Can we identify benign or malignant lymph nodes?

This article is expertly advised by Dr. Le Tan Dat - Internal Medicine Oncologist - Oncology Center - Vinmec Central Park International General Hospital

If you suddenly notice lymph nodes in your body, try not to worry too much. First, it's important to visit a doctor who can examine and diagnose whether the lymph nodes are benign or malignant. Based on the diagnosis, you can then determine a suitable treatment method.

1. What are lymph nodes?

In addition to the arteriovenous circulatory system, the body has a lymphatic system, which includes lymph vessels and lymph nodes.

Lymphatic vessels have thin walls and are responsible for transporting fluid throughout the body. Lymph glands are responsible for filtering lymph fluid and circulating in the body through lymph vessels.

2. What are swollen lymph nodes?

Swollen lymph nodes are a condition in which lymph nodes appear on the body. The cause is due to infection in the body or lymph nodes, reactive lymphadenitis, or microorganisms spreading through the lymphatic system from the original infection site.

Lymph nodes play a vital role in the immune system and are distributed throughout the body. Superficial lymph nodes are located just beneath the skin and are concentrated in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groin, and there are lymph nodes found in the abdominal and chest cavities. These lymph nodes can be either round or flat in shape and may feel movable or sliding when touched; however, some lymph nodes can be fixed in place. The lymph nodes that are easiest to feel are those located in the neck, groin, and armpits.

Lymph nodes have the following tasks:

• "Retain", destroys germs, viruses, and cancer cells that enter the body;
• Through the process of producing antibodies, it helps destroy bacteria, viruses, and foreign cells and create the immune process.

3. Where in the body do lymph nodes usually appear?

Lymph nodes can grow anywhere on the body, of which the most common locations are:

• Back of the head, front, and behind the ears;
• Neck;
• Under the jaw, chin, face, above the collarbone;
• Cervical anterior and posterior;
• Above the collarbone, below the elbow;
• Behind the knee;
• Groin, armpit.

SEE MORE: Why do you have swollen lymph nodes in your neck?
Common locations for lymphadenopathy

4. Symptoms accompanying swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can be associated with several symptoms, including: 

• Prolonged fever
• Unexplained weight loss
• General fatigue
• Night sweats
• Persistent sore throat, difficulty swallowing

These symptoms often occur when lymph nodes become enlarged. However, the presence of these symptoms alone is not sufficient to determine whether a lymph node is benign or malignant.

5. How to recognize benign and malignant lymph nodes

 Lympho nodes appearing on the body can be benign or malignant. The most accurate way to detect whether a tumor is benign or malignant is to see a doctor for an examination. If necessary, the doctor may order a biopsy to take fluid from the lymph node for examination.

Some signs to distinguish benign or malignant lymph nodes:

5.1. Size

Benign lymph node growth due to infection: 

• Typically, benign lymph nodes are smaller than 1 cm and have a flat, oval shape. However, in cases of lymph node growth caused by tuberculosis bacteria (known as tuberculous lymphadenitis), the size may be larger. 

Malignant Lymph Nodes:

• Malignant lymph nodes are usually 25 mm or larger. Even if a lymph node is about 1 cm in size, it is often spherical rather than oval. These lymph nodes are hard, painless, and tend to increase in size rapidly. The larger the lymph node, the more likely it is to be malignant.

5.2 Quantity and Location 

Benign lymph nodes:

• Typically, only a few small lymph nodes are present in one area of the body. However, in cases of lymphadenopathy caused by tuberculosis bacteria, multiple lymph nodes may be present in the neck.

Malignant lymph nodes:

• The presence of numerous lymph nodes in various locations across the body indicates a higher risk of malignancy.

5.3. Boundary between the lymph node mass and surrounding structures

Benign lymph nodes:

• The lymph node is located in a clear area and moves with the surrounding tissue when touched.

Malignant lymph nodes:

• When lymph nodes are small, they are also located in a clear area, moving with surrounding tissues. However, after a short time, when the lymph nodes develop more, they will be hard and fixed, not moving like benign lymph nodes. The cause is that malignant lymph nodes have infected surrounding tissue.

5.4. Nature 

Benign lymph nodes:

• Usually tender to the touch. 

Malignant lymph nodes:

• Typically hard and very firm.
   

5.5. Time Progression 

Benign Lymph Nodes:

• Typically do not progress further. 

Malignant Lymph Nodes: 

• Malignant lymph nodes tend to grow larger, and additional lymph nodes may also become involved. Accurately distinguishing between benign and malignant lymph nodes can be challenging. If the lymph nodes are benign, they may require only medical treatment and could disappear after a few weeks. If they are enlarged, minor surgery may be necessary.

However, when lymph nodes appear on the body, you should go to the hospital to be examined and get the most accurate advice from a doctor. International General Hospital is not only equipped with modern medical equipment and facilities according to international standards but also has a team of highly qualified doctors and nurses to help diagnose and treat quickly and effectively. , bringing comfort to patients. If you need consultation and examination at Vinmec Hospitals in the health system nationwide, please schedule an appointment on the website to be served.

Please dial HOTLINE for more information or register for an appointment HERE. Download MyVinmec app to make appointments faster and to manage your bookings easily.