Pet scan with lymph node activity
Hi there..it has been a while. I had a pet scan and it showed mild up take in a lymph node on my neck. It says that there is a small bilateral posterior cervical triangle lymph nodes associated with a mild degree of FDG avidity with SUV max reaching up to 2.6, Deauville score of 3. These measured about 5mm in diameter on prior pet ct and were not significantly hypermetabolic. On today's exam the nodes measure up to 9x10 mm. Findings concerning for active lymphoma. I'm so nervous because I don't know what to expect next and could it be an infection? I am going to see an ent and take the disk with me..but has anyone else had this and what happened. Thank you
Comments
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Yes, have been in same boat recently
Hi -- sorry to hear about the scan that was anything other than a slam dunk of no activity. I've been on a year long adventure with PET scans, node measurement comparisons, and SUV upticks, etc., etc. Mine ultimately resulted in relapsed Hodgkins recently, but it sure took a while to get here. The Covid situation slowed the process down a lot, and my version of HL is fairly indolent, so my doc was not in a rush to get to biopsy mode in case my PETs were actually just showing an infection or something that would resolve itself.
It's not fun, and can wear on you and loved ones mentally. If I have any worthwhile advice it would be to not "borrow trouble" by going down the mental path of worst case scenarios. Just take it as it comes. It's easier said than done, but if you can compartmentalize the Relapse Anxiety to a space in your head that you can visit from time to time, but not stay too long, like a trip to the in-laws or the dentist, you'll be happier in the long run. Ultimately if you have faith in your oncologist, keep that faith and resist the urge to go down the rabbit hole of reading research studies online (if you have a tendency to do such a thing, which unfortunately I do).
And, if this turns out to be a relapse, just remind yourself that there are a lot of treatment options out there and you'll have a extremely high likelihood of getting rid of it again! But, I really hope that's not the case!!
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ENT Visit
I'm an ENT nurse that works for a practice where we do ultrasounds and fine-needle biopsies about twice a month on lymph nodes, and other neck masses. Just as others have said it is not a given that it is a relapse. The majority are not cancerous. the score you gave is mildly suspicious. During the ultrasound, the ENT physician should talk you through the process and tell you what they see. If a fine-needle biopsy is warranted then they will numb the site with lidocaine (stick and burn) (normally done in the office). They will normally make four needle passes to retrieve a good sample. You will feel pressure, but normally the nurse or tech with the physician can give you a hand to squeeze. That is one of my jobs. Normally 5-7 business days for biopsy results. Although depending on the workload of the lab (COVID) it could take a few days longer. It is good that you are going in with your imaging disc. Possible infection, you might need a different antibiotic, but the ENT will be able to address that for you. Please know that I will be lifting you up in prayer. Please keep us updated after the ultrasound/fine-needle biopsy.
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Ent visitNursemedic said:ENT Visit
I'm an ENT nurse that works for a practice where we do ultrasounds and fine-needle biopsies about twice a month on lymph nodes, and other neck masses. Just as others have said it is not a given that it is a relapse. The majority are not cancerous. the score you gave is mildly suspicious. During the ultrasound, the ENT physician should talk you through the process and tell you what they see. If a fine-needle biopsy is warranted then they will numb the site with lidocaine (stick and burn) (normally done in the office). They will normally make four needle passes to retrieve a good sample. You will feel pressure, but normally the nurse or tech with the physician can give you a hand to squeeze. That is one of my jobs. Normally 5-7 business days for biopsy results. Although depending on the workload of the lab (COVID) it could take a few days longer. It is good that you are going in with your imaging disc. Possible infection, you might need a different antibiotic, but the ENT will be able to address that for you. Please know that I will be lifting you up in prayer. Please keep us updated after the ultrasound/fine-needle biopsy.
Thank you so much for your reply. I was wondering why a surgeon can't just take the node out If it's a bad one. I think my node might be too small to biopsy. Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted. I wish it was just an infection.
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Pet scan nodepo18guy said:In my case
It was a relapse. That does in no way mean a relapse in your case. Cold and flu season seems to be almost year around now. If it is thought to be warranted, a biopsy will determine with certainty.
Thank you so much for your input. I will see what the ent says.
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Pet scan nodetgyphilly said:Yes, have been in same boat recently
Hi -- sorry to hear about the scan that was anything other than a slam dunk of no activity. I've been on a year long adventure with PET scans, node measurement comparisons, and SUV upticks, etc., etc. Mine ultimately resulted in relapsed Hodgkins recently, but it sure took a while to get here. The Covid situation slowed the process down a lot, and my version of HL is fairly indolent, so my doc was not in a rush to get to biopsy mode in case my PETs were actually just showing an infection or something that would resolve itself.
