Is it normal to have your breast reduction specimen that's sent to pathology be both breast tissue & a left lymph node? (Photo)

Question

I'm worried why on my operational report (from my 7/6/17 BR) it says that my left lymph node was also sent to pathology, along with the normal left and right breast tissue. I've been reading all over the Internet and I can't find any evidence that sending a lymph node too is the norm. I don't see my surgeon until next week but I'm just very concerned now. I'm wondering if any of you smart doctors ever do this and if so, why please. Thank you SO much for reading. I'm so grateful for your time.

Tom J. Pousti, MD · Answer

Congratulations on having undergone breast reduction procedure.   At this point, I do not think that you have anything  to worry about. In other words, I would not be concerned that a lymph node was encountered during breast reduction procedure and sent to pathology for evaluation.   Most of the time this occurs, the pathology returns "benign". Keep in mind, that if anything concerning was identified, you would very likely have heard from your plastic surgeon by now.   For additional peace of mind, you may want to call your plastic surgeon's office  to request the pathologic findings. Best wishes for an outcome that you will be very pleased with.

Erica Anderson, MD · Answer

Lymph nodes occur in the breast and sometimes during a breast reduction, a lymph node can be encountered. If your surgeon had any concerns, it was sent to Pathology. It is good that breast tissue was sent as well. If he/she was worried about intra op findings, they would have told you. Sounds like they did the right thing for you and you are healing well. Best wishes for continued healing.

Is it normal to have your breast reduction specimen that's sent to pathology be both breast tissue & a left lymph node? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.

Is it normal to have your breast reduction specimen that's sent to pathology be both breast tissue & a left lymph node? (Photo)

Answers (2)

Browse related questions

Recommended reading

Everything you need to know about Breast Reduction

Our mission is to create a world where every investment in modern beauty is Worth It.