Physicians Seeing Increased Cancer False Positives Due to Vaccine Side-Effect

Being a physician in the District in the 21st century means being on the front line of the most pressing public health issues in the world. In our small geographic boundaries, physicians help address issue found in every state all in one area. The issues are too lengthy to list on one webpage but physicians are on the front lines of addressing health issues for all District residents.

News, Statements, and Testimony on Health Equity Issues

25th Council session information coming soon.

Physicians Seeing Increased Cancer False Positives Due to Vaccine Side-Effect

Mar 2, 2021, 08:47 AM by MSDC Staff

Physicians need to be aware patients may have scans that show enlarged lymph nodes that are a natural reaction to the vaccine.

People receiving a COVID vaccine are showing enlarged lymph nodes, which may be mistaken for cancerous growth when it is nothing more than a temporary side effect.

A study published in the American Journal of Roentgenology notes that patients with auxiliary adenopathy identified on breast imaging after receiving a COVID vaccine are increasing. This phenomenon has been noted on social media by MSDC member Anjali Malik and others. While swelling is a normal side effect after being vaccinated in general, mammograms and chest scans can show white blobs that are easily confused for cancer.

According to the New York Times, enlarged lymph nodes are not listed as a side effect in FDA documentation for the Johnson & Johnson vaccine. The Moderna study showed 11.6% of patients reported swollen lymph nodes. The Pfizer had a low reported incidence but the Times notes radiologists believes incidents are higher than reported.

The Society of Breast Imaging makes a series of recommendations for helping patients navigate this situation including:

Physician offices should document patients' vaccine information on an intake form.
Offices should consider including a warning statement on forms about the impact of the COVID vaccine on the scan.
Physicians should consider scheduling a second scan 4-12 weeks post-visit.

For patients undergoing cancer treatment in one breast, the CDC recommends receiving the vaccine in the opposite arm or thigh to minimize false diagnosis.

Sample of Health Equity Legislation MSDC Tracked

Student Access to Treatment Amendment Act (B23-467)

What does it say? The bill allows for the administration of medicinal marijuana in schools as well as allows students to bring sunscreen to schools and apply it without a prescription.

MSDC position: MSDC supports the language permitting sunscreen application in schools

Current status: A win for DC physicians and public health! The legislation passed the Council in February and was signed by the Mayor. Previous temporary and emergency legislation permitted students to use sunscreen at schools this school year already.

Electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment Registry Amendment Act (B23-261)

What does it say? The bill requires DC Health to establish an electronic Medical Order for Scope of Treatment registry (eMOST).

MSDC position: MSDC supports this legislation to more easily allow patients to make their treatment orders known.

Current status: A win for the physician community and our patients! The Council passed the bill in December and the Mayor signed it into law on January 16, 2020.

Healthy Beverage Choices Amendment Act (B23-495)

What does it say? The bill would implement a 1.5 cent per ounce tax on the distribution of "sugary" beverages. The money collected from the tax would establish a Healthy People, Healthy Places Open Spaces Grant Program.

MSDC position: MSDC sent a letter to Council Chair Mendelson asking for a hearing to discuss all of the issues around a beverage tax.

Current status: The bill was introduced October 8, 2019 and referred to the Committee on Business and Economic Development and the Committee of the Whole.