#81541 10-04-2008 04:50 PM | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | First off I'm a 56 year old canuck from the oil capital of Canada, Fort McMurray. Other than smoking for over 35 years I've lead a fairly healthy life and haven't had any serious problems.
I've had a prominent painless lymph node just under the angle of the rear part of my left jaw for a few years. I wasn't really concerned with it and my doctor didn't say anything about it during a physical I had a couple years ago. During my physical this past July he noticed the prominent gland without touching it (it's been visible for a year or so) and decided I should have blood work and an ultrasound. The blood tests were negative for infection etc. but the ultrasound report said the left cervical chain looked abnormal. I had a biopsy performed last Wednesday and should get the good or bad news late next week or early the next. I told my doctor that I wasn't really concerned about it due to the length of time that it has been prominent and he agreed that was a good sign however he seems to be more worried about this than I am.
Does anyone know of any condition other than cancer that could cause a growing but painless node?
Thanks in advance. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | Welcome to OCF Mike.
I am unable to help however I am sure others will be able to answer your question.
Hope all goes well with the result of the biopsy. Fingers crossed and keep us posted.
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | Thanks Gabe and congrats on your 2nd anniversary in September. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 531 | welcome to OCF Mike...I am also from Canada. I am sure someone will be able to help you or give you some direction for the information you need. Everyone here has been so helpful to me along my path and if someone has answers they are great at offering help..You are so amazingly calm I was such a basket case...keep up the great attitude!!!
Dianne
Dianne..treatment at cc at Victoria Hospital, London, Ontario...insulin dependant, Surgery Sept 8/08 Tracheotomy,composite resection and bilateral neck dissection, left radial forearm free flap... T2N0 squamous cell carcinoma. No radiation A little over 2 yrs clear YAY
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | Thanks Dianne.
I was born not far from you, in Stratford and lived in London and Aylmer through my childhood and early adulthood. I try to get back once a year to visit my family whom are all still there.
You're fortunate to have Victoria Hospital so close. If worse comes to worse we're a 5 hour drive from the nearest cancer clinic in Edmonton:-( Hopefully it won't come to that though. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 3 Member | | Member
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 3 | Mike, I'm not a medical person but from what I have gone through yes there are other benign types of tumors it could be so keep a good frame of mind and you will make it through this.
Dave
Chemo was Cisplatin, Karatone and my pump filled with the 5FU, 7 wks more chemo and 35 Rad treatments, with again negative results. Now a bilateral neck dissection with removal of my left jugular vein and lots of lymph nodes on both sides. As of Feb. 2010 I feel pretty good, scans have been clear.
| | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | While the length of time it's been present is optimistic you should have had this thing biopsied sooner with your tobacco history so lets hope it comes back negative.
We have a saying here that it's not cancer until it's confirmed through a biopsy so lets wait and see.
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | [quote=F18_Dave C]Mike, I'm not a medical person but from what I have gone through yes there are other benign types of tumors it could be so keep a good frame of mind and you will make it through this.
Dave [/quote]
It would certainly make my day if it comes back benign.
Good luck in your upcoming treatments Dave. | | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | [quote=davidcpa]While the length of time it's been present is optimistic you should have had this thing biopsied sooner with your tobacco history so lets hope it comes back negative.
We have a saying here that it's not cancer until it's confirmed through a biopsy so lets wait and see. [/quote]
Yes, it would have been good to have had it checked a couple years ago and it would have been even better had I never started smoking all those years ago. I'm not one to dwell on the past though. The "now" is what's important to me. | | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 580 | Mike,
From one canuck to another, welcome eh!
The biopsy you had should give a conclusive answer to the cause of the swollen node. I have to say...Stop Smoking Already!! regardless of the results. It just doesn't do anything to help you out. (Ok, I'm off the soap box now...sorry...you know better though!)
Many things can cause inflammed and/or swollen lymph nodes. Infection, inflammation, trauma, family history, chronic diseases like arthritis etc., autoimmune disorders, and yes cancer.
You say it has been there a few years, how many is a few? Is there any history of cancer in your family?
Do you have any other symptoms (pain, tenderness, improper muscle function, trouble swallowing etc.)?
You are absolutly correct when you say you can't dwell on the past but, you can start right now to help influence your future.
You made the first step by having the biopsy.
I hope and pray that everything is OK for you.
If I can be of any assistance please contact me.
All the best.
Mike
Dentist since 1995, 12 year Cancer Survivor, Father, Husband, Thankful to so many who supported me on my journey so far, and more than happy to comfort a friend.
Live, Laugh, Love & Learn.
| | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | Well, after my initial introduction it's quickly changed to a time to say farewell.
The local hospital pathologist sent my lymph node to a regional cancer center in Edmonton, Alberta for a second opinion. After a week and a half of no results my surgeon spoke with someone at the Edmonton center and was told that they had ruled out all the nasty possibilities, such as SCC, and that they were now down to a diagnosis of either benign tumour or a form of lymphoma. After some in depth reading of these forums I can't begin to express how happy I am despite the spector of malignancy still hanging over my head. Generally speaking of course, the treatment and prospects of cure or long term remission seem much better for many of the lymphomas. I did learn a lot from these forums and have made two immediate changes in my lifestyle (not to mention quitting smoking a couple weeks ago); I no longer chew the inside of my cheeks and I've discarded the Plax dental prerinse I've been using for years due to the alcohol content.
