When cancer cells begin in thelymph nodes,the cancer is known aslymphoma.
The lymphatic system collects fluid that is outside of the bloodstream throughout the body.
This clear fluid, known as lymph, can contain waste materials, bacteria, and viruses.
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It also carries oxygen and other nutrients to cells throughout the body.
Lymph can help fight infections, because it contains white blood cells known aslymphocytes.
The lymph nodes contain immune cells that attack the harmful material, preventing it from spreading around the body.
The swelling is called lymphadenopathy and is a result of the nodes trying to filter out harmful substances.
The cancers most commonly responsible for enlarged lymph nodes are lymphoma andleukemia.
Swollen lymph nodes are relatively common, however, and rarely mean cancer.
Types of Lymph Node Cancer
There are two possibilities for developing cancer in the lymph nodes.
Lymphoma
Lymphoma, the most common jot down of blood cancer, originates in the lymphocytes.
There are two broad classifications for lymphoma.
When they travel through the lymphatic system, they will come in contact with the nearest lymph node.
Fortunately, these cancer cells are usually destroyed before theyre able to start multiplying.
Sometimes they can attach to the lymph node and start replicating there.
Its possible to experience a fever, chills, sweating, and lack of energy.
The most common symptom of cancer in the lymph nodes islymphadenopathy.
Normal lymph nodes are too small to feel with your fingers.
On their own, none of these symptoms automatically mean cancer.
The more common cause are viral or bacterial infections such as strep throat ormononucleosis.
Dont hesitate to see your healthcare provider if you develop any new or worsening symptoms.
Diagnosis
The only way to diagnose cancer in a lymph node is with a biopsy.
Your healthcare provider will start by asking questions and performing a physical exam.
Your healthcare provider may remove an entire lymph node, which is called an excisional biopsy.
Removing a portion of the lymph node is called an incisional biopsy.
Once the sample is obtained, a pathologist examines the sample under a microscope.
A pathologist will evaluate the sample with flow cytometry or immunohistochemistry.
In these processes, the sample is treated with antibodies that bind to certain proteins.
Different types of lymphocytes have different proteins on their surfaces.
This can tell the pathologist if the cells are cancerous and which punch in of cancer is present.
Staging
The lymph nodes play a critical role in how cancer is staged.
Staging is needed to determine where your cancer is and how advanced it has become.
Treatment will depend largely on what stage your cancer has been classified as.
When there is no cancer in the lymph nodes, the N value is 0.
Usually, the lower the TNM stage, the easier the cancer should be to treat.
Each case is unique, however, and the stage does not necessarily determine the outcome.
Lymphoma Staging
For lymphoma staging, the Lugano classification is used.
Patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma may also require abone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, orCAR T-cell therapy.
Surgery is usually only used for diagnosis.
When a lymph node needs to be removed, it is usually done undergeneral anesthesia.
The lymph node, along with the surrounding lymphatic tissue and soft tissue, is removed and dissected.
One of the most common side effects of lymphadenectomy islymphedema.
Unfortunately, once a primary tumor has spread to the lymph nodes, it is more likely to recur.
Its helpful to remember that cancer is usually the least likely explanation.
An early cancer diagnosis almost always leads to better outcomes than a late one.
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