I did not have surgery - 3 rounds of Cisplatin chemo and IMRT x 35.

Would they do a biopsy of such a lymph node and not just take it out? The corresponding CT scan also indicated slight enlargement of the lymph node. I know when I was healing from radiation, they explained to me that healing, scarred tissue could show false positive on PET. It just seems to me where there's no chance that this location is just healing scar tissue (it's not within my original treatment area), the PET/CT would be a pretty strong indication.

I guess if they want to just biopsy that's ok but the idea of leaving it in there makes me nervous. Seems like they'd want to just get it out to be safe.

thanks
Steve

Age 41 - Stage 2 SCC tongue Dx 2/06. Cisplatin x3, IMRT x35. Mets to neck node discovered 7/07. RND 40 nodes removed, margins not clear. Cisplatin, Taxotere, 5-FU Fall 07, then IMXT/Erbitux for 7 wks. Inoperable mets to both lungs and pleura Dx Oct'08. 4 cycles Carboplatin, Erbitux, 5-FU so far.