Lymphoma vascular invasion

HI Jojodot

I have never heard of this, but this is something I have found

"Lymphovascular invasion, especially in carcinomas, usually precedes spread to the lymph nodes that drain the tissue in which the tumour arose. Conversely, cancers with lymph node spread (known as a lymph node metastases), usually have lymphovascular invasion."  So, to me that sounds as if it is less serious that spread to the lymph nodes because they have caught it just before it spread and as such, I would have thought is better than the 'normal' spread to the lymph nodes, which of course is very treatable these days

Obviously knowing that it hadn't spread to the lymph nodes, I can understand your devastation in now having more in-depth treatment, but I hope this little snippit can reassure you.

Kindest wishes,

I had spread to one lymph node and no LVI.

Thanks Lesley. That’s reassuring and I will try to be calm. X

Thanks Lesley. That’s reassuring and I will try to be calm. X

Hi Londonmumof2,

I have read about LVI in some of your replies but never really understood what it was. And now of course I need to know what it is !! I know you do a lot of research into things which I don’t do as everyone says don’t google !! So maybe you could explain simply.

From your answer do you agree with Lesley that it’s better to be there than in the nodes. I had three nodes tested when having surgery but all clear. Just that the breast care nurse made out this was serious - maybe it was because she had to tell me I would have to have a mastectomy as a precaution which she knew was what I didn’t want to hear.

Hope you are enjoying being back at work but sorry you are having side effects from medication.

Jojodot

Hi Jojodot , I'm no expert,  but when I was first diagnosed did do a lot of reading as a way of feeling more in control,  and I'm a librarian so loved to research things.  I found that they both mean that the cancer is trying to spread. LVI can spread without showing in the nodes because it uses the vascular system, so goes through the blood not lymphatic fluid.  I can't say what is 'better' in your case,  as the team will have the pathology. I chose a mastectomy when they still thought my nodes were clear from the scan anyway as I wanted it out ASAP and maybe DIEP in the next couple of years.  Are they ruining an Oncotype test as your nodes are clear?

I'm in Tenerife with hubbie as an end of treatment/ Valentine's treat.  Only 3 days but much welcome! He surprised me with a convertible VW, and we drove from the airport to Puerto de la Cruz up the west coast with the top down.  Interesting to see the landscape change from desert- like and tourist based to lush and green with real towns.

Thanks Londonmumof2,

Have a wonderful Valentines celebration - sounds great ️

JojodotX

I had LVI in my breast and lymph nodes....officially freaked me out....high risk...blah blah blah....all I can say is, I’m 1.5 years post diagnosis and doing good. For me, that’s enough. X