Prior in situ, now swollen lymph node

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  • Post
    • May 10, 2014 at 3:17 pm
    Mzimm1234
    Participant

      Hi everyone! I have a worrisome situation that I would love feedback on. I'm wondering if any of you have had a similar experience. 

      I was diagnosed with melanoma in situ on my right forearm almost a year ago. I had the WLE and have had regular skin checks since. I've had many moles removed but so far no others have come back melanoma. This past week I woke up one morning with a large, tender lymph node in my left groin. It seemed to pop up overnight. I immediately though the worst–melanoma.

      I visited my dermatologist the next day and we scheduled a biopsy for next week. He was encouraging, noting that if the in situ had spread, which would be extremely unusual, it would likely have affected the nodes under my right armpit. He said he would be much more concerned if this were the case. 

      I am trying to remain calm until next week, but I keep jumping to the worst case scenario. I have also had a pretty bad cold for the past week or so, could the lymph node have swollen due to infection? If anyone has had similar experiences or any insight I would really appreciate hearing from you. As always, the waiting is the worst!

      Thanks so much!

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    • Replies
        • May 11, 2014 at 4:39 pm
        Treadlightly
        Participant

          I have definitely noticed swollen lymph nodes due to a cold. As your doctor noted…if your in-situ melanoma was spreading it would have been a lymph node in your armpit that would have been affected. Try to think positive thoughts as you await your pathology report. I think it is almost certainly going to be clean.

          Best of luck to you!

          • May 11, 2014 at 4:39 pm
          Treadlightly
          Participant

            I have definitely noticed swollen lymph nodes due to a cold. As your doctor noted…if your in-situ melanoma was spreading it would have been a lymph node in your armpit that would have been affected. Try to think positive thoughts as you await your pathology report. I think it is almost certainly going to be clean.

            Best of luck to you!

            • May 11, 2014 at 4:39 pm
            Treadlightly
            Participant

              I have definitely noticed swollen lymph nodes due to a cold. As your doctor noted…if your in-situ melanoma was spreading it would have been a lymph node in your armpit that would have been affected. Try to think positive thoughts as you await your pathology report. I think it is almost certainly going to be clean.

              Best of luck to you!

                • May 12, 2014 at 1:51 am
                Mzimm1234
                Participant

                  Thanks so much for your response. I am trying to remain calm and positive!

                  • May 12, 2014 at 1:51 am
                  Mzimm1234
                  Participant

                    Thanks so much for your response. I am trying to remain calm and positive!

                    • May 12, 2014 at 1:51 am
                    Mzimm1234
                    Participant

                      Thanks so much for your response. I am trying to remain calm and positive!

                    • May 11, 2014 at 9:56 pm
                    momof4boys
                    Participant
                      Yes, colds will do that. I’ve had them show enlarged on pet scans from a cold. Also my Dr tells me the same thing. I had mine in right calf and had my right groin lymph nodes removed. She tells me I should watch the groin on same side. The lymph nodes that were enlarged were in neck and chest and she wasn’t that worried because that’ s not what melanoma usually does. I wouldn’t worry yourself sick over this
                        • May 12, 2014 at 1:54 am
                        Mzimm1234
                        Participant

                          Thanks so much for your response.  I am a worrier, so this was reassuring!

                          • May 12, 2014 at 1:54 am
                          Mzimm1234
                          Participant

                            Thanks so much for your response.  I am a worrier, so this was reassuring!

                            • May 12, 2014 at 1:54 am
                            Mzimm1234
                            Participant

                              Thanks so much for your response.  I am a worrier, so this was reassuring!

                            • May 11, 2014 at 9:56 pm
                            momof4boys
                            Participant
                              Yes, colds will do that. I’ve had them show enlarged on pet scans from a cold. Also my Dr tells me the same thing. I had mine in right calf and had my right groin lymph nodes removed. She tells me I should watch the groin on same side. The lymph nodes that were enlarged were in neck and chest and she wasn’t that worried because that’ s not what melanoma usually does. I wouldn’t worry yourself sick over this
                              • May 11, 2014 at 9:56 pm
                              momof4boys
                              Participant
                                Yes, colds will do that. I’ve had them show enlarged on pet scans from a cold. Also my Dr tells me the same thing. I had mine in right calf and had my right groin lymph nodes removed. She tells me I should watch the groin on same side. The lymph nodes that were enlarged were in neck and chest and she wasn’t that worried because that’ s not what melanoma usually does. I wouldn’t worry yourself sick over this
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