my mammogram showed a change in size of lymph nodes from previous mammogram of a year ago..

Hi there,

No one should be put into a position of wondering and waiting for six months. Ask your doctor for further tests. It is probably benign  but wouldn't you rather have that confirmed sooner than later? Don't let your insurance company save money at the expense of your mental health.

Can you tell I feel strongly about this?

Please stay in touch!

Laurie

Hi - I agree with Laurie. My question is, why is there a change in your lymph nodes? Lymph nodes are like the "canary in the mine" - they signal that something is going on in your body, be it a long-term infection, or even cancer. I don't think there's anything "benign" that happens to your lymph nodes - it's not as if they're cysts, they're there to make sure your body stays healthy. And if they're growing and changing, it's for a reason. I'd go back to the doctor and say you don't want to "wait and see," you'd rather see right now. Good luck! -PJH

I understand that scheduling exams every 6 mo is common when the drs want to monitor something for possible changes.  They did this to my mom when they thought that she might have lymphoma or something else as her lymph nodes grew from large to extra large.  But the doctors never could find any test results to further support these claims (and the testing went on for 2+ yrs!)

The whole purpose of Lymph Nodes & the Lymph System is to transport nutrients to the cells and collect waste products.

Along the lymphatic network in certain areas of the body (neck, armpit, groin, abdomen, chest) are small reservoirs, the lymph nodes, which collect bacteria and other deleterious agents from the lymph which passes through them, and act as a barrier against the entrance of these substances into the bloodstream. In a disease state, the lymph nodes may become filled with harmful material to the degree where they can be seen or felt; enlarged lymph nodes are of diagnostic importance. Such enlargement of the lymph nodes can be a warning sign of various kinds of cancer, including Breast Cancer or Hodgkin's Disease.

So I'm confused on the "benign" part because essentially as they do their jobs, they are benign - unless of course they grow (swell) due to injury, infection, or tumor growing near the nodes site.  Lymph nodes are bean shaped glands and they may be as small as the head of a pin or as large as an olive. Groups of lymph nodes can be felt in the neck, groin, and underarms. Lymph nodes generally are not tender or painful. Most lymph nodes in the body cannot be felt. Treatment for swollen glands focuses on treating the underlying cause. For example, a bacterial infection may be treated with antibiotics, while a viral infection often goes away on its own. If cancer is suspected, a biopsy may be done to confirm the diagnosis.

If you are that concerned about bi-annual check-ups, press your doctor for more information or for something more to be done for your own peace of mind.

Best of luck to you on getting the answers you so rightfully deserve!

Angi