Choosing not to remove all lymph nodes in basin, anyone?

Many Oncologist's have the same questions.  This is why there are trials being run to get a statistcal basis to see what the differences are in re-occurnce and stage advancement between partial removal of a lymph node basin and a complete Lymph Node Disection (CLND).  My personal belfve is that if there are sufficient "clear" lymph nodes removed, then having some left will tend to trap other unseen cells trying to follow the lymph channel and they might then become an other swollen lymph node or the body might be able to control the reduced volume, but that by traping them at a location nearer to the primary location,  they will likely take longer to travel the lymph path to its junction with the Blood system up above the heart, especially if coming from the lower portion of the body.

Many Oncologist's have the same questions.  This is why there are trials being run to get a statistcal basis to see what the differences are in re-occurnce and stage advancement between partial removal of a lymph node basin and a complete Lymph Node Disection (CLND).  My personal belfve is that if there are sufficient "clear" lymph nodes removed, then having some left will tend to trap other unseen cells trying to follow the lymph channel and they might then become an other swollen lymph node or the body might be able to control the reduced volume, but that by traping them at a location nearer to the primary location,  they will likely take longer to travel the lymph path to its junction with the Blood system up above the heart, especially if coming from the lower portion of the body.

Many Oncologist's have the same questions.  This is why there are trials being run to get a statistcal basis to see what the differences are in re-occurnce and stage advancement between partial removal of a lymph node basin and a complete Lymph Node Disection (CLND).  My personal belfve is that if there are sufficient "clear" lymph nodes removed, then having some left will tend to trap other unseen cells trying to follow the lymph channel and they might then become an other swollen lymph node or the body might be able to control the reduced volume, but that by traping them at a location nearer to the primary location,  they will likely take longer to travel the lymph path to its junction with the Blood system up above the heart, especially if coming from the lower portion of the body.

I had the partial node removal in the groin.  Aside from the Sentinal Node (had Mel) removed during the WLE, one more of the surface nodes had Mel but was encapsulated and very small number of cells. The Doctor had told me before the operation that she would only take the surface nodes unless a larger numbers of nodes looked to be involved. A total of 7 surface nodes, in the fat layer, were taken with the one being involved.  Although I still have lymphedema, it is quite manageable.  A little over 1 year our with 3 weeks HD Inf. and I'm stll good.  Not pronounced NED but nothing definitive showing up on scans.  

I had the partial node removal in the groin.  Aside from the Sentinal Node (had Mel) removed during the WLE, one more of the surface nodes had Mel but was encapsulated and very small number of cells. The Doctor had told me before the operation that she would only take the surface nodes unless a larger numbers of nodes looked to be involved. A total of 7 surface nodes, in the fat layer, were taken with the one being involved.  Although I still have lymphedema, it is quite manageable.  A little over 1 year our with 3 weeks HD Inf. and I'm stll good.  Not pronounced NED but nothing definitive showing up on scans.  

I had the partial node removal in the groin.  Aside from the Sentinal Node (had Mel) removed during the WLE, one more of the surface nodes had Mel but was encapsulated and very small number of cells. The Doctor had told me before the operation that she would only take the surface nodes unless a larger numbers of nodes looked to be involved. A total of 7 surface nodes, in the fat layer, were taken with the one being involved.  Although I still have lymphedema, it is quite manageable.  A little over 1 year our with 3 weeks HD Inf. and I'm stll good.  Not pronounced NED but nothing definitive showing up on scans.  

Good morning.  I had the same decision to make a year ago and decided to do the lymph node dissection(groin).  My surgeon at Sloan Kettering explained the option of joining the study to do ultra sound or have the surgery.  I was concerned about the lymphedema and other potential complications. What it came down to for me was just taking what I thought to be the most aggressive path.  But this is a very personal decision and comes down to which path gives you more peace of mind. I did get a post op infection which I think was more a function of the amount of time the post surgical drains were in but after a week of antibiotics I was fine.  I've had virtually no swelling.  I'm 55 and in reasonably good shape.  Good luck!

Good morning.  I had the same decision to make a year ago and decided to do the lymph node dissection(groin).  My surgeon at Sloan Kettering explained the option of joining the study to do ultra sound or have the surgery.  I was concerned about the lymphedema and other potential complications. What it came down to for me was just taking what I thought to be the most aggressive path.  But this is a very personal decision and comes down to which path gives you more peace of mind. I did get a post op infection which I think was more a function of the amount of time the post surgical drains were in but after a week of antibiotics I was fine.  I've had virtually no swelling.  I'm 55 and in reasonably good shape.  Good luck!

Good morning.  I had the same decision to make a year ago and decided to do the lymph node dissection(groin).  My surgeon at Sloan Kettering explained the option of joining the study to do ultra sound or have the surgery.  I was concerned about the lymphedema and other potential complications. What it came down to for me was just taking what I thought to be the most aggressive path.  But this is a very personal decision and comes down to which path gives you more peace of mind. I did get a post op infection which I think was more a function of the amount of time the post surgical drains were in but after a week of antibiotics I was fine.  I've had virtually no swelling.  I'm 55 and in reasonably good shape.  Good luck!

I was faced with this as well.  During my sentinel node biopsy, 4 out of the 8 nodes they removed were positive for melanoma, which scared me.  When they did the surgery to remove the rest of the lymph nodes in my neck, none of them came back positive.  I have a pretty nasty scar on my neck from the surgeries, but I feel like it was the right call for me.  I hope you're able to come to a decision you're comfortable with!

I was faced with this as well.  During my sentinel node biopsy, 4 out of the 8 nodes they removed were positive for melanoma, which scared me.  When they did the surgery to remove the rest of the lymph nodes in my neck, none of them came back positive.  I have a pretty nasty scar on my neck from the surgeries, but I feel like it was the right call for me.  I hope you're able to come to a decision you're comfortable with!

I was faced with this as well.  During my sentinel node biopsy, 4 out of the 8 nodes they removed were positive for melanoma, which scared me.  When they did the surgery to remove the rest of the lymph nodes in my neck, none of them came back positive.  I have a pretty nasty scar on my neck from the surgeries, but I feel like it was the right call for me.  I hope you're able to come to a decision you're comfortable with!

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.

Check what this Oncologist says about CLND Saving most people.