I really wish all of you the best in your battle to overcome your cancers.
Mike | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 1,357 Likes: 5 | Take care Mike. One thing we all learn here is to enjoy each and every day - no one ever knows what is around the corner! So breathe deeply and enjoy today.
Donna
Donna,69, SCC L Tongue T2N1MO Stg IV 4/04 w/partial gloss;32 radtx; T2N2M0 Stg IV; R tongue-2nd partial gloss w/graft 10/07; 30 radtx/2 cispl 2/08. 3rd Oral Cancer surgery 1/22 - Stage 1. 2022 surgery eliminated swallowing and bottom left jaw. Now a “Tubie for Life”.no food envy - Thank God! Surviving isn't easy!!!! .Proudly Canadian - YES, UNIVERSAL HEALTH CARE IS WONDERFUL! (Not perfect but definitely WONDERFUL)
| | | | | Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Apr 2005 Posts: 2,219 | Mike,
That's great news that you stopped all of those harmful things, especially the smoking.
Good luck with your treatment.
Jerry
Jerry
Retired Dentist, 59 years old at diagnosis. SCC of the left lateral border of the tongue (Stage I). Partial glossectomy and 30 nodes removed, 4/6/05. Nodes all clear. No chemo no radiation 18 year survivor.
"Whatever doesn't kill me, makes me stronger"
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts) | | "OCF Down Under" Patient Advocate (1000+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2007 Posts: 1,301 | [quote=Mike T] Well, after my initial introduction it's quickly changed to a time to say farewell. Now down to a diagnosis of either benign tumour or a form of lymphoma. Mike [/quote] What ever it turns out to be I wish you well. No need to say farewell..drop in any time  Gabriele
History Leukoplakia bx 8/2006 SCC floor mouth T3N0M0- Verrucous Carcinoma.
14 hour 0p SCC-Right ND/excision/marginal mandibulectomy 9/2006, 4 teeth removed, flap from wrist, trach-ng 6 days- no chemo/rad.
6 ops and debulking (flap/tongue join) + bx's 2006-2012.
bx Jan 2012 Hyperkeratosis-Epithelial Dysplasia
24cm GIST tumour removed 8/2013. Indefinite Oral Chemo.
1/31/16 passed away peacefully surrounded by family
| | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Mike thats very good news. Sometimes a wake up call is just what we need to get our lives on track. Hope you have a happy and healthy cancer free life 
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts) | | "OCF Canuck" Contributing Member (25+ posts)
Joined: Oct 2008 Posts: 40 | Just thought I'd drop by and report on my latest good news:-)
Saw the surgeon last week and he tells me that the lymph node growth turned out to be benign so I don't have SCC or lymphoma!
I do have a new respect for oral care though and continue to not smoke or chew the skin on my cheeks. Also dumped the Plax and use an alcohol free mouth rinse.
Now that I've been absolved twice (had a prostate cancer scare right before the SCC scare) I think I'll go buy a lottery ticket:-)
Best wishes to all of you.
Mike | | | | | Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Administrator, Director of Patient Support Services Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Jun 2007 Posts: 10,507 Likes: 8 | Wonderful news Mike!!!! Glad everything turned out for the best. Hope you hit the jackpot
ChristineSCC 6/15/07 L chk & by L molar both Stag I, age44 2x cispltn-35 IMRT end 9/27/07 -65 lbs in 2 mo, no caregvr Clear PET 1/08 4/4/08 recur L chk Stag I surg 4/16/08 clr marg 215 HBO dives 3/09 teeth out, trismus 7/2/09 recur, Stg IV 8/24/09 trach, ND, mandiblctmy 3wks medicly inducd coma 2 mo xtended hospital stay, ICU & burn unit PICC line IV antibx 8 mo 10/4/10, 2/14/11 reconst surg OC 3x in 3 years very happy to be alive | | | | | Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts) | | Senior Patient Advocate Patient Advocate (old timer, 2000 posts)
Joined: Sep 2006 Posts: 8,311 | Well I hope we never hear from you again!!!
David
Age 58 at Dx, HPV16+ SCC, Stage IV BOT+2 nodes, non smoker, casual drinker, exercise nut, Cisplatin x 3 & concurrent IMRT x 35,(70 Gy), no surgery, no Peg, Tx at Moffitt over Aug 06. Jun 07, back to riding my bike 100 miles a wk. Now doing 12 Spin classes and 60 outdoor miles per wk. Nov 13 completed Hilly Century ride for Cancer, 104 miles, 1st Place in my age group. Apr 2014 & 15, Spun for 9 straight hrs to raise $$ for YMCA's Livestrong Program. Certified Spin Instructor Jun 2014.
| | | | | Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts) | | "Above & Beyond" Member (500+ posts)
Joined: Aug 2008 Posts: 716 |
7-16-08 age 37@Dx, T3N0M0 SCC 4.778cm tumor, left side of oral tongue, non smoker, casual drinker, I am the 4th in my family to have H&N cancer
8-13-08 left neck dissection and 40% of tongue removed, submandibular salivary gland & 14 nodes clean, no chemo, IMRTx35
11-4-08 Recovering & feeling better
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