Axillary Scan Clear

After a fast track last week which included an ultrasound, then two mammograms, then two core biopsies into the left side of breast, I received a letter today.

Does 'her axillary scan was clear' mean I have the all clear? No cancer? Presuming too that the 'initial results' follow up appointment in two weeks time will be to tell me the all clear personally. 
 

Hopeful, of course. 

  • Hello Shaboob and thanks for posting,

    I can underatnd you asking, but I'm afraid I can't summarise what all your test results might mean. To do this, as well as this scan result, I think the biopsy results would be needed as well, and these would have to be  interpreted in the context of whatever was seen on the mammogram.

    But if an axillary (armpit) scan is clear, then no enlarged lymph nodes have been detected on the scan. The significance of this is that breast cancer can sometimes spread to these nodes and when it does they tend to get bigger although they don't always. When breast cancer is diagnosed, the usual way to be sure the axillary nodes are clear if nothing is seen on the scan,  is to remove a couple and examine them in the laboratory at the same time as removing the cancer. 

    I am sorry I can't clarify anything for you, but hopefully at your appoinetment the doctors will be able to put all your test results together to get the full picture.  Waiting is usually unsettling, keep an open mind.

    Give us a ring if you want to talk anything over. Our number is Freephone 0808 800 4040 and we are here from 9-5, weekdays,

    Best wishes,

    Julia