What are Lymph Nodes?
For many people, the thought of lymphoma conjures up images of swollen lymph nodes. But is that always the case? Do lymph nodes always grow?
The short answer is no. In fact, up to 50% of people with lymphoma have no detectable nodules in their lymph nodes when they are first examined. So if you have never had a checkup for your lymph nodes, now’s the time to do so.
This is especially important if you have any symptoms or signs of lymphoma, since early diagnosis and treatment is the key to success.
Check out our blog post for more information on how to find and examine your lymph nodes.
How do Lymph Nodes Work?
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped organs located near the lymphatic system. They are important because they play a role in the immune system by collecting and filtering lymph fluid. Lymph nodes can also produce antibodies to fight infection.
Most people have about 16 to 20 lymph nodes scattered throughout their body. If you have lymphoma, your lymph nodes may grow significantly. This is because cancer cells feed on the body’s own blood and tissues, and as a result, your lymph nodes may become swollen and filled with cancerous cells.
If you have lymphoma, it is important to check your lymph nodes regularly. Your doctor or oncologist will be able to determine how extensive the cancer is and whether or not treatment is necessary.
Lymph nodes are the spongy sacs in your body that help contain and fight infection. They also help lymph fluid flow around your body. Lymph nodes grow and shrink in response to different things happening in your body. For example, lymph nodes may grow if you have an infection, or they may shrink if you are getting chemotherapy or radiation treatment for cancer.
What are the Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that originates in the lymph nodes. There are many signs and symptoms of lymphoma, but some of the most common include: swelling in the neck, arm, or stomach; weight loss; fever; night sweats; an irregular white blood cell count; and pain in the chest, neck, or jaw. If you have any of these symptoms, talk to your doctor.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes. It can be difficult to tell if a person has lymphoma, as the signs and symptoms can vary from person to person. However, some common signs and symptoms of lymphoma include: Swelling in the neck, head, arms, or abdomen
A feeling of heaviness or pressure in the chest
A lump in the breast, arm, stomach, or groin
A fever
Nausea and vomiting
Rash on the skin
If you have lymphoma, your lymph nodes may grow. This can be a sign that the cancer is progressing. The size and shape of your lymph nodes may also change over time.
How do you Diagnose Lymphoma?
If you have lymphoma, your lymph nodes may grow. Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph nodes, which are small organs near your spine. The goal of treatment is to kill the cancer cells and shrink or remove the lymph nodes so they cannot spread the disease.
Your doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history. He or she will also take a physical exam to check for other signs of illness. To check for lymphoma, your doctor may:
ultrasound your lymph nodes using sound waves from a machine that looks like an ultrasound scanner;
measure how much fluid is present in your nodes using a jugular vein aspiration (a procedure in which a needle is inserted into a vein near the neck and blood is drawn to measure how much liquid is present ); or
perform a biopsy (removing a small piece of tissue for examination).
If you have lymphoma, your doctor will ask to see a sample of your lymph node tissue. Lymph nodes are small organs in the body that help collect infection and cancerous cells. If your lymph nodes grow abnormally, this can be an indication of the cancer.
Treatment Options for Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a network of vessels that carries waste away from the body. Lymph nodes are small glands in the body that filter and collect lymph fluid. If lymphoma is in the lungs, it may also spread to the nodes in the neck or chest.
There are many treatment options for lymphoma, but each person’s situation is different. Some people may need surgery to remove their lymph nodes, while others may only need chemotherapy or radiation therapy. Treatment options depend on the stage of the cancer and how widespread it is.
Most people who have lymphoma will survive if they get treatment soon after they notice symptoms. However, some people do not respond well to treatment and die from lymphoma. There is no cure for lymphoma, but treatments can help people live longer and healthier lives.
There are several different types of lymphoma and each has a unique treatment approach. The most common type, called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, affects the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are small collections of cells that help filter out infection and other particles from the blood. If you have lymphoma, your lymph nodes may grow or spread in size.
If your lymph nodes are growing or spreading, you will likely need to have them removed as part of your treatment plan. You may also need radiation therapy or chemotherapy to treat your lymphoma.
There are many different types of lymphoma, and each one has a different treatment plan. For example, some lymphomas can be treated Mixing Antidiarrheal Medications with Alcohol: Hidden Dangers You Must Know radiation therapy or chemotherapy. Other treatments may involve surgery to remove the lymph nodes that contain the cancerous cells.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on the type of lymphoma you have and your symptoms. Treatment options may include:
Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy is often used to treat large tumors in the body, such as cancerous lymph nodes. Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to kill or damage the cancerous cells.
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a type of treatment that uses drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given through intravenous (into a vein) or oral (by mouth) routes. Some chemotherapy drugs are prescribed as single treatments, while others are given in cycles over several weeks or months.
Surgery: Surgery may be needed to remove the lymph nodes that contain the cancerous cells. The surgeon will use video imaging technology to guide the surgery so that as few surrounding healthy tissues are damaged as possible.
Conclusion
If you have lymphoma, your lymph nodes may grow. This is a normal part of the cancer process and does not indicate that you have an increased risk of dying from lymphoma.
