Lymph node, how long to wait? - Lymphomas Message Board

inspectormoe · 10-30-2007, 03:07 PM

During an unrelated CT scan, they tripped across a abdominal lympth node that was slightly enlarged (1 cm). Then about 3 mos later they checked it again wherein it had enlarged some, and then again at another 3 mos. At that point it was 2.+ cm and undefined as to what is going on. My primary internist says to wait a year and see what has changed, does this sound right? It's one of the sentinel nodes next to the aorta down by the kidneys so not an easy spot to get to. My urologist checked for some specific protein(?) that indicates if testicular cancer was present and had spread, he said that was the first place it goes but it was negative. No known testicular cancer.

My question, is a year a reasonable amount of time in your opinion or what has been your experience with a node such as this?

Thanks

Believer63 · 10-31-2007, 07:47 AM

As a testicular cancer survivor myself, I would recommend NOT to wait a year for the next test. Any nodal enlargement where the increase in size is over 100% in only 3 months is significant in my opinion. The alpha feto protein (AFP) blood test indicates the POSSIBILITY of testicular cancer, but it is not a diagnosis. If there is no enlargement of any one of your testicles, chances are that no testicular cancer is present and the CT would have caught it anyway. I suggest you visit an Oncologist and have another CT done within 4 months of the last one. My surveillance treatments today involve a CT every 4 months so it is imperative that you do not wait....... Good luck, and post again if you need any further info.......

inspectormoe · 10-31-2007, 10:48 AM

Thanks for the great information and you confirmed what has been nagging at me. I am really glad to hear you caught yours and were able to beat the testicular cancer! I'll see a doctor asap about getting a repeat CT to make sure something isn't going on as I will be the one to pay for the doc's mistake if he is wrong. All he will do is say "whoops" Thanks again.