Thought it was behind me

jenm123

Stage 3 tongue cancer (spread to one examined/removed lymph node). Tumor removal, neck dissection and radiation. First, for anyone reading this who is currently going thru treatment I want to give you encouragement...you will make it thru! It is NOT easy, but it will end. That being said, I need advice as I'm disheartened. 2 years post surgery was May, 2 years post radiation is August. Was doing great! Just went in for yearly physical and my PCP felt a lymph node he didn't like. Am scheduled for an ultrasound and fine needle biopsy tomorrow to see what's going on. I totally realize I shouldn't jump to negative conclusions, but I can feel the node he's concerned with and it doesn't feel "good". Looking for anyone else who has been in this situation. Guessing I can't do radiation 2x on the same side so what would my options be? Thinking of all of you (us) that are going thru this miserable experience and pray that we will get thru it.

wbcgaruss

Hello, jenm123 to the CSN H&N discussion forum.

Well, I know that is something none of us like, to go in for a regular follow-up or physical and the doc finds something he feels just isn't quite right. Is that a bad thing, possibly but we don't know yet. Is that a good thing, yes in respect to the fact you have a doctor that didn't miss a possible problem and caught it early. You know if it is cancer the earlier and smaller it is the better. I am glad your docs are right on top of things but I suggest besides the ultrasound and needle biopsy ask your doctor if you also shouldn't have a CAT Scan with contrast of the Head and Neck area and the chest. Head and neck area because that is the area where the suspect lymph node is and chest area because that is the place H&N cancers tend to go if they metastasize.

I am glad you are with the program of "Don't jump to negative conclusions", you have that understanding and realize it's not cancer till they say it's cancer. Especially with lymph nodes, there can be many reasons why a lymph node would swell up or be irritated but with your cancer history, it is wise to be proactive on it and have it checked to be sure. Below is some lymph node info and a link to the page.

Hang in there jen it is probably something simple and basic but if not it was found early. Depending on the situation if it would happen to be cancer there would be the possibility of just taking the lymph node out as long as it is capsulated there would be no issues. I will tell you they try not to radiate you twice but it can be done.

I recommend prayer in the meantime

Wishing You the Best

Take Care, God Bless-Russ

https://my.clevelandclinic.org/health/diseases/15219-swollen-lymph-nodes

What are the most common causes of swollen lymph nodes?

The most common cause of lymph node swelling in your neck is an upper respiratory infection. These infections can take 10 to 14 days to resolve completely. As soon as you start feeling better, the swelling should go down as well. But it may take a few weeks longer to go away completely.

Other bacteria and viruses that may cause your swollen lymph nodes include:

• Cold and flu.
• Sinus infection (sinusitis).
• Strep throat.
• Skin wounds.
• Mononucleosis.

Your lymph nodes get larger when more blood cells come to fight off an invading infection. They all essentially pile in, causing pressure and swelling.

Often, the lymph nodes that swell will be close to the infection’s site. That means if you have strep throat, you may develop swollen lymph nodes in your neck.

steven59

Hopefully you have a buildup around the removed lymph node. My specialist warned me that the fluids that used to be handled by the now gone nodes in my neck would seek paths to nearby lymph nodes and can often get stuck causing a build up of goo/my word. hang in there.