MRI show inflamed lymph node in neck: What does this mean?

No I did not have surgery. My original ENT was going to remove tonsils and at the last moment he was over ruled by the head of Head and Neck surgery for the hospital group they worked for. The Head and Neck surgeon (a super surgeon) said if surgery was to be done he would do it because they had to be sure and get clean numbers all around the tonsil which was more than what a regular tonsillectomy would achieve plus they would need to do the same for the lymph node. After conferring with the Radiologist the Surgeon and Radiologist decided because I actually had two infected nodes plus the tonsil I was not surgery appropriate. They recommended radiation and chemo only because I would still have to have almost the same amount of radiation after surgery but I would have to wait 4 weeks to heal from surgery to start radiation and chemo. If the surgery would have eliminated most of the radiation I would have done surgery. I don't want to scare you but I want to warn you the radiation is HARD. It doesn't start out to bad but gets progressively worse. And the after effects are HARD and take longer then you will want to get over but you can do it. Just determine to get through it and you can but just don't think it is going to be easier than it is. I feel like all of my doctors let me think it was going to be easier than it was and I was caught off guard and felt like they let me down in that way. But I have made a lot of progress in the 2 years since then end of treatment and I am cancer free which is a BIG DEAL obviously. Good luck. Don't let me scare you off your treatment but be prepared to go through the gauntlet and you will make it.

@lynkidd, have you had surgery? How are you doing?

Hi,

I have not had surgery. My surgeon wanted to rush me in to biopsy the tonsil before my fine needle biopsy results were in. I refused. I now have a new doctor. He is a fantastic ENT. Biopsy on lymph node cane back squamous cell. Don’t know where coming from. I’m scheduled on July 13 for neck dissection. However before he starts that he’s going to biopsy tonsil with frozen section. If it turns out to be cancer..which he’s not convinced it is.,thinks may be a cyst..he will not proceed with neck dissection. The same as your doctor he said if cancer in tonsil May have to do a different procedure. I know radiation is horrible..I do not want to go through that. Anyway at this point don’t know what’s happening. He’s doing a few different scope type tests while under to be sure nothing hiding. I’m terrified thinking about it. Don’t think I can handle much more as I’m just too old to survive all of this though I’m otherwise healthy and young for my age. I’m praying for better news but expecting the worst.

I wanted to see if anyone could tell me what those dark circles are in this MRI with contrast photo near the collarbone/neck? I have an unknown swollen collarbone, which we think is a lymph node, but I was not sure if those spots are something to address or if they are nothing and normal? This MRI was from Mayo, where they also chose not to tell me that I have a Herniated Disc in my T2-T3 which is leaking disc fluid into my spinal cord. So I don't trust them after leaving that out and telling me my MRI was PERFECT, when it clearly was not. My PCP was the one who told me about the Disc and now I am seeing a Neurosurgeon. Thank you for your help.

I feel this HARD! my husband is going through Larynx cancer healing from Radiation and I have been his advocate all through this as he is in a Trach now due to Radiation after effects! Praise God when we ended up in Good Sam Hospital because that is exactly what they had was a Team of Doctors helping decide what is best for my husband not just his ENT wanting to jump into surgery. This is why I need to get him into the Mayo Clinic. because the goal is getting him out of this Trach for life. and I am losing trust with these doctors even his Oncologist I do not trust him with his intentions.

My husband is going through the same thing. Can you tell me how long the radiation treatment lasted. How many times a week? He is going to be starting treatment in about 4 weeks time. 5 months from diagnosis to being cancer free! Congratulations. How are you feeling after 5 months? Are you able to get back to normal life? I hope you continue in good health.

I had 35 rounds of radiation. 5 days a week for 7 weeks. ( plus 3 chemo treatments) I started my 1st round around Christmas and went till mid Feb. It was HARD on my throat. After the treatments I could not talk for a few weeks and could not swallow at all for 5 months. I was able to start swallowing after they stretched my esophagus and they would not do that until after my first PET scan after treatment to see if cancer free. They waited until May to do the PET because they wait until the radiation cools down or they will not be able to tell if you are actually cancer free. I am going to give it to you straight. IT IS HARD..... The radiation messed up my throat on the outside but even worse on the inside. Not everybody is the same but it is HARD on everybody. I had to have a feeding tube because everything tasted bad and then it got so I couldn't swallow. I was going downhill fast so they put in the feeding tube and I hated it but had to have it to live. (if your husband gets one order him Boost Very High Calorie drinks or he will never get enough nutrition. They don't sell it locally or give it to you at the doctors office. Many of them don't even know it exist. It is 530 calories which means he only has to do 4 feedings a day to get over 2000 calories. (I still drink it) I lost 40 pounds during my treatment. After they stretched my throat I was able to sip water for the first time in over 4 months. I had a lot of work to do after that though and I still struggle swallowing. He will probably loose his saliva which is a problem as well. It is hard to eat and swallow without saliva and he will carry something to drink with from now on. Or at least I have to. I got a suction pump to keep the mucus build up clear from my throat as it is thick as glue and you can't swallow it or spit it out. I am 30 months out and still cancer free. (Praise God) I have made a lot of progress on the swallowing so I would say just hang in there and it will improve over time. I am doing everything I want to do so even though I have some challenges they do not stop me from living a good life. I wish your husband the best and I will answer any more questions you may have along the way.

Prayers you find your answers and the right team.

We are in Victoria, BC and there is a team approach. ENT Cancer Surgeon, Radiology Oncologist, Radiologist, Pathologist.. etc. I believe we are in the right place. Surgery has not been mentioned, and it makes sense that if it is HPV16 caused, that radiation is the preferred treatment. He has no other symptoms and does not have risk factors, ie, doesn’t smoke, drinks seldom, no other underlying health problems. I appears we have caught it early. He has a swollen lymph node. The tonsil tumor is 1.8 so is small.. he will find out more after the needle biopsy. Treatment to start within 24 days of biopsy. It’s been a whirlwind of emotion and information. I am preparing myself with knowledge and trying to stay organized and focused to keep me from breaking down. My big fear is that COVID is circulating like crazy, and we both have managed to avoid it, and we certainly cannot afford to get it now. Masking up and avoiding crowds. He is currently out fishing on the west coast with a friend.. doing what he loves to do. We plan on taking some time during the lapse time to enjoy life and try to nourish our bodies and mind as much as we can. He isn’t the information person, and I will share this closer to the time of his treatment so he isn’t taken by surprise. Until then, we will just pray for the best outcomes possible. Health blessings to you. Thank you for responding.

BTW.. which flavor of Boost did you prefer? Is it available only online, or could you buy it in store. What store? Thanks in advance!!