› Forums › General Melanoma Community › meaning of negative nodes?
- This topic has 45 replies, 9 voices, and was last updated 11 years, 11 months ago by
Kathy of Massachusetts.
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- May 18, 2012 at 8:39 pm
If one gets a SLNB and it is negative, what really does that mean? People can get negative node result and still develop metastasis later, correct? I'm not sure how that happens if nodes are negative initially.
If one gets a SLNB and it is negative, what really does that mean? People can get negative node result and still develop metastasis later, correct? I'm not sure how that happens if nodes are negative initially.
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- May 18, 2012 at 8:57 pm
The SNB tells you that at this particular moment in time the first node in the path is clear. For me mine spread in the blood system, although that is rare (8%). Mine went to the lymph node 4 years after I was already stage IV.
So for many the SNB gives you information to let you know if the primary has metasticized but it doesn't help all of the time.
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- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I'm really stunned by all of this. I would think if in the medical community they are doing procedures on people, there must be some meaning behind them. But, from this, it seems that negative nodes means absolutely nothing; so, why do the procedure at all on anyone then? What is the value? If the results don't necessarily mean anything, because all these other things could still be happening, why do it at all ever on anyone?
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- May 22, 2012 at 12:39 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 22, 2012 at 12:39 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 22, 2012 at 12:39 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 22, 2012 at 12:40 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 22, 2012 at 12:40 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 22, 2012 at 12:40 pm
By having your nodes tested, if they come back positive you will know your disease is is at a more serious stage and have time to possibily stop the spread.and closer follow up. Thisis the main reason to have it done.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I'm really stunned by all of this. I would think if in the medical community they are doing procedures on people, there must be some meaning behind them. But, from this, it seems that negative nodes means absolutely nothing; so, why do the procedure at all on anyone then? What is the value? If the results don't necessarily mean anything, because all these other things could still be happening, why do it at all ever on anyone?
-
- May 21, 2012 at 7:18 pm
I'm really stunned by all of this. I would think if in the medical community they are doing procedures on people, there must be some meaning behind them. But, from this, it seems that negative nodes means absolutely nothing; so, why do the procedure at all on anyone then? What is the value? If the results don't necessarily mean anything, because all these other things could still be happening, why do it at all ever on anyone?
-
- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d -
- May 21, 2012 at 7:06 pm
It doesn’t guarantee any thing. As a matter of fact I was told it would used for diagnosis purposes. Since I hadd negative nodes my surgeon suggested I would not have to deal At a rate 90% inky favor. My primary was only 1.32 deep I was diagnosed at stage 1b for nearly 3 years. I had skin follow up once every three months . My melanoma came back as metastiic form in my brain, liver and abdomen last July 2011. It came back through the blood. To this date my lymph nodes are clear. When dthey did the dye test back in 2008 I was told there was only 20% It. Would be found I drained to both arm pits and
Left flank again I beat the odds 3 spots where most drain to one . I did what I could and yet my battle continues. I am hoping I beat the odds in a good way by responding to Yervoy and Zelboraf at the same time. I will have scans in about 5 weeks and I will know then. If not on I go, no guarantees ever in life.
Kathy d
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- May 18, 2012 at 8:57 pm
The SNB tells you that at this particular moment in time the first node in the path is clear. For me mine spread in the blood system, although that is rare (8%). Mine went to the lymph node 4 years after I was already stage IV.
So for many the SNB gives you information to let you know if the primary has metasticized but it doesn't help all of the time.
-
- May 18, 2012 at 8:57 pm
The SNB tells you that at this particular moment in time the first node in the path is clear. For me mine spread in the blood system, although that is rare (8%). Mine went to the lymph node 4 years after I was already stage IV.
So for many the SNB gives you information to let you know if the primary has metasticized but it doesn't help all of the time.
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- May 19, 2012 at 1:25 am
Negative lymph nodes usually means good news – but I have always pondered this question – how long does it take for the cancer to reach the lymph nodes from the original cancer site ? – in my case I waited 2 months after my initial diagnosis (primary on left fore arm) – and during the WLE , they took samples from my left arm and found 2 affected lymph nodes – but if I had the WLE 2 months earlier, would it be 'negative' lymph nodes ??