It's not fun, and can wear on you and loved ones mentally. If I have any worthwhile advice it would be to not "borrow trouble" by going down the mental path of worst case scenarios. Just take it as it comes. It's easier said than done, but if you can compartmentalize the Relapse Anxiety to a space in your head that you can visit from time to time, but not stay too long, like a trip to the in-laws or the dentist, you'll be happier in the long run. Ultimately if you have faith in your oncologist, keep that faith and resist the urge to go down the rabbit hole of reading research studies online (if you have a tendency to do such a thing, which unfortunately I do).
And, if this turns out to be a relapse, just remind yourself that there are a lot of treatment options out there and you'll have a extremely high likelihood of getting rid of it again! But, I really hope that's not the case!!
I tend to worry a lot. I will just let the drs tell me what's going on but it's so frustrating when everything else was ok. I will try to be positive and pray that it's nothing! Thank you for your support!!!
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SurgeryLauraisabel said:Ent visit
Thank you so much for your reply. I was wondering why a surgeon can't just take the node out If it's a bad one. I think my node might be too small to biopsy. Thank you for your prayers. I will keep you posted. I wish it was just an infection.
Laura, lymphoma is virtually never treated via surgery. Plus, there is no certainty that you have lymphoma currently. The needle biospy should provide the information necessary. If it is inconclusive, a surgeon might extract it then. It sounds like your case is being worked thoroughly and in a timely manner.
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I would...
Leave the node alone and live life. The SUV is very low and the size of the node is almost below normal. Lacking additional nodes and other symptoms, I would consider it a virus until and unless other signs arrive. We are in the age of viruses, apparently. For example, in 2019, I had 5 or 6 viruses. We identified two of them. The others remain a mystery. Earlier this year, I had several enlarged nodes around my jawline. I know because doctor palpated them. I do not check for nodes, as I have enough OCD issues as is. Doctor was not worried and neither was I - all of them resolved on their own. If you can, just live life and watch for cold/flu symptoms, as we are entering that time of year. Along with the season come enlarged nodes by the billion on a world-wide scale.
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Pet scan with nodespo18guy said:I would...
Leave the node alone and live life. The SUV is very low and the size of the node is almost below normal. Lacking additional nodes and other symptoms, I would consider it a virus until and unless other signs arrive. We are in the age of viruses, apparently. For example, in 2019, I had 5 or 6 viruses. We identified two of them. The others remain a mystery. Earlier this year, I had several enlarged nodes around my jawline. I know because doctor palpated them. I do not check for nodes, as I have enough OCD issues as is. Doctor was not worried and neither was I - all of them resolved on their own. If you can, just live life and watch for cold/flu symptoms, as we are entering that time of year. Along with the season come enlarged nodes by the billion on a world-wide scale.
That is why I love u!!!! Thank you so much for your reassurance!! I will stil see ent but fell way better now! The dr seemed a little concerned. Like you said it could be something totally different!!! I will keep you posted!!!
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The "concern" of others...
...may have zero to do with your health. Even doctor's concern. Consider: yesterday, some folks worried that the world would end tomorrow. Today, since it did not, they face it. The unknown versus the known. There is a huge difference between possibilities and reality. We worry about the possibilities, but we step up and deal with the realities. I have found that dealing with the reality is more productive (and even calming) than worrying.
If you are a worrier, you might try this: get a spiral notebook or diary. Each day, as worries occur, write them down. Initially, you may write many worries each day. Review your entries from time to time. When you note a worry which failed to materialize, strike it out. Do this for a month or so and notice that you have very likely crossed all worries off. What this can do for you is to point out the needlessness of worrying, the negative effect on your spirit which worrying causes. Notice that you have a level of power over worrying by reducing it to writing and then striking it out. Ultimately, this can give you power over worry and reduces worry's power over you. It can tip the scale in your favor.
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Pet scan with nodespo18guy said:The "concern" of others...
...may have zero to do with your health. Even doctor's concern. Consider: yesterday, some folks worried that the world would end tomorrow. Today, since it did not, they face it. The unknown versus the known. There is a huge difference between possibilities and reality. We worry about the possibilities, but we step up and deal with the realities. I have found that dealing with the reality is more productive (and even calming) than worrying.
