Positive SLNB Question
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Positive SLNB Question

› Forums › General Melanoma Community › Positive SLNB Question

  • Post
    • March 5, 2016 at 6:23 am
    MarkL87
    Participant

    Hi – 

    My girlfriend had a SLNB (1 node removed) 1.5 weeks ago and received the news today that it tested positive in the pathology.  The Dr was out of the office so we didn't speak to him, but have an appointment Monday morning.  We were able to receive the pathology report and I think we're going to get a second opinion from a different pathologist we trust but wanted to get the forum's thoughts on what it says.  Particuarly, from the sound of the report it seems like it was very "minor" involvement but I'm not really sure….any help would be appreciated. 

     

    B. Received fresh, the specimen is labeled "left axillary lymph 

    node count 15893, background 901" and consists of a 1.2 x 1.0 x 

    0.4 cm pink-tan lymph node with attached fat. On section it is 

    unremarkable. The specimen is submitted in its entirety. 



    B. Lymph node, left axillary, excision: 

    Metastatic melanoma in 1 of 1 lymph node (1/1). 

    S100, HMB45 (weak and focal) and Melan A are positive. While some nests are in capsule, in one focus there is definitive nodal involvement. 

Viewing 11 reply threads
  • Replies
      • March 5, 2016 at 8:40 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant
      Hi Mark,
      First off, sorry to hear her SLNB came back positive, I know how crappy thay news feels. Sounds like it was micro involvement, meaning it looked normal to the naked eye and under microscope they found some melanoma. She should be seeing a melanoma specialist if she isn’t already. An oncologist will go over what her options are from here on.

      All the best to you both,

      • March 5, 2016 at 8:40 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant
      Hi Mark,
      First off, sorry to hear her SLNB came back positive, I know how crappy thay news feels. Sounds like it was micro involvement, meaning it looked normal to the naked eye and under microscope they found some melanoma. She should be seeing a melanoma specialist if she isn’t already. An oncologist will go over what her options are from here on.

      All the best to you both,

      • March 5, 2016 at 8:40 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant
      Hi Mark,
      First off, sorry to hear her SLNB came back positive, I know how crappy thay news feels. Sounds like it was micro involvement, meaning it looked normal to the naked eye and under microscope they found some melanoma. She should be seeing a melanoma specialist if she isn’t already. An oncologist will go over what her options are from here on.

      All the best to you both,

      • March 5, 2016 at 1:40 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Hi Mark. Sorry your girlfriend is dealing with this.  Jenn is right.  Find a melanoma specialist!!!  What to do about a positive sentinel node remains a bit unclear and controversial.  So, my second best advice is to inform yourselves as best you can, make the decision best for you and move forward.  To that end…here is a post that includes reports (via links) from several studies on the topic:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/02/patients-wtih-microscopically.html

      I wish you both my best.  Celeste

      • March 5, 2016 at 1:40 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Hi Mark. Sorry your girlfriend is dealing with this.  Jenn is right.  Find a melanoma specialist!!!  What to do about a positive sentinel node remains a bit unclear and controversial.  So, my second best advice is to inform yourselves as best you can, make the decision best for you and move forward.  To that end…here is a post that includes reports (via links) from several studies on the topic:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/02/patients-wtih-microscopically.html

      I wish you both my best.  Celeste

      • March 5, 2016 at 1:40 pm
      Bubbles
      Participant

      Hi Mark. Sorry your girlfriend is dealing with this.  Jenn is right.  Find a melanoma specialist!!!  What to do about a positive sentinel node remains a bit unclear and controversial.  So, my second best advice is to inform yourselves as best you can, make the decision best for you and move forward.  To that end…here is a post that includes reports (via links) from several studies on the topic:  http://chaoticallypreciselifeloveandmelanoma.blogspot.com/2016/02/patients-wtih-microscopically.html

      I wish you both my best.  Celeste

        • March 5, 2016 at 1:47 pm
        MarkL87
        Participant

        Thanks, both. Just trying to understand the report more. Does anyone have any insight as to what the actual words mean?

        • March 5, 2016 at 1:47 pm
        MarkL87
        Participant

        Thanks, both. Just trying to understand the report more. Does anyone have any insight as to what the actual words mean?

        • March 5, 2016 at 1:47 pm
        MarkL87
        Participant

        Thanks, both. Just trying to understand the report more. Does anyone have any insight as to what the actual words mean?

