Clueless About Nodes - Hystersisters Hysterectomy Article

		HysterSisters > GYN Cancer Articles
Clueless About Nodes

Clueless About Nodes

From the GYN Cancer Articles List

HysterSisters Articles

Options to Hysterectomy
Pre-Op Hysterectomy
Post-Op Hysterectomy
Hormone and Menopause
Intimacy after Hysterectomy
Pelvic Floor
Fitness after Hysterectomy
GYN Cancer
Grief and Loss
Endometriosis
Uterine Fibroids
Hysterectomy Stories
Ask A Doctor

I had a hysterectomy due to uncontrolled bleeding. Afterwards, they discovered cancer during the tissue analysis. The gynecologist didn’t know about the cancer until after the hysterectomy, so she did not take out or sample any nodes while she was in there. Now she says it’s impossible to accurately stage my cancer. She removed the cancer during the hysterectomy, right? What are nodes, and what do they have to do with my treatment?

Your doctor is referring to lymph nodes, which are small glands located throughout the body. They filter bacteria and toxins from the lymph fluid in the body. When cancer spreads from its original location, it often does so through the lymphatic system. By taking samples from or removing lymph nodes near the original location of your cancer and analyzing them, an oncologist can determine if the cancer has spread, and if so, how far. This is called staging.

Accurate staging is very important in deciding the best treatment going forward. Your gynecologist may have removed the tumor with your uterus, but without node sampling, she cannot know if the cancer has spread elsewhere in your pelvis. If you move forward with treatment that assumes the cancer was removed, but it was in fact present in your lymph nodes, it will recur. However, if a gyn-oncologist goes in and samples lymph nodes in your pelvis, you will know if a more aggressive treatment is called for and can decide on a plan that is most appropriate for your particular stage of cancer.

Diagnosis in cases like these can be tricky. You definitely need to see a gyn-oncology specialist at this point, and you should strongly consider a second opinion after that. Some gyn-oncologists are hesitant to open a patient back up just for node sampling, while others won’t move forward without it. Some perform this procedure with minimally-invasive techniques, while others prefer open so that they can more thoroughly inspect nodes and organs. You’ll want to discuss your options in detail and choose an oncologist whose approach seems to offer you the best chance of winning your fight against cancer.

This content was written by staff of HysterSisters.com by non-medical professionals based on discussions, resources and input from other patients for the purpose of patient-to-patient support.

Printer Friendly Version

Recommended for Hysterectomy Recovery

The HysterSisters Store has gathered products made specifically for your recovery from surgery. Here are the best sellers we can recommend to help you:

The Great Binder Set - We have made it very easy for you and combined the two best binders and the Silky Sac into a great set to save you money! Our favorite is the Perfect Pocket binder with cold/hot packs!
Deluxe Hyst Prep Set - As you plan, we've gathered the best products into one set for special pricing.
Post-Op Panty - These great panties speed recovery, and reduces scarring. They contain a medical-grade silicone panel over incision to reduce scar's apperance while they provide support to weakened muscles and tissues from surgery. Excellent!
Softest Bra Ever - When you want to wear something, but feel nothing. This is the softest bra ever, in microfiber with no hardware or tags to chafe or dig! The comfort-ribbed underband stays in place gently, so it is perfect for sleeping and lounging.
HysterSisters Accessory Kit - Are you a HysterSisters fan? This set has a fun collection of HysterSisters items.
Very Private Moisture - Once your doctor gives you the green light for intimacy, this is the stuff! This is a best selling product with a high rate of permanent, satisfied, repeat customers! Relieves vaginal dryness instantly, protects tissue & enhances intimacy. "Buy it for the problem, use it for the pleasure."

Chemotherapy: What to Expect

Confusion after Second Opinion

Find A Doctor Near You

Jack Ayoub, M.D. 44035 Riverside Parkway Suite 435 Leesburg VA 20176 703.858.5599	Richard W Farnam, M.D. 1700 N. Oregon Suite 520 El Paso TX 79902 9155335600	Christopher Stroud, M.D. 11123 Parkivew Plaza Drive Suite 101 Fort Wayne IN 46845 2609695071
Kym Boyman, M.D. 1775 Williston Rd., Ste. 110 South Burlington VT 05403 802-735-1252	Bret Lewis, M.D. 5780 Peachtree Dunwoody Rd., Ste 295 (#2 Location) 11975 Morris Rd., Ste. 310 , Alpharetta, GA 30004 Atlanta GA 30342 404-255-3633	Robert Furr, M.D. Women's Surgery Center 1604 Gunbarrel Road Chattanooga TN 37421 4238996511
Gerald Harkins, M.D. Department of OB-Gyn P.O. Box 850, H-103 Hershey PA 17033 717-531-6447	Elizabeth Stevenson-Gargiulo, M.D. 9101 North Central Expressway Suite 250 Dallas TX 75231 214-826-2979	Charles Miller, M.D. 120 Osler Drive Suite 100 Naperville IL 60540 630-428-2229

Receive support and resources for your hysterectomy related needs: