HealthCareMagic is now Ask A Doctor - 24x7 | https://www.askadoctor24x7.com

question-icon

Suggest Treatment For Supraclavicular Lymph Node

default
Posted on Sat, 16 Aug 2014
Question: I have a swollen left supraclavicular lymph node. At first it was slightly larger than 1.0 cm. My oncologist ordered a biopsy, which was negative for metastatic cancer, as I am almost 2 years status post breast cancer. The swelling has decreased since the biopsy. All my labs, including tumor markers, are normal. What could be the cause of this swelling?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Prashant Sharma (23 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
do not worry

Detailed Answer:
Hi,

Thanks for your query.

There can be many reasons of supraclavicular lymph node enlargement. The final diagnosis is made by biopsy only, which is the most reliable test. If biopsy says it to be negative, we must rely on that. In fact we can get a second opinion from another pathologist. As all your tests including biopsy are normal, so you need not to worry now. what you need is regular checkup.

Small theoretical explanation - the suspicion of metastasis also depends on the clinical picture of disease i.e. what was the stage of disease, has the treatment completed, aggressiveness of tumor etc. If it is an early stage malignancy, chances of metastasis are less and you need not to worry. If it is aggressive disease, you will need more frequent examinations.

Feel free to ask further.

Regards,
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Vinay Bhardwaj
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Prashant Sharma

Oncologist, Surgical

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 177 Questions

premium_optimized

The User accepted the expert's answer

Share on

Get personalised answers from verified doctor in minutes across 80+ specialties

159 Doctors Online

By proceeding, I accept the Terms and Conditions

HCM Blog Instant Access to Doctors
HCM Blog Questions Answered
HCM Blog Satisfaction
Suggest Treatment For Supraclavicular Lymph Node

Brief Answer: do not worry Detailed Answer: Hi, Thanks for your query. There can be many reasons of supraclavicular lymph node enlargement. The final diagnosis is made by biopsy only, which is the most reliable test. If biopsy says it to be negative, we must rely on that. In fact we can get a second opinion from another pathologist. As all your tests including biopsy are normal, so you need not to worry now. what you need is regular checkup. Small theoretical explanation - the suspicion of metastasis also depends on the clinical picture of disease i.e. what was the stage of disease, has the treatment completed, aggressiveness of tumor etc. If it is an early stage malignancy, chances of metastasis are less and you need not to worry. If it is aggressive disease, you will need more frequent examinations. Feel free to ask further. Regards,