What are the considerations for a complete lymph node dissection when one lymph node remains after initial surgery for stage 3C melanoma?
It's understandable to have concerns about that remaining lymph node. The decision about whether to pursue a complete lymph node dissection depends on several factors, including the Show Full Answer
What are the considerations for a complete lymph node dissection when one lymph node remains after initial surgery for stage 3C melanoma?
It's understandable to have concerns about that remaining lymph node. The decision about whether to pursue a complete lymph node dissection depends on several factors, including the location and risks of surgery versus the benefits of removal.
In your wife's situation, the surgical oncologist likely weighed the difficulty of accessing that deep node near the inguinal ligament against potential surgical complications. Since targeted therapy is now underway and the node is being monitored, this approach allows the treatment to work while keeping close watch on whether the node responds or changes.
Here's what typically happens with lymph nodes after melanoma spreads:
- If melanoma cells are found in sentinel (first) lymph nodes, doctors may remove other nearby nodes
- The decision to remove additional nodes depends on factors like location, surgical risk, and treatment response
- Monitoring with imaging can track whether remaining nodes shrink with treatment
Some MyMelanomaTeam members have shared experiences with lymph node removal from the groin area, which can lead to side effects like lymphedema (swelling in the legs). The medical team balances removing cancer with minimizing complications.
Your wife's oncologist can discuss whether a full dissection might be reconsidered based on how that remaining node responds to targeted therapy. Open communication with her surgical oncologist and medical oncologist about this monitoring plan is important.
November 24, 2025
Join
Your Privacy Choices