If you are a worrier, you might try this: get a spiral notebook or diary. Each day, as worries occur, write them down. Initially, you may write many worries each day. Review your entries from time to time. When you note a worry which failed to materialize, strike it out. Do this for a month or so and notice that you have very likely crossed all worries off. What this can do for you is to point out the needlessness of worrying, the negative effect on your spirit which worrying causes. Notice that you have a level of power over worrying by reducing it to writing and then striking it out. Ultimately, this can give you power over worry and reduces worry's power over you. It can tip the scale in your favor.
I will. As soon as I find something I will let you know!
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Mri results
1. MILDLY ENLARGED BILATERAL CERVICAL LYMPH NODES -- A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS EXAMINATION.
2. BILATERAL NASOPHARYNGEAL ADENOIDAL/ ABDOMINAL HYPERTROPHY.
3. CERVICAL SPINE DEGENERATIVe disk end plate disease
This is what it showed. Have not seen dr yet but was wondering what your thoughts are.
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MRI
Whatever is going on, these results do not shout 'lymphoma.' Far from it. Item #1, 'mildly enlarged', could be a lot of things. Item #2 means that there is a bit of thickening or swelling in the rear of your throat. Item #3 is 100% irrelevant to lymphoma. I doubt that most ENTs would order a biopsy based upon these results, but a patient can usually insist.0 -
MriMRI
Whatever is going on, these results do not shout 'lymphoma.' Far from it. Item #1, 'mildly enlarged', could be a lot of things. Item #2 means that there is a bit of thickening or swelling in the rear of your throat. Item #3 is 100% irrelevant to lymphoma. I doubt that most ENTs would order a biopsy based upon these results, but a patient can usually insist.I won't insist...I will just watch it and see what happens. I know that in a couple of months I will have another pet scan. Thank you so much, I feel better!!!
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Not an expert but ...Lauraisabel said:Mri results
1. MILDLY ENLARGED BILATERAL CERVICAL LYMPH NODES -- A CHANGE FROM PREVIOUS EXAMINATION.
2. BILATERAL NASOPHARYNGEAL ADENOIDAL/ ABDOMINAL HYPERTROPHY.
3. CERVICAL SPINE DEGENERATIVe disk end plate disease
This is what it showed. Have not seen dr yet but was wondering what your thoughts are.
findings 1 & 2 could be caused by allergies to something in your environment. Just a thought. Have a great weekend.
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Don’t worry ...Lauraisabel said:Pet scan with nodes
I will. As soon as I find something I will let you know!
about worrying. Wild animals survive their very precarious lives by living in the moment. It also helps them to recover from traumatic events. Thats not to say they don't get scared or that fear is not a survival trait. For the most part they just don't dwell on it.
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MriShadyGuy said:Not an expert but ...
findings 1 & 2 could be caused by allergies to something in your environment. Just a thought. Have a great weekend.
Thank you for your feedback!!!
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po thank youpo18guy said:The "concern" of others...
...may have zero to do with your health. Even doctor's concern. Consider: yesterday, some folks worried that the world would end tomorrow. Today, since it did not, they face it. The unknown versus the known. There is a huge difference between possibilities and reality. We worry about the possibilities, but we step up and deal with the realities. I have found that dealing with the reality is more productive (and even calming) than worrying.
If you are a worrier, you might try this: get a spiral notebook or diary. Each day, as worries occur, write them down. Initially, you may write many worries each day. Review your entries from time to time. When you note a worry which failed to materialize, strike it out. Do this for a month or so and notice that you have very likely crossed all worries off. What this can do for you is to point out the needlessness of worrying, the negative effect on your spirit which worrying causes. Notice that you have a level of power over worrying by reducing it to writing and then striking it out. Ultimately, this can give you power over worry and reduces worry's power over you. It can tip the scale in your favor.
po
you give such good sensible advice. I'm going to get a spiral and take notes of my worries.
Then hopefully strike them out
thank you
GG
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Pet scanpo18guy said:In my case
It was a relapse. That does in no way mean a relapse in your case. Cold and flu season seems to be almost year around now. If it is thought to be warranted, a biopsy will determine with certainty.
Have you had a biopsy? Can you tell me what do they do? I just got another pet scan and this is what it said....the lymph nodes are stable in size but the suv max reaches up to 3.7 Deauville score is 4. There is also prominent activity noted in the nasopharyx bilaterally with suv at 6 which was not seen previously. Now I'm really worried. I go in on Thursday to talk to oncologist...thank you!
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Pet scan
Now I'm really worried because my new pet scan shows new activity in the nasopharynx bilaterally with suv reaching 6. Thank you for your feedback!
0
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