Lymphnodes

I would like to know what "reactive lymph nodes in the hilar area" meand

Hi There. I am a Medical Social Worker in Casper Wy. I saw your question and thought I should attempt to answer your question for you.

The "Hilar" or "Hilum"(Pl) pertain to the lymphnodes of the lung. There are innumerable quantities of lymphnodes in the human body, and hilar region happens to address the lungs. "Reactive Lymphnodes" probably pertains to lymphnodes that are enlarged as a result of a cancer in the lung, or cancer in the lymphnode itself. Hope this helps you!

If lymph nodes tested positive after having a esophagus cancer; without chemo or radiation treatment does cancer spread fast?

Thanks,

Sherry

Sherry-

I certainly am not a doctor, but I have worked a lot with cancer patients, as well as my family members who have been diagnosed in the past, I recently lost my 35 year old brother to this evil disease, and being a Medical Social Worker, unfortunately, I see a lot of different types of cancer.

I think prompt treatment is EXTREMELY important in this case. Once cancer is in the lymphatic system, it can spread so quickly. In most cases, radiation is given first in an attempt to shrink the cancer cells,especially if large tumors are pushing or are extremely close to vital organs. After a course of radiation, then chemo will follow. However, when dealing with the Intrahilar lymphnodes, my feelings are that the physican would commence chemo right away due to the rapid spreading nature of the cells in the lymphatic system. I sure hope this is helpful, and please communicate openly with the patient's physician. Good Luck!

I would like to ask the Medical Social worker Andrea have you ever heard of original cancer was stage 4 lung cancer coming back in the groin. Today we were told his hot spots from the PET scan are positive for lymphoma in the groin and lymph nodes.We went 6 months with 2 scans showing no cancer.I know we were blessed to have had this much time cancer free. Anything you can tell me would be great.

Hi there. As you are now very aware, cancer is so unpredictable. It can travel very far from the primary site. Are there plans to have the lymphnodes in the groin removed?
The lymphphatic system is just one of the many ways that cancer can travel in the body. If the Doctor has not already done so, he will probably do what is called a sentinel node biopsy. This allows the Doctor to pinpoint the exact areas of spreading throughout the lymphnodes. Lymphnodes are tiny, and the human body has so many, that is why it is so important to get re-checked frequently for spreading.
Unfortunately I have heard of this happening...those tiny lymphnodes are perfect harbers for mutated cells to grow and travel. All parts of the body have lymphnodes, the groin area has particularly large ones. I hope I helped a little. Cancer is devastating, I have seen way too much of it. I want you to know that the human mind is the most powerful weapon in fighting cancer. Please keep me updated on your loved one! I am sincerely rooting for you both.