Worried Sick after 3 monthly Ultrasound Check Up

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  • Post
    • May 22, 2015 at 6:36 am
    Squash
    Participant

      I had a SNB a year ago which came back positive for melanoma in one lymph gland and I elected to monitor by ultrasound rather than do the CLND.

      I just had my three monthly ultrasound check up and the scar tissue where one of the lymph nodes was taken out a year ago now looks bigger and has some vascularity according to the doctor.

      The doctor said it didnt look like the melanoma that was taken out in the SNB and was unsure what it was and has referred me for a Pet scan to make sure.

      The doctor said all the other lymph nodes were clear on the ultrasound.

      Has anyone else had this situation?

      Can you just have melanoma in the scar tissue and if so what does this mean as far as treatment options go?

      I so dont want to have a CLND as I live alone and dont have anyone to look after me.

       

       

       

       

       

       

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    • Replies
        • May 22, 2015 at 11:36 am
        arthurjedi007
        Participant

          There are groups like the American cancer society that can lead you to places that can help care for you. Also the social workers at your hospital should be able to provide places you can get help with that as well.

          Sorry I know nothing about your other questions. I was stage 4 at day 1.

          Artie

          • May 22, 2015 at 11:36 am
          arthurjedi007
          Participant

            There are groups like the American cancer society that can lead you to places that can help care for you. Also the social workers at your hospital should be able to provide places you can get help with that as well.

            Sorry I know nothing about your other questions. I was stage 4 at day 1.

            Artie

            • May 22, 2015 at 11:36 am
            arthurjedi007
            Participant

              There are groups like the American cancer society that can lead you to places that can help care for you. Also the social workers at your hospital should be able to provide places you can get help with that as well.

              Sorry I know nothing about your other questions. I was stage 4 at day 1.

              Artie

              • May 22, 2015 at 4:53 pm
              Linny
              Participant

                This sounds very similar to something I had. I had the CLD and an anomaly was spotted in my arm pit after a CT scan. My oncologist told me that he could not say with 100% certainty that it was scar tissue so he ordered a fine needle biopsy to be done via ultrasound. 

                What this anomaly ended up being was some blood pooling in one of my blood vessels in that area as a result of the surgery. They didn't even have to stick the needle in. Bottom line is that it does not have to be melanoma paying you a return visit. But you definitely want to rule it out. The really good thing you have in your favor is that your lymph nodes are clear. The PET scan should provide the answer.

                  • May 24, 2015 at 10:04 am
                  Squash
                  Participant

                    The doctor is convinced it is melanoma based on feeling the scar tissue and the fact that it is bigger and according to the ultrasound it has grown since Janurary which was my last check up and it does have some vascularity.

                    The doctor/surgeon was saying without seeing the results that I had to have a full groin dissection which is why I am worried.

                    I mean i wonder even if there is a bit of melanoma in the scar tissue why I would have to clear the whole area taking out non malignant lymph nodes especially as it is 18 months since my inital surgery.

                     

                     

                    • May 24, 2015 at 10:04 am
                    Squash
                    Participant

                      The doctor is convinced it is melanoma based on feeling the scar tissue and the fact that it is bigger and according to the ultrasound it has grown since Janurary which was my last check up and it does have some vascularity.

                      The doctor/surgeon was saying without seeing the results that I had to have a full groin dissection which is why I am worried.

                      I mean i wonder even if there is a bit of melanoma in the scar tissue why I would have to clear the whole area taking out non malignant lymph nodes especially as it is 18 months since my inital surgery.

                       

                       

                      • May 24, 2015 at 10:04 am
                      Squash
                      Participant

                        The doctor is convinced it is melanoma based on feeling the scar tissue and the fact that it is bigger and according to the ultrasound it has grown since Janurary which was my last check up and it does have some vascularity.

                        The doctor/surgeon was saying without seeing the results that I had to have a full groin dissection which is why I am worried.

                        I mean i wonder even if there is a bit of melanoma in the scar tissue why I would have to clear the whole area taking out non malignant lymph nodes especially as it is 18 months since my inital surgery.

                         

                         

                      • May 22, 2015 at 4:53 pm
                      Linny
                      Participant

                        This sounds very similar to something I had. I had the CLD and an anomaly was spotted in my arm pit after a CT scan. My oncologist told me that he could not say with 100% certainty that it was scar tissue so he ordered a fine needle biopsy to be done via ultrasound. 

                        What this anomaly ended up being was some blood pooling in one of my blood vessels in that area as a result of the surgery. They didn't even have to stick the needle in. Bottom line is that it does not have to be melanoma paying you a return visit. But you definitely want to rule it out. The really good thing you have in your favor is that your lymph nodes are clear. The PET scan should provide the answer.

                        • May 22, 2015 at 4:53 pm
                        Linny
                        Participant

                          This sounds very similar to something I had. I had the CLD and an anomaly was spotted in my arm pit after a CT scan. My oncologist told me that he could not say with 100% certainty that it was scar tissue so he ordered a fine needle biopsy to be done via ultrasound. 

                          What this anomaly ended up being was some blood pooling in one of my blood vessels in that area as a result of the surgery. They didn't even have to stick the needle in. Bottom line is that it does not have to be melanoma paying you a return visit. But you definitely want to rule it out. The really good thing you have in your favor is that your lymph nodes are clear. The PET scan should provide the answer.

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