        • March 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm
        Bubbles
        Participant

        The first bit tells you that there was one node of the defined size sent to the lab.  It was treated with the three stains named.  It was definite for melanoma.  There are melanoma beneath the top layer of the node and some go into the substance of the lymph node.  Celeste

        • March 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm
        Bubbles
        Participant

        The first bit tells you that there was one node of the defined size sent to the lab.  It was treated with the three stains named.  It was definite for melanoma.  There are melanoma beneath the top layer of the node and some go into the substance of the lymph node.  Celeste

        • March 5, 2016 at 2:00 pm
        Bubbles
        Participant

        The first bit tells you that there was one node of the defined size sent to the lab.  It was treated with the three stains named.  It was definite for melanoma.  There are melanoma beneath the top layer of the node and some go into the substance of the lymph node.  Celeste

      • March 6, 2016 at 5:28 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      I watched this video the other day that really helps explain stage 3 and what that means and what options are out there. It's always great to get informed so she can make the best decisions for herself possible. It's kind of long, but if you have time it saves a lot of internet searching time. 

      • March 6, 2016 at 5:28 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      I watched this video the other day that really helps explain stage 3 and what that means and what options are out there. It's always great to get informed so she can make the best decisions for herself possible. It's kind of long, but if you have time it saves a lot of internet searching time. 

      • March 6, 2016 at 5:28 am
      jennunicorn
      Participant

      I watched this video the other day that really helps explain stage 3 and what that means and what options are out there. It's always great to get informed so she can make the best decisions for herself possible. It's kind of long, but if you have time it saves a lot of internet searching time. 

      • March 6, 2016 at 4:46 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Mark,

      Another vote for finding a melanoma specialist.  If you list your location here I'm sure someone can give you a recommendation. 

      This will undoubtedly be a very worrisome and stressful time for you and your girlfriend.  My recommendation is don't rush into anything.  Don't hesitate to get second opinions.  And as Celeste stated, do your own research.  You and your girlfriend will be your best advocates for her care.

      Did your girlfriend have a primary site prior to this lymph node? 

      I would recommend this video as well as Celeste's blog for some great info for Stage III patients.

      http://melanomainternational.org/webinar/2016/01/decision-making-for-melanoma-stage-iii-beyond/#.VtxcO4-cF6w

      As Celeste alluded to, the next treatment option for your girlfriend is not always obvious or without some disagreement between oncologist.  That's why I recommend taking your time, second opinions, and in the end do what you think is best for you all.

      Good luck,

      Brian

       

      • March 6, 2016 at 4:46 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Mark,

      Another vote for finding a melanoma specialist.  If you list your location here I'm sure someone can give you a recommendation. 

      This will undoubtedly be a very worrisome and stressful time for you and your girlfriend.  My recommendation is don't rush into anything.  Don't hesitate to get second opinions.  And as Celeste stated, do your own research.  You and your girlfriend will be your best advocates for her care.

      Did your girlfriend have a primary site prior to this lymph node? 

      I would recommend this video as well as Celeste's blog for some great info for Stage III patients.

      http://melanomainternational.org/webinar/2016/01/decision-making-for-melanoma-stage-iii-beyond/#.VtxcO4-cF6w

      As Celeste alluded to, the next treatment option for your girlfriend is not always obvious or without some disagreement between oncologist.  That's why I recommend taking your time, second opinions, and in the end do what you think is best for you all.

      Good luck,

      Brian

       

        • March 6, 2016 at 5:38 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

        Great informative video.. that's the same one I linked to as well. Wish I had that back when I was confused about what it all meant and what to do.

        • March 6, 2016 at 5:38 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

        Great informative video.. that's the same one I linked to as well. Wish I had that back when I was confused about what it all meant and what to do.

        • March 6, 2016 at 5:38 pm
        jennunicorn
        Participant

        Great informative video.. that's the same one I linked to as well. Wish I had that back when I was confused about what it all meant and what to do.

      • March 6, 2016 at 4:46 pm
      BrianP
      Participant

      Mark,

      Another vote for finding a melanoma specialist.  If you list your location here I'm sure someone can give you a recommendation. 

      This will undoubtedly be a very worrisome and stressful time for you and your girlfriend.  My recommendation is don't rush into anything.  Don't hesitate to get second opinions.  And as Celeste stated, do your own research.  You and your girlfriend will be your best advocates for her care.

      Did your girlfriend have a primary site prior to this lymph node? 

      I would recommend this video as well as Celeste's blog for some great info for Stage III patients.

      http://melanomainternational.org/webinar/2016/01/decision-making-for-melanoma-stage-iii-beyond/#.VtxcO4-cF6w

      As Celeste alluded to, the next treatment option for your girlfriend is not always obvious or without some disagreement between oncologist.  That's why I recommend taking your time, second opinions, and in the end do what you think is best for you all.

      Good luck,

      Brian

       

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