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- May 19, 2012 at 1:25 am
Negative lymph nodes usually means good news – but I have always pondered this question – how long does it take for the cancer to reach the lymph nodes from the original cancer site ? – in my case I waited 2 months after my initial diagnosis (primary on left fore arm) – and during the WLE , they took samples from my left arm and found 2 affected lymph nodes – but if I had the WLE 2 months earlier, would it be 'negative' lymph nodes ??
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- May 19, 2012 at 1:25 am
Negative lymph nodes usually means good news – but I have always pondered this question – how long does it take for the cancer to reach the lymph nodes from the original cancer site ? – in my case I waited 2 months after my initial diagnosis (primary on left fore arm) – and during the WLE , they took samples from my left arm and found 2 affected lymph nodes – but if I had the WLE 2 months earlier, would it be 'negative' lymph nodes ??
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- May 20, 2012 at 9:10 pm
I first had 5 SNL removed from my neck and they all came back neg…and was told I had nothing to worry about…..later I ended up with a 6.8 cent melanoma pressing against my superior vena cava and had it removed. The one above it was clear and the one below it was clear….obviously the tiny cells go floating down the river of lymph and until they decide to park and grow they are never noticed on a scan…truthfully they only time it matters is when they are positive…then you know for sure….
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- May 20, 2012 at 9:10 pm
I first had 5 SNL removed from my neck and they all came back neg…and was told I had nothing to worry about…..later I ended up with a 6.8 cent melanoma pressing against my superior vena cava and had it removed. The one above it was clear and the one below it was clear….obviously the tiny cells go floating down the river of lymph and until they decide to park and grow they are never noticed on a scan…truthfully they only time it matters is when they are positive…then you know for sure….
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- May 20, 2012 at 9:10 pm
I first had 5 SNL removed from my neck and they all came back neg…and was told I had nothing to worry about…..later I ended up with a 6.8 cent melanoma pressing against my superior vena cava and had it removed. The one above it was clear and the one below it was clear….obviously the tiny cells go floating down the river of lymph and until they decide to park and grow they are never noticed on a scan…truthfully they only time it matters is when they are positive…then you know for sure….
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- May 21, 2012 at 1:30 pm
For me, the SNB came back negative and I thought everything was okay. Seven months later I discovered a swollen lymph node under my chin which was positive for melanoma. So in my case, the SNB went to a different lymph node than the one that contained the melanoma. But, in the end, I was able to go to a better hospital (Mass Eye and Ear) to have my lymph node dissection and feel I am in better hands now for the future (Melanoma Center at Mass General).
Kelly
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- May 21, 2012 at 1:30 pm
For me, the SNB came back negative and I thought everything was okay. Seven months later I discovered a swollen lymph node under my chin which was positive for melanoma. So in my case, the SNB went to a different lymph node than the one that contained the melanoma. But, in the end, I was able to go to a better hospital (Mass Eye and Ear) to have my lymph node dissection and feel I am in better hands now for the future (Melanoma Center at Mass General).
Kelly
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- May 21, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Believe me, it's not that common at all. My oncologist said it happens in only about 5 – 10% of cases. He said it could've been that the cell was already in stream as the SNB was done, or that it just happened to go to a different node on that day, I can't remember the third reason he gave. In any case, it's not common and in my case, my node with melanoma was encapsulated so there's hope that no cells broke out of the node. But we all know, you never know with melanoma and might not for years to come.
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- May 21, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Believe me, it's not that common at all. My oncologist said it happens in only about 5 – 10% of cases. He said it could've been that the cell was already in stream as the SNB was done, or that it just happened to go to a different node on that day, I can't remember the third reason he gave. In any case, it's not common and in my case, my node with melanoma was encapsulated so there's hope that no cells broke out of the node. But we all know, you never know with melanoma and might not for years to come.
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- May 21, 2012 at 1:42 pm
Believe me, it's not that common at all. My oncologist said it happens in only about 5 – 10% of cases. He said it could've been that the cell was already in stream as the SNB was done, or that it just happened to go to a different node on that day, I can't remember the third reason he gave. In any case, it's not common and in my case, my node with melanoma was encapsulated so there's hope that no cells broke out of the node. But we all know, you never know with melanoma and might not for years to come.
-
- May 21, 2012 at 1:30 pm
For me, the SNB came back negative and I thought everything was okay. Seven months later I discovered a swollen lymph node under my chin which was positive for melanoma. So in my case, the SNB went to a different lymph node than the one that contained the melanoma. But, in the end, I was able to go to a better hospital (Mass Eye and Ear) to have my lymph node dissection and feel I am in better hands now for the future (Melanoma Center at Mass General).
