see on May 8th and what will they decide what to do next. Thanx for support!!

Skiffin16

VanessaSLO said:

Tim, you maybe don't have to say it twice

'cause my husband was already looking for plane tickets . Well, actually, the truth is that my Mom and Dad probably wouldn't travel that far (especially because they don't speak the language), but I would love to come with my husband and 4-year old daughter one day... I know you must be one great family! Thanks for invitation.

Considering that node... We'll see on May 8th and what will they decide what to do next. Thanx for support!!

Slovakia, Idaho....?

I didn't know there was an Idaho in Slovakia also...., maybe a sister city..., LOL.

Just etasing, I'm sure that you and your family would love it... And I think I can guarantee that Tim and family would make you feel part of the family...

JG

VanessaSLO

Skiffin16 said:

Slovakia, Idaho....?

I didn't know there was an Idaho in Slovakia also...., maybe a sister city..., LOL.

Just etasing, I'm sure that you and your family would love it... And I think I can guarantee that Tim and family would make you feel part of the family...

JG

Slovenia not Slovakia ))

Oh, you also, LOL ... Everybody mix Slovenia with Slovakia... But from your point of view it's understandable... It's not too much different from my country, language is Slavic also, so.... And Slovakia is not far from my country anyway. But Slovenia is former Yugoslav republic which had to prove their independence with 10-days long war back in 1991 (invasion from Serbia). But Croatia and Bosnia got out of it much worse - war there was horrible and it lasted for a long time.

But for Americans it's probably even wonder if they knew about my small country of only 2 mio people. But it is beautiful - we have everything: Alps, see, beautiful scenery, vineyards, little hills, forests, many churches. So you're all welcome to this little paradise.

Skiffin16

VanessaSLO said:

Slovenia not Slovakia ))

Oh, you also, LOL ... Everybody mix Slovenia with Slovakia... But from your point of view it's understandable... It's not too much different from my country, language is Slavic also, so.... And Slovakia is not far from my country anyway. But Slovenia is former Yugoslav republic which had to prove their independence with 10-days long war back in 1991 (invasion from Serbia). But Croatia and Bosnia got out of it much worse - war there was horrible and it lasted for a long time.

But for Americans it's probably even wonder if they knew about my small country of only 2 mio people. But it is beautiful - we have everything: Alps, see, beautiful scenery, vineyards, little hills, forests, many churches. So you're all welcome to this little paradise.

Ahhh, That's Right...

I remember now, from early postings... Sorry about that....

I'm just a little SLO..., LOL.

JG

VanessaSLO

Skiffin16 said:

Ahhh, That's Right...

I remember now, from early postings... Sorry about that....

I'm just a little SLO..., LOL.

JG

You always make me laugh

Skiffin, your posts always make me laugh or at least smile. Thank you for that!! It's exactly what we need on this board!