When does swollen lymph nodes mean cancer?

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When having swollen lymph nodes, many people often think they may have cancer. However, swollen lymph nodes are more likely to be caused by an infection or another disease that affects the immune system. So when does swollen lymph nodes mean cancer?

1. Causes of swollen lymph nodes

Lymph nodes have a smooth, oval-shaped structure that closely resembles small beans. There are more than 600 lymph nodes in clusters, scattered throughout the body, most concentrated under the neck, armpits, groin, in the middle of the chest and abdomen. Lymph nodes are responsible for storing immune cells, which act as a filter to remove germs, dead cells, and other waste from the body.
Swollen lymph nodes are a sign that this system is working too hard. Many immune cells and waste products may have gathered, causing the lymph nodes to swell and become painful. Swelling is usually caused by some form of infection, but can also be caused by another condition, like rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, or cancer (rare).

Usually, swollen lymph nodes are close to the problem organ. For example, when you have strep throat, the lymph nodes in your neck may become swollen. Women with breast cancer often have swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. When multiple lymph nodes are swollen at the same time, the problem is present all over the body. Such as chickenpox, HIV or leukemia, lymphoma.
SEE ALSO: Why do you have swollen lymph nodes?

2. When should swollen lymph nodes see a doctor?

If you have a cold, a toothache or an open wound that won't heal, the lymph nodes will also swell and go away on their own after a while. In case you cannot explain why you have swollen lymph nodes, it is best to see a doctor for an examination.
Signs that the lymph nodes have become abnormal include:
Are 1.3 cm or more in size; Hard or rubbery to the touch; Movable; The outer skin is red, irritated and warm; Swelling does not go away after a few weeks. You should also see your doctor if you have other symptoms such as:
Difficulty breathing or swallowing; Night sweats; Continuous fever; Weight loss for no apparent reason; Tired.

3. Diagnose the cause of swollen lymph nodes

3.1. Ask for medical history

First, the doctor will try to rule out causes other than cancer. You will be given a physical examination, physical examination and asked about possible risks of swollen lymph nodes, such as:
Being scratched by a cat; Bitten by a tick; Eat undercooked meat; Having unprotected sex; Sharing non-sterile needles; Travel to certain areas. Your doctor will also want to know what medications you're taking and all your other symptoms to find out what's causing the changes in your body.

3.2. When is swollen lymph node a cancer risk?

In people over 40 years old, if the swollen lymph nodes are located near the collarbone or the lower part of the neck, it is more likely to be a sign of cancer. Swollen lymph nodes on the right side involve the lungs and esophagus, on the left indicate problems with organs in the abdomen. Axillary lymph node pain but not accompanied by a rash or sores on the arm is also a sign of cancer.

3.3. Some tests to diagnose swollen lymph nodes

Imaging If your doctor thinks your swollen lymph nodes may be due to cancer, you will have tests and imaging tests to confirm. Depending on the location of the tumor, the doctor will order a chest X-ray, ultrasound, CT scan, or MRI. Positron emission tomography (FDG-PET) scanners are also capable of finding lymphoma and other cancers.
Complete blood count (CBC) When only a few nodes are swollen, a complete blood count (CBC) is usually ordered. This test shows your general health, as well as more detailed information about white blood cells that fight infection. Depending on your other symptoms and medical history, your doctor may also recommend additional blood tests or X-rays.
Lymph node biopsy If all of the above tests do not help find the cause of swollen lymph nodes, and the lymph nodes do not heal after 3-4 weeks, the doctor may do a biopsy. This is a procedure where a sample of tissue or the entire node is taken with a specialized needle. The biopsy lymph node sample is then sent to a laboratory for a specialist to examine under a microscope, detecting cancer cells if present. Because swelling usually goes away on its own or another cause becomes apparent over time, doctors often delay and don't order a biopsy unless absolutely necessary.
Other tests When you have swollen lymph nodes throughout your body, your doctor will order a complete blood count, chest X-ray, and HIV test. If there are still no abnormalities, additional tests may be required, such as for tuberculosis or syphilis, an antinuclear antibody test (which checks for the immune system), or a heterozygosity test (for the virus). Epstein-Barr). Finally, the biopsy of the node node appears to be the most abnormal.

4. What is Lymphoma?

There are 2 cases, that is, cancer starts in the lymph nodes (called lymphomas but is rarer) or cancer cells start elsewhere, then travel through the bloodstream and stay in the lymph nodes. Lymphoma has many symptoms, from painless swelling that develops slowly over a long period of time, to swelling that grows rapidly over a few days or weeks.
Based on the origin of the cancer cells and the distance to the swollen nodes, the doctor will recommend an appropriate treatment plan. Cancer patients may receive surgery, radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of treatments.
Monitoring the status of the lymph nodes is important when diagnosing the disease. Hot or swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of problems ranging from as mild as a sore throat to as dangerous as cancer. For cancer patients, the extent and location of swollen lymph nodes can be used to determine the stage of the disease.

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Reference source: webmd.com