lymphatic invasion?

I had invasion in the lymph node channels as well, but the nodes attached were clear (they were removed and tested). I was told it just meant that if I had waited a little longer I'd have been a lot worse off.

Sorry I missed the "new" status - welcome. I've only been on the board a short time, but have also found it to be helpful. The folks here will share, consult, and console. Good place to visit.

Post Edited (142) : 2/11/2010 5:17:24 PM (GMT-7)

Prostate cancer moves in a fairly predictable manner. It starts in the prostate then moves to the bed surrounding the prostate then into the lymphatic system then to the bones. It can also go directly to the lymph system through the seminal vesicles.
Once it is in the lymphatic system it is consider metastized and not curable, but this doesn't mean it cannot be controlled.
Ct scans are used to spot enlarged lymphnodes which are an indicator of lymp node invasion. The best scan is a Combidex MRI, only given in Holland, which can detect small lymph node involvement.
Lymphnodes can be radiated and Hormone therapy is the normal treatment.
Read Dr Snuffy Myer's book, "Beating Prostate Cancer" Hormone Therapy and Diet" Dr Myers has PC in the lymphnodes and has been living for years.
JohnT

Ralph,
This is an extremely valuable read for you...Even if there was any mets to the lymphatic system...

prostatecancerinfolink.net/2010/02/10/surgery-for-lymph-node-positive-prostate-cancer-a-second-look/

Mayo Clinic and the Munich Cancer Registry seem to agree that surgery is a good option for lymphatic invasion prostate cancer. This data is showing once more that RP and advanced cases is a great option. Mayo Clinic has argued this for years and was a pioneer in continuing RP even after discovering positive nodes prior to removing prostates. As you may already know, many surgeons will test nodes prior to performing the RP, and if found positive, they stop the procedure without completing the RP. The data in these studies have shown that is not a best practice. But rather, removing as many regional nodes as possible and completing the RP has shown excellent results.

However, it is worth noting that adjuvant radiation can also improve bFRS in these cases. You should bring this study to your doctor and ask his input on it.

Tony

I believe my path (which was sent for 2nd opinion) indicated "intraprostatic" lymphatic channel involvement, but given connectivity of the system don't suppose there's any way to know if any of the little suckers got out. Wish they'd checked LN's during surgery, but at clinical G6 I guess that's not the protocol.

I'll be sure to share the Mayo study and ask about LN scans when I see my doc in 3 wks. Othwise, its down to psa results I guess.

Thanks guys.

Ralph

JohnT,

"Lymphatic invasIon" was in my path report, so was only identified by the pathologist. My surgeon described it as internal to the prostate and not of great concern. Apparently lymphatic channels are present throughout the body including inside the prostate. I have had no indication of lymphatic involvement outside the prostate (including LN's), althouth again mine weren't removed/tested during my RRP. Wish they had been now.

Ralph