Lymphadenectomy / lymph node dissection

These are the sort of things that should be explained when you are discussing the procedure. But taking a biopsy of a lump is normal. And it is also not unusual for that to involved removing the lump.

I can relate to wanting avoid a general anaesthetic.....but for some procedures need one. I really could not have had my thyroid gland out under a local anaesthetic for instance!. However I would think a biopsy would be unlikely to need a general anaesthetic unless the lump is quite deep. The surgeon will be able to tell you what sort of anaesthetic will be needed. he will also be to explain the risk of lymph - oedema but I would think it would be very low is this is normally only a problem is several lymph nodes need to be removed or if a lump blocks lymph drainage in some way

This is the sort of thing that should be explained before you give consent for the procedure. It is YOUR body and YOUR choice. The surgeon must make sure you understand the reasons for the procedure and the risks. Any procedure should only be carried out if the risk is worth the benefits.....and the patient needs to understand both. But biopsies are generally minor

I have survived 4 general anaesthetics over the years..........

Hope that helps a little

Thanks for taking the time to reply Tashanie, this is reassuring.

I've seen people at different stages in the process, but have not had any sort of overview - apparently they do a sort of triage on the day, and I have a chance to ask questions then.

I also have to fast from 2am, so will have a blood sugar crash to deal with too, so a local would allow me to get back on track much sooner.

Have they explained what the lymph node is up to? Is it sclerotic? Have they thought about a lymphoscintigraphy, to see if the node is draining to deeper lymphatics in the abdomen? When he says that he wants to do a biopsy, why is he suggesting 'taking the lot'? There are a lot of lymph nodes in that area, and unless there is something else going on, I would demand that they simply do a node biopsy of the one involved, and not take multiple samples - which could leave you prone to lymphoedema. Does it cause you pain? Have you had problems with infections? Who is doing the surgery?
I wish I had stuck to my guns and asked more questions during treatment for breast cancer - they took all my axillary nodes, even though they were unaffected.

Hi Jabba the Hut!

It isn't painful of it's own accord, although being a raised lump, causes tightness in the area, and can be uncomfortable & achey, especially if I need to pee.

I haven't had any infections that I know of, and none showed up in the multiple blood tests.

I did have a wierd neural-feeling [well complete loss of feeling actually, numbness] in my right quad for a few weeks before I noticed the lump, BUT it's on the lft side and GP & everyone since say the two can't be related.

When I had the ultrasound, the Dr tried to aspirate with a needle, but couldn't get anything out.

I did ask about a needle biopsy, but was told that they would remove the whole node [had understood just the one is involved here].

It's a general surgeon is all I know.

Really appreciate your input.

Do you know how this could affect mobility etc and for how long afterwards? I have only ever had a caesarian, no other surgery ever so this is all unknown territory to me.

I've had to make many phone calls and the whole approach has been so scattered I don't feel that I'm in the driving seat, so the support alone is so welcome.

Write to your surgeon...or email him. The hospital will give you contact details. Put all your concerns down in a letter so he knows......that way he should be ready with answers on the day.

The chances are this a very minor procedure that can be done under a local and will have no noticeable effect on lymph nodes. They are almost certainly thinking' This is minor and routine' and have forgotten that for some people any surgery is very major....and that re-assurance may be needed.

Thanks Tashanie.