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A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member asked a question 💭
Boston, MA

I am Ned with Hgsoc stage 3c for over 2 years. Lymph node near collarbone is swollen, but tender and soft. I did have Covid and flu shots a few days ago. Thoughts

September 27
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A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Hi Faith,

It’s probably an immune response but since you were dx HGSC 3C, I would have my oncologist evaluate. Hope you have a good week, thinking of you, Kaye🥰

September 28
A MyOvarianCancerTeam Member

Typically if it's painful that's hopefully more inflammatory (ca usually painless). Any others? I'd certainly mention it to your team but with COVID etc and tenderness I'd lean more to that being the cause. Of course we worry about anything new to us after our diagnosis...and always will! Best, Carrie

September 27
MyOvarianCancerTeam

First, two years NED with high-grade serous carcinoma stage 3C is a real achievement — that's worth acknowledging! 🎉

The good news is that a tender, soft swollen lymph node near the collarbone after recent vaccinations is actually a very common and expected immune response. Your body is doing exactly what it should — Show Full Answer

First, two years NED with high-grade serous carcinoma stage 3C is a real achievement — that's worth acknowledging! 🎉

The good news is that a tender, soft swollen lymph node near the collarbone after recent vaccinations is actually a very common and expected immune response. Your body is doing exactly what it should — reacting to the vaccines by activating nearby lymph nodes. That said, given your history with HGSOC, it's always worth keeping a close eye on any lymph node changes. Here's what to watch for:

- Does it go down? Vaccine-related swelling typically resolves within a few weeks
- Is it getting harder or larger? That would warrant a quicker call to your oncologist
- Is the tenderness increasing? Persistent or worsening pain is worth reporting

The most important step is to let your oncologist know about it, especially given that high-grade serous carcinoma has a higher tendency to spread to lymph nodes. They may want to monitor it or do a quick check just to be safe.

Don't panic, but don't ignore it either — a quick call to your care team will give you the most personalized guidance.

September 27

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