Download Lymph Node Checks - Mohs Surgery Clinic

Lymph Node Checks
Mohs Surgery Clinic
Why Check Lymph Nodes?
If you have certain types of skin cancer, it can spread to other parts of the body forming new
growths called metastases (met-tas-te-sees). Even if your main cancer has been removed by
surgery, there is a chance that cancer cells may spread away from the area by way of the lymph
system. Lymph nodes are all over the body and often act as "filters" to trap cancer cells. For this
reason, it is vital for you to check your lymph nodes in the area near your cancer on a routine
basis.
Where Are Lymph Nodes Found?
Lymph nodes are found in chains or clusters (see
picture). Not all of the lymph nodes can be felt. They
may be flat, round, or oval shaped, and their size often
varies from being too small to be felt up to the size of
an olive. If checked on a routine basis, you will know
how your lymph nodes feel when they are normal, and
you will be more aware of any changes if they occur.
Changes to Feel and Look For
Changes in a lymph node or group of nodes, such as
soreness or an increase in size, do not always mean
that your cancer has spread since these changes may
also occur with infection or other illness. Still, these
changes should be noted, and you should tell the clinic
of any changes.
How to Check Your Lymph Nodes
With the pads of your fingers, press lightly using
gentle, small circle motions and enough pressure to
move the skin, but not so much that the nodes are
pushed into the softer tissue around them. Some
areas, such as under the arm, may require somewhat
firmer pressure.
Check the lymph nodes in your _______________________________________ area once a
month or as your doctor or nurse instructs. Checking the areas too often can cause swelling and
soreness in the area.
Who to Call with Problems or Concerns
You will be shown where and how to check your lymph nodes while you are in the clinic.
If you have any questions or concerns call the Dermatology/Mohs Clinic where you were seen
weekdays between 8:00 am and 4:30 pm. After clinic hours, holidays and weekends, the clinic
number will be answered by the paging operator. Ask for the Dermatology or Mohs Surgery doctor
on call. Leave your name and phone number with the area code. The doctor will call you back.
UW Clinic East Dermatology/Mohs Surgery
5249 E. Terrace Drive
Madison, WI 53718
(608) 265-1288, press option 2
UW Clinic West Mohs Surgery
451 Junction Rd.
Madison, WI 53717
(608) 263-6226
Your health care team may have given you this information as part of your care. If so, please use it and call if
you have any questions. If this information was not given to you as part of your care, please check with your
doctor. This is not medical advice. This is not to be used for diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition.
Because each person’s health needs are different, you should talk with your doctor or others on your health care
team when using this information. If you have an emergency, please call 911. Copyright © 11/2014 University of
Wisconsin Hospitals and Clinics Authority. All rights reserved. Produced by the Department of Nursing.
HF#4571.