New here and have a SLN biopsy question

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  • Post
    • February 6, 2014 at 11:58 pm
    bravo591
    Participant

      Hello All,

      I was diagnosed with Stage 1B Melanoma in December of 2013.  The original lesion, located on my leg near my knee, was 1.02mm thick with no ulceration.  A week ago yesterday I had a WLE and an SLN biopsy.

      My question is this: the lymph node incision hasn't bothered me at all until today.  When I got home from work tonight I noticed that it is not only very tender, but is swollen as well.  Just wondering if this could be an early sign of lymphedema, or maybe something else? 

      My diagnosis came on the second day of a new job, after being unemployed for 2 years.  I really don't want to have to take time off to get the doctor to look at it if it's likely that it's just a bump on the road to healing.  I realize nobody but a doctor can diagnose me, as I said, I'm just trying to determine whether I'll need to take off from work tomorrow.  (Doctor's office is 40 miles from work)

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    • Replies
        • February 7, 2014 at 12:15 am
        Socks
        Participant

          I'm new here also, and I don't even have a stage yet, but I just had a whole lot of doctors' visits yesterday, including talking to two surgeons, one of whom is going to be doing my WLE & SNB (at some point; still waiting on the scheduler to get back to me).

          I remember being told that the incision site would probably swell a little, but that if it swelled a lot, I should come in to have it checked. You might consider calling the surgeon's office and at least asking them about it; they can either reassure you or advise you to come in.

          Probably someone else around here with more experience will chime in soon, but I don't want you to just sit there and be anxious. Good luck!

          • February 7, 2014 at 12:15 am
          Socks
          Participant

            I'm new here also, and I don't even have a stage yet, but I just had a whole lot of doctors' visits yesterday, including talking to two surgeons, one of whom is going to be doing my WLE & SNB (at some point; still waiting on the scheduler to get back to me).

            I remember being told that the incision site would probably swell a little, but that if it swelled a lot, I should come in to have it checked. You might consider calling the surgeon's office and at least asking them about it; they can either reassure you or advise you to come in.

            Probably someone else around here with more experience will chime in soon, but I don't want you to just sit there and be anxious. Good luck!

            • February 7, 2014 at 12:15 am
            Socks
            Participant

              I'm new here also, and I don't even have a stage yet, but I just had a whole lot of doctors' visits yesterday, including talking to two surgeons, one of whom is going to be doing my WLE & SNB (at some point; still waiting on the scheduler to get back to me).

              I remember being told that the incision site would probably swell a little, but that if it swelled a lot, I should come in to have it checked. You might consider calling the surgeon's office and at least asking them about it; they can either reassure you or advise you to come in.

              Probably someone else around here with more experience will chime in soon, but I don't want you to just sit there and be anxious. Good luck!

              • February 7, 2014 at 12:31 am
              Janner
              Participant

                It could be a seroma or cyst – basically lymph fluid that just doesn't have anywhere to go.  Not uncommon.  It could be lymphedema, but that tends to be a bit more unusual for just the SNB.  That's typically found more when all the lymph nodes are removed.  If the area gets red or hot, then you're dealing with an infection and that should definitely be checked out.  I think I'd probably just call your doctor first before taking time off and ask him/her their thoughts.

                Best wishes,

                Janner

                • February 7, 2014 at 12:31 am
                Janner
                Participant

                  It could be a seroma or cyst – basically lymph fluid that just doesn't have anywhere to go.  Not uncommon.  It could be lymphedema, but that tends to be a bit more unusual for just the SNB.  That's typically found more when all the lymph nodes are removed.  If the area gets red or hot, then you're dealing with an infection and that should definitely be checked out.  I think I'd probably just call your doctor first before taking time off and ask him/her their thoughts.

                  Best wishes,

                  Janner

                  • February 7, 2014 at 12:31 am
                  Janner
                  Participant

                    It could be a seroma or cyst – basically lymph fluid that just doesn't have anywhere to go.  Not uncommon.  It could be lymphedema, but that tends to be a bit more unusual for just the SNB.  That's typically found more when all the lymph nodes are removed.  If the area gets red or hot, then you're dealing with an infection and that should definitely be checked out.  I think I'd probably just call your doctor first before taking time off and ask him/her their thoughts.

                    Best wishes,

                    Janner

                    • February 7, 2014 at 7:00 am
                    bravo591
                    Participant

                      Thanks all.  I called urgent care and they said I needed to be seen, so I will go in the morning.

                      • February 7, 2014 at 7:00 am
                      bravo591
                      Participant

                        Thanks all.  I called urgent care and they said I needed to be seen, so I will go in the morning.

                        • February 7, 2014 at 7:00 am
                        bravo591
                        Participant

                          Thanks all.  I called urgent care and they said I needed to be seen, so I will go in the morning.

                          • February 7, 2014 at 4:12 pm
                          Colleen66
                          Participant

                            I had a seroma after my SLN too.  Was as bit as an egg.  And yes, I freaked also but was assured by my Oncologist that I was fine.  And I was.  Just takes some time for them to absorb back into the body.  Hopefully this is what you are experiencing.

                            • February 7, 2014 at 4:12 pm
                            Colleen66
                            Participant

                              I had a seroma after my SLN too.  Was as bit as an egg.  And yes, I freaked also but was assured by my Oncologist that I was fine.  And I was.  Just takes some time for them to absorb back into the body.  Hopefully this is what you are experiencing.

                              • February 7, 2014 at 4:12 pm
                              Colleen66
                              Participant

                                I had a seroma after my SLN too.  Was as bit as an egg.  And yes, I freaked also but was assured by my Oncologist that I was fine.  And I was.  Just takes some time for them to absorb back into the body.  Hopefully this is what you are experiencing.

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