As more and more people are vaccinated against COVID-19, there are more potential side effects. One is swollen lymph nodes, and although that’s what you’d expect when an immune response is triggered, it’s exactly what you don’t want to see when you detect breast cancer.
Dr. Jessica Burgers, a breast surgeon who specializes in hematologic oncology at Holy Cross Hospital in Fort Lauderdale, Florida, knows exactly what to look for when she detects cancer.
“One of the things that is a tipoff for lymph node cancer is whether the lymph nodes appear swollen or enlarged,” Burgers told CBS Miami.
But a lot of people are experiencing swollen or enlarged lymph nodes these days because they are a common side effect of the COVID vaccine.
Dr. Burgers noticed her directly after she was vaccinated.
“Only after the second blow did I experience the side effect, becoming more aware of where I had a certain swelling or pain in the armpit area, or what we in the medical field call the armpit,” she recalled. .
She says it is a normal response to a vaccine because the lymphatic system hosts immune cells and the purpose of the vaccine is to initiate an immune response. Swelling of the lymph nodes, especially in the armpit area, can also be a sign of breast cancer.
“But radiographically, they can look very similar. So it can be alarming for a radiologist who is not aware of the context in which a patient had a recent vaccine,” she said.
It is a problem that is occurring more and more in one’s own practice and could lead to an increase in false positives.
“I would say about once a week that we receive reports, so it determines me that when I call my patients with their imaging results, one of the first questions I ask is ‘Did you get the vaccination?’ ”.
Dr. Burgers says that if you have been vaccinated recently and are otherwise healthy and have no breast problems, you should try to delay your mammogram a little.
The Society of Breast Imaging recommends scheduling your mammogram before the first dose of COVID-19 vaccine or about four to six weeks after the second dose, if possible.
“That being said, if a patient is prepared for a current breast complaint, this should not discourage a woman from having a mammogram. He just needs to make sure that he allows the doctor and the technology at the imaging center to be aware of the vaccine and what arm was used for that vaccination. “
Dr. Burgers says that if the swelling is related to the vaccine, it should resolve on its own within two months. If not, you should definitely follow your healthcare provider.