Cancer and lymph nodes
Lymph gland; Lymphadenopathy - cancer
Lymph nodes are part of the lymph system, a network of organs, nodes, ducts, and vessels that support the body's immune system.
Nodes are little filters throughout the body. The cells in lymph nodes help to destroy infection, such as from a virus, or harmful cells, such as cancer cells.
Cancer can spread to or start in lymph nodes.
Did you ever touch your neck and feel a bump on one or both sides? Usually, it’s just a swollen gland or lymph node that’s caused by a cold or other infection. But occasionally, swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, perhaps a cancer called Hodgkin lymphoma. These are your lymph nodes. You’ll find them not only on your neck, but in your armpits and groin too. They’re a part of your body’s normal defense system, which protects you against invading viruses and bacteria. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts inside the lymph nodes. What causes Hodgkin lymphoma isn’t known, but having the Epstein-Barr virus or HIV, may increase your risk. So, what are the signs of Hodgkin lymphoma? In addition to having swollen lymph nodes, you may feel tired and have no appetite. Some people wake up in the middle of the night soaked in sweat. That’s called night sweats. Remember, though, that these symptoms can occur with many different conditions. So if you have them, don’t panic. But do see your doctor, who can tell you for sure what’s causing your symptoms. If your doctor suspects that you