Kelly
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- May 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I had 3mm nodular melanoma on my thigh with mitosis of 8. All my dr's were very surprised when my SLNB was neg. 11 months later discovered an enlarged groin node. It turned out to be extra encapsulated (the node was full of melanoma and melanoma was found in the surrounding tissue. I think my SLNB got the wrong node but I also had serial CT and Pet Scans and had a neg CT in Oct and the node melanoma was discovered in Dec. So who knows? I had CLND lt groin and 2 more major surgeries on abd due to complications from CLND. I now may have to have another surgery but scans are clean except for 3 tiny lung nodules that are too small to diagnose at this time. Next scans are in June. Sorry to be so negative but these things do happen. Its a rollercoaster ride- many ups and downs. My Onc says hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
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- May 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I had 3mm nodular melanoma on my thigh with mitosis of 8. All my dr's were very surprised when my SLNB was neg. 11 months later discovered an enlarged groin node. It turned out to be extra encapsulated (the node was full of melanoma and melanoma was found in the surrounding tissue. I think my SLNB got the wrong node but I also had serial CT and Pet Scans and had a neg CT in Oct and the node melanoma was discovered in Dec. So who knows? I had CLND lt groin and 2 more major surgeries on abd due to complications from CLND. I now may have to have another surgery but scans are clean except for 3 tiny lung nodules that are too small to diagnose at this time. Next scans are in June. Sorry to be so negative but these things do happen. Its a rollercoaster ride- many ups and downs. My Onc says hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
-
- May 21, 2012 at 3:18 pm
I had 3mm nodular melanoma on my thigh with mitosis of 8. All my dr's were very surprised when my SLNB was neg. 11 months later discovered an enlarged groin node. It turned out to be extra encapsulated (the node was full of melanoma and melanoma was found in the surrounding tissue. I think my SLNB got the wrong node but I also had serial CT and Pet Scans and had a neg CT in Oct and the node melanoma was discovered in Dec. So who knows? I had CLND lt groin and 2 more major surgeries on abd due to complications from CLND. I now may have to have another surgery but scans are clean except for 3 tiny lung nodules that are too small to diagnose at this time. Next scans are in June. Sorry to be so negative but these things do happen. Its a rollercoaster ride- many ups and downs. My Onc says hope for the best but prepare for the worst.
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- May 21, 2012 at 5:49 pm
So difficult to know!
I was at stage IB (posterior thigh) in 2009, and the SNLB was negative when they took a few nodes out of my groin. Then, two years later, a node turned up in the same area — it must have travelled to one of the ones that they didn't remove.
I was stunned (I'd thought I was probably out of the woods)
But remember: the folks on this board – myself included — are not a representative sample. The unluckier ones are over-represented, because we're doing things like reading & posting on melanoma boards!! I'm sure there are many people for whom a negative SNLB meant that they WERE out of the woods.
Here's hoping that you're one!
Ursula (3B)
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- May 21, 2012 at 5:49 pm
So difficult to know!
I was at stage IB (posterior thigh) in 2009, and the SNLB was negative when they took a few nodes out of my groin. Then, two years later, a node turned up in the same area — it must have travelled to one of the ones that they didn't remove.
I was stunned (I'd thought I was probably out of the woods)
But remember: the folks on this board – myself included — are not a representative sample. The unluckier ones are over-represented, because we're doing things like reading & posting on melanoma boards!! I'm sure there are many people for whom a negative SNLB meant that they WERE out of the woods.
Here's hoping that you're one!
Ursula (3B)
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- May 21, 2012 at 5:49 pm
So difficult to know!
I was at stage IB (posterior thigh) in 2009, and the SNLB was negative when they took a few nodes out of my groin. Then, two years later, a node turned up in the same area — it must have travelled to one of the ones that they didn't remove.
I was stunned (I'd thought I was probably out of the woods)
But remember: the folks on this board – myself included — are not a representative sample. The unluckier ones are over-represented, because we're doing things like reading & posting on melanoma boards!! I'm sure there are many people for whom a negative SNLB meant that they WERE out of the woods.
Here's hoping that you're one!
Ursula (3B)
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