Node removal - Lymphomas Message Board

Mom22greatkids · 02-23-2005, 06:11 PM

I have had a small swollen node for some time now. I have been to the ent twice. He does not think it is anything serious but of course cannot guarantee that. He told me he will remove it if it will give me peace of mind. He made it seem like it is no big deal and he can just remove it in the office with local. Is it really that easy? It is on the back of my neck about two inches back from my earlobe and less than 1 cm. He said they consider nodes "normal" if they are under 1 cm. He said he can feel more in my neck and around my collarbone also but he considers them normal. I can't feel any others but I'm not a doctor either. Do you think the doctor is giving me right advice that these nodes are normal? Should I maybe get a needle biopsy first before removing it?

linacre · 02-24-2005, 03:26 AM

No surgery is without risks, but then again a biopsy is the only definitive test. Nodes of 1 cm are considered normal, and are often left over from a previous infection. You could ask for a less invasive test, either an FNA or CT scan. The former is less reliable than a full biopsy, and is only used either when there is low suspicion of malignancy or a full biopsy is impossible. The latter will not tell whether a node is malignant, but will enable a more accurate assessment of node size, and reveal any abnormal growths in the neck, thorax or abdomen.

Marimac · 02-24-2005, 06:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Mom22greatkids

I have had a small swollen node for some time now. I have been to the ent twice. He does not think it is anything serious but of course cannot guarantee that. He told me he will remove it if it will give me peace of mind. He made it seem like it is no big deal and he can just remove it in the office with local. Is it really that easy? It is on the back of my neck about two inches back from my earlobe and less than 1 cm. He said they consider nodes "normal" if they are under 1 cm. He said he can feel more in my neck and around my collarbone also but he considers them normal. I can't feel any others but I'm not a doctor either. Do you think the doctor is giving me right advice that these nodes are normal? Should I maybe get a needle biopsy first before removing it?

If the node is under 1 cm, then a biopsy prior to removal would likely be inconclusive,. If they remove the node, then they would be able to biopsy the whole thing. It is not a big deal usually, but go with your gut about this. It is your body and your responsibility.