What does it mean when a PET scan shows uptake in lymph nodes after previous treatment for marginal zone lymphoma?
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation. The uptake in your left axillary nodes on the PET scan suggests lymphoma activity in that area. Since you've already been treated for nodal marginal Show Full Answer
What does it mean when a PET scan shows uptake in lymph nodes after previous treatment for marginal zone lymphoma?
It sounds like you're dealing with a challenging situation. The uptake in your left axillary nodes on the PET scan suggests lymphoma activity in that area. Since you've already been treated for nodal marginal zone lymphoma (NMZL) in your right axilla with radiation, this new uptake could indicate either spread of the lymphoma or a new area of involvement.
Marginal zone lymphomas, including both splenic (SMZL) and nodal types, are slow-growing but tend to relapse over time. This is a known characteristic of these lymphomas - they often respond well to treatment initially but can return in different areas.
Your healthcare team will likely want to determine the next steps, which might include:
- Biopsy of the affected nodes to confirm active lymphoma
- Staging tests to see if there are other areas involved
- Discussion of treatment options, which could include rituximab again, chemotherapy combinations, or newer targeted therapies like BTK inhibitors
Since you've had both rituximab and radiation previously, your doctors will consider what treatments might work best for this situation. The good news is that marginal zone lymphomas generally respond to multiple treatment approaches.
It's important to discuss your specific situation with your oncology team, as they can review your complete history and recommend the most appropriate next steps.
February 27
Join
Your Privacy Choices
