DCIS and test for node involvement??

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Hi

Can anyone help? I have grade 3 DCIS. Has anyone with DCIS also had lymph nodes removed?

I have just had a WLE and a second WLE for clear margins. I’ve been told that they will not test for node involvement as they are only involved in 2-3% of DCIS cases.Thing is- when I had the ultrasound a big red area was shown on the screen under my arm pit. I also saw ‘enlarged lymph node’ written in the notes. I must admit I have never been able to find this lump though.

Can’t help being paranoid about lymph involvement.

Love Freddie xxxxxxx

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Dear Freddie,

I had DCIS and like you, didn’t have nodes removed as it is not policy in the UK to do so as with DCIS the cancer is contained within the duct therefore is very unlikely to have spread to the nodes. This big red area you saw on the ultrasound - did the radiographer say it was an enlarged node? I remember having an enlarged node also. It was enlarged because it was responding to the presence of the DCIS which obviously the body saw as a problem,therefore the lymph nodes enlarge just like they would in the presence of infection, but the enlarged node wasn’t cancerous, if that makes sense. My guess your node was enlarged for the same reason and probably has gone down now you have had the DCIS removed.

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Hi

Thanks so much for taking the time to answer. Your response has been really helpful and it hadn’t occurred to me that the DCIS would have caused the enlargement.

Thanks so much- one less thing to worry about,

If you don’t mind, I would be keen to know what treatment you ended up having and things have been for you.

Love Freddie xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx