Lymph Node Involvement? Should I Ask for a Scan?

lilybean

On April 4, I went for a routine cleaning at the dentist. They found a white patch that looked concerning. Had a biopsy on April 14. On May 4, results came back as advanced dysplasia/pre-cancerous (no margins in sample). So, they sent me to onc. I just had the first appt on May 31. They looked at it, checked my lymph nodes (no imaging), and suggested that I consider a full removal of the patch.

Today, I noticed a hard lump (about half the size of a marble) on the back of my neck at the base of my skull. There’s one in the same spot on the opposite side…. but much smaller.

The doctor did not check this. Can/should I ask for some kind of scan when I go in for the oral surgery?! I can’t tell if I’m freaking myself out… or if it’s a legitimate concern.

Servidiomom

I would mention these bumps to the Dr. They will do a scan if they find Cancer from biopsy. They will have to send the patch to pathology.

ProustLover

Hi lilybean - Folks who have followed this forum for a while know that my husband's experience with tongue cancer started out with white patches of leukoplakia. His tongue cancer eventually moved into lymph notes. Following treatment in 2018, he has had three recurrent bouts of severe dysplasia which were removed by CO2 laser ablation. In retrospect, we wish the original white patch had been removed sooner....sadly, they recommended a "wait and see" approach at the time. I think immediate removal of the patch is a good idea, and in the meantime mention the bumps to the doctor, just so they can put your mind to rest about that. Good luck with everything. There are not too many dysplasia stories on this site, and you can private message me any specific concerns.

armana

Scan will put your mind at ease.

SoCalT

Yes you should get it checked.

Do not ignore this.