posted
Mammo and ultrasound of my under arm node came back okay. Local doc wants to have a surgeon perform a needle biopsy and send it to pathology. Anyone had this performed before? If so is it worth it do you recommend? Any thoughts would be much appreciated. A little freaked out right now.
Thank you all!
Posts: 124 | From Indiana | Registered: Oct 2007
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Pinelady
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 18524
posted
I would, but I would be sure to tell them what they need to look for. Infectious organisms/Spirochetes.
-------------------- Suspected Lyme 07 Test neg One band migrating in IgG region unable to identify.Igenex Jan.09IFA titer 1:40 IND IgM neg pos 31 +++ 34 IND 39 IND 41 IND 83-93 + DX:Neuroborreliosis Posts: 5850 | From Kentucky | Registered: Dec 2008
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posted
I hope you dont mind me asking but what have your symptoms been.....I had an ultrasound yesterday of underarm and edge of right breast, the dr explained she could see a slightly enlarged lymph node but was not suspicious of anything bad.....said maybe musculo/skeletal problem....I am not so sure...have had pain for 5 months.....she said may be related to lyme......just found it interesting you would post something similar......
-------------------- Oct 09 Positive CDC Western Blot Jan 10 Positive Babesia Duncani Jan 10 Cd57 28 Mar 10 EBV, IgM, IgG HHV-6 IgG Posts: 739 | From NC | Registered: Oct 2009
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posted
Florence1 - The node under my right arm began to swell a couple of months ago. Since that time Ive had pain down my arm and under my arm and have small patches of fluid like areas on my lower arm.
Local doc says the patches are from the lymph system not working properly and he wants to find out why. Some on here says it sounds like Bart symptoms.
So, I was tryingto find out opinons on whether to just try to treat the Bart symptoms or to get to needle biopsy doc recommended. Thanks and sorry to hear about your pain.
Posts: 124 | From Indiana | Registered: Oct 2007
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Keebler
Honored Contributor (25K+ posts)
Member # 12673
posted
- If you have a LLMD, I'd ask her/him first.
Lyme and other tick-borne diseases (TBD) can really mess up they lymph system.
A biopsy could stir up more trouble. Once pricked, stuff can get out of the cyst and that is not a good thing.
Please ask your LLMD first. You may be referred to a LL specialist but the key is having someone who understands all about TBD. A biopsy may be in order but I'd sure get more info first. -
Posts: 48021 | From Tree House | Registered: Jul 2007
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posted
I'm a breast cancer survivor (and lymie), and I admit, not knowledgeable about how a needle biopsy could effect lyme or TBD.
I am a strong advocate of early detection for cancer, as that is why I am here today talkin' to you! A mammo and ultrasound are only capable of reading so much. A pathology report from a biopsy takes it to the next level.
I've had two different types of breast biopsies in two different areas. The first (stereotactic core biopsy) detected cancer. The second, years later, on the other breast, was a needle biopsy, which detected only fibrocystic tissue.
The procedure itself was not painful (there was a numbing done of the area), it was done by a caring doctor who did a great job. There was some tenderness later. And a lot of peace of mind.
Prior to these biopsies I had no pain or swelling to indicate a problem. Mine were done because of suspicious areas found on mammogram and ultrasound.
So, I'm just sharing in case my experiences might be helpful to you. What people are suggesting, that you first discuss with your LLMD makes sense, too. However, my bias is towards getting the biopsy...again, early detection of cancer saves lives.
Best wishes, Hopeful
Posts: 873 | From WA | Registered: Dec 2005
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posted
I lean with Hopeful4. I admit I am biased; I work at a Women's Breast Care Center, and I also have personally had a breast biopsy; I also had a lumpectomy. I have seen many patients who have been symptom free but was diagnosed with breast cancer.
I'm not walking in your shoes....but I THINK if I were I would do this: Go to a facility specializing in women's health for a second opinion (especially if your first mammogram and ultrasound were done at general imaging facilities). A woman's hospital or a women's health department within a hospital would be where I would look.
Now, I only suggest this for getting a second opinion about they lymph node and possibility of cancer---not for how a node biopsy impacts a Lyme patient. My experience is that women's health doctors generally know just as little about Lyme as any other doctor. So, take the second diagnosis, couple that with the information you get from your Lyme doctor and YOU make an informed decision.
Yes, messing with Lymph nodes can lead to problems. However, untreated cancer will lead to death.
Posts: 212 | From Pennsylvania, USA | Registered: Jul 2009
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posted
I recently had a core biopsy and they are now suggesting a lumpectomy due to the results.
I personally wish they had done the lumpectomy without doing the core biopsy. My entire left breast was black (forget about the blue). They entered the breast on the side and went through the entire breast.
I think the one disadvantage of a needle biopsy is that even if it comes out ok they still should really look at the entire lump.
I actually would love to send my sample to a lab that checks tissue for Lyme. Doctors would look at me like I was crazy.
Just my opinion.
Posts: 86 | From California | Registered: Oct 2009
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