Mark et al: you seem well informed in the location/treatment of swollen nodes..I have looked some info up but am overwhelmed and just kind of in a holding pattern right now. My last 3 month checkup at the cancer centre turned out NOT to be my last as I had three anterior or antilateral nodes swollen. That was Nov 22. I was immediately scheduled to see my H & N surgeon Nov 28, who set me up for another FNA biopsy within two hours of seeing him. The Dr who performed it couldn't get a sample as the nodes hid behind my muscle, he got muscle tissue only..said he didn't want to use me as target practise any longer and Thank God(I think) let me go. Problem is:the swollen nodes have reappeared, my H & N surgeon is in England and I DONT want to get another biopsy, I see many here on the Forum who have had CT scans, I am going to ask for that, does anyone recommend that as enough?????!

Don't know if this would apply to your situation, but when I had a second node pop up after the original one 3 weeks earlier came back negative from the FNA biospy, they did a surgical biopsy on the second one and I had the bad results an hour later. This was a same day procedure, but it is surgery so they put you under.

Take care,
Eileen

Eileen, thanks for answering to try and help, I am wondering: did they do a FNA and the nodes "went away" and then they came back swollen after 3 weeks? And your FNA was negative but when they did surgery three weeks later..the nodes were positive for cancer? In my case the tissue they extracted with the FNA was the wrong kind and the nodes are so small they were hard to find as they went behind the muscle, so I am left with no follow up check for results, but the phone numbers of everyone to call if they come back and they have. My hubby is in Singapore and I am looking after my children and trying not to worry until after Christmas, I am tired of everyone worrying about me so I told everyone that the Dr wasn't concerned about the lymph nodes (they have been swollen since September, but we had flu like symptoms.) I had two rounds of antibiotics for something unrelated in September October and the nodes persisted. I am tired and unsure and not willing to do any more testing until my hubby is back - I am needing his support. Thanks again,
Maria

Hi Maria,
I can only imagine how you must be feeling. The fear is so real and consuming, it's hard to get through the day, let alone the holidays. Before I was diagnosed, I had a FNA on the 1 swollen node in my neck. It was very visible, however it came back inconclusive. The surgery to have the node removed was at the hospital but I wasnt put under completely, I think they call it twilight. It was an easy recovery. In response to your earlier question, I believe a biopsy is the only conclusive way to tell what it is. The CT can only say so much. I dont know much about the chain of the lymph nodes, hopefully the regulars can help with that. Anyway, try to relax and enjoy the holidays. I go for an early check up with ent today because of my own fears. I couldnt wait any longer. I hope everything is ok with you. Please let us know.

Kelley

Kelly, Good luck with your ENT today, my fingers are crossed. You are right, holiday shopping is a good way to take your mind off of it. I will do that after I see my GP this morning, he's very thorough and I can ask him of all my options, including just "wait & see" PS Hubby called last night so I am in a better frame of mind!
Maria

Hi,
The first swollen node was under my right chin, came back negative, and disappeared entireley in the 3 weeks. I was walking into dr office for followup whne I discovered a new lump at the base of the neck on the right side. I didn't want to wait 3 weeks for results again. Doc said FNA not always accurate so why don't we do a surgical biopspy and know right away. I had it a few days later and it was positive. A week later I had right neck dissection. All nodes negative except the original.

Eileen

Can you all do something for me? Give yourselves a big hug for helping people that come onto this site. It is amazing to me that strangers are so willing to care & share..sometimes I don't post because I feel my problems are nothing in comparism to what I have read here, other times because I wouldn't know how to help someone new to this, in fear of saying the wrong thing..you are all so courageous. I once wrote that you are all "survivors with spirit" and I would like to wish you all the joyous spirit of the season.
ps My GP alleviated some of my fears, just because most of my others exams & physicals etc point toward better health and the nodes could be only a reaction to infection rather than a recurrence.
Maria

Maria, I am sorry that I was unable to reply (or give you the answer you needed) when you started this thread subject. I was hoping that you would hear from your doctor some good reasons for these nodes to be there and NOT be cancer. I could have suggested it but your doctors have first hand observations to rely on. I am happy for you.

Don't fear saying the wrong thing...your last post is full of the right things.