Problems associated with not having the retroperitoneal lymph nodes

[DC142]

Ive been researching this for a few days but could not find any information on whether there are any problems associated with not having the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, (meaning to help fight infection in the future long after they are removed from a rplnd surgery?:confused:) Will the immune system suffer from the missing nodes? Will my white blood cell count be lower due to the nodes missing - increasing my chance for an infection? Any input would be great. Thanks All. Hope everyone is doing great!!!:D

[NYC Russ]

Other than the recovery period from having them taken out, you won't even know they're gone.

[Fish]

White blood cells are formed in the bone marrow, not the lymph nodes, so your white cell count won't be affected.

I had an RPLND 20 years ago and have not had any more infections than the average person.

The immune system had a lot of redundancy built in. I agree with Russ, you won't notice they're gone.

Best wishes.

[DC142]

Thanks for the replies. I know that during infections, white blood cells rush to the lymph nodes and prepare to attack the infection (like when you get a sore throat and your lymph nodes swell). I just wasnt sure if the retroperitieal lymph nodes were missing, if that would affect my body's response.

[Already Bald]

I think it is a good question/topic.
I've wondered it myself, although I have not bothered to research it.
I did ask Dr. Sheinfeld about it, I don't really remember his response- but I know he wasn't concerened.

Thanks for posting,
Joe

[MRMRSU]

Hey Dan...posed this same question to Andy's oncologist and to his surgeon. Neither one was concerned that removal of the lymph nodes would make him any more susceptible to infections. It has not been an issue (now, 18 months post-RPLND).

[NicksGirlfriend]

My oncologist informed me that it does not have any effect on the body / the immune system. He actually also informed me that (something along the lines of), new research has actually shown through medical imaging that to a degree, the lymph nodes regenerate.

-Nick

[Jay68442]

I had my RPLND over 20 years ago and it has not affected my life at all. The scar is the only noticeable reminder that I even had it done.

[DC142]

Thanks Guys!!! I was wondering about it since i was Dx and started to research...I am very relieved that there are no strings attached in case of having the lymph nodes removed. I see Dr. Feldman at Sloan on Oct 30th, i will ask the same question and post the answer for clarity.:D

[DC142]

I spoke with Dr. Feldman yesterday and he informed me that there are no known side effects that have been noted for not having the retroperiteneal lymph nodes. The only problems could arise from the RPLND itself.

[MRMRSU]

Thanks for the post Dan...it's good to see another confirmation that there are no effects to the immune system on removed lymph nodes. As for complications with RPLND, my husband and I know those all too well!