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Lymph node and ultrasound questions
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Lymph node and ultrasound questions

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Lymph node and ultrasound questions

  • Post
    • August 4, 2016 at 4:02 am
    Christine.P
    Participant

      Long story short, I am stage 4A (primary tumor on left elbow that spread to lymph nodes in armpit and into breast and sternum and 2nd primary in right leg/ lower calf that required a skin graft.) Just had my 3rd dose of ipi/nivo today. A PET scan in May found a new tumor (4mm) above the 2nd primary site in my leg and biopsy confirmed melanoma.

      My most recent PET scan (July 30) showed the tumor in my leg is now 7mm and there is an enlarged lymph node in my left groin. I will be having the tumor in my right leg removed soon but I have a question about the left groin.

      First, can melanoma appear in the left groin with the closest primary tumor being in the left elbow? My doctor doesn't think it can be melanoma because there is no primary tumor near my left groin. We are doing an ultrasound and posstible biopsy just to be safe. 

      Next, how does the ultrasound determine if a biopsy is needed? 

      I am not stressing about these procedures, but I cannot find any information on if the lymph node that lit up in my left groin on the PET scan could be melanoma. I realize it could just be inflamed, but I just want to know if it is even possible it could be melanoma that far from the 2 primary sites. 

      Also – does anyone know what the radiologist needs to see in an ultrasound to suspect cancer and go ahead with the biopsy? I just like to know what he/she will be looking for. 

      Thank you for any info you all may be able to provide. I tried looking for info but I am tired and my  brain is not sharp right now and I just need some help. 

    Viewing 5 reply threads
    • Replies
        • August 4, 2016 at 7:39 am
        MoiraM
        Participant

          When an expert used ultrasound on a lump behind my ear, he was quickly able to say it was a normally enlarged lymph node, probably due to some low level infection, and not a tumour. Ultrasound is really goos at showing structure – think ultrasound of uborm babies – so the expert will be looking for a absence of the normal lymph node structure.

          • August 4, 2016 at 7:39 am
          MoiraM
          Participant

            When an expert used ultrasound on a lump behind my ear, he was quickly able to say it was a normally enlarged lymph node, probably due to some low level infection, and not a tumour. Ultrasound is really goos at showing structure – think ultrasound of uborm babies – so the expert will be looking for a absence of the normal lymph node structure.

            • August 4, 2016 at 7:39 am
            MoiraM
            Participant

              When an expert used ultrasound on a lump behind my ear, he was quickly able to say it was a normally enlarged lymph node, probably due to some low level infection, and not a tumour. Ultrasound is really goos at showing structure – think ultrasound of uborm babies – so the expert will be looking for a absence of the normal lymph node structure.

              • August 4, 2016 at 11:50 am
              Shaneswife
              Participant
                My husband just had an ultrasound and FNA and the radiologist said melanoma looks marbled when viewed by an ultrasound so they can tell pretty much if it is melanoma.
                  • August 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm
                  Christine.P
                  Participant

                    Thank you both for your answers. This is very helpful!

                    • August 5, 2016 at 2:02 pm
                    Christine.P
                    Participant

                      Can anyone provide insight on this part of my question? 

                      First, can melanoma appear in the left groin with the closest primary tumor being in the left elbow? My doctor doesn't think it can be melanoma because there is no primary tumor near my left groin. We are doing an ultrasound and posstible biopsy just to be safe. 

                      Just wondering about the chances this could even be melanoma due to the location of both my primary tumors and this lymph node. 

                       

                      Thank you! 

                      • August 5, 2016 at 3:57 pm
                      jennunicorn
                      Participant

                        From what I have read and understand that would be really unlikely. Just doesn't really work that way as far as how the lymphs drain. Would make more sense for it to be an armpit lymph node. Pretty sure it doesn't flow down, it flows up, if you get what I mean.

                        • August 5, 2016 at 9:00 pm
                        Christine.P
                        Participant

                          Thanks, Jenn!

                          • August 5, 2016 at 9:00 pm
                          Christine.P
                          Participant

                            Thanks, Jenn!

                            • August 5, 2016 at 9:00 pm
                            Christine.P
                            Participant

                              Thanks, Jenn!

                              • August 5, 2016 at 3:57 pm
                              jennunicorn
                              Participant

                                From what I have read and understand that would be really unlikely. Just doesn't really work that way as far as how the lymphs drain. Would make more sense for it to be an armpit lymph node. Pretty sure it doesn't flow down, it flows up, if you get what I mean.

                                • August 5, 2016 at 3:57 pm
                                jennunicorn
                                Participant

                                  From what I have read and understand that would be really unlikely. Just doesn't really work that way as far as how the lymphs drain. Would make more sense for it to be an armpit lymph node. Pretty sure it doesn't flow down, it flows up, if you get what I mean.

                                  • August 5, 2016 at 2:02 pm
                                  Christine.P
                                  Participant

                                    Can anyone provide insight on this part of my question? 

                                    First, can melanoma appear in the left groin with the closest primary tumor being in the left elbow? My doctor doesn't think it can be melanoma because there is no primary tumor near my left groin. We are doing an ultrasound and posstible biopsy just to be safe. 

                                    Just wondering about the chances this could even be melanoma due to the location of both my primary tumors and this lymph node. 

                                     

                                    Thank you! 

                                    • August 5, 2016 at 2:02 pm
                                    Christine.P
                                    Participant

                                      Can anyone provide insight on this part of my question? 

                                      First, can melanoma appear in the left groin with the closest primary tumor being in the left elbow? My doctor doesn't think it can be melanoma because there is no primary tumor near my left groin. We are doing an ultrasound and posstible biopsy just to be safe. 

                                      Just wondering about the chances this could even be melanoma due to the location of both my primary tumors and this lymph node. 

                                       

                                      Thank you! 

                                      • August 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm
                                      Christine.P
                                      Participant

                                        Thank you both for your answers. This is very helpful!

                                        • August 4, 2016 at 2:46 pm
                                        Christine.P
                                        Participant

                                          Thank you both for your answers. This is very helpful!

                                        • August 4, 2016 at 11:50 am
                                        Shaneswife
                                        Participant
                                          My husband just had an ultrasound and FNA and the radiologist said melanoma looks marbled when viewed by an ultrasound so they can tell pretty much if it is melanoma.
                                          • August 4, 2016 at 11:50 am
                                          Shaneswife
                                          Participant
                                            My husband just had an ultrasound and FNA and the radiologist said melanoma looks marbled when viewed by an ultrasound so they can tell pretty much if it is melanoma.
                                        Viewing 5 reply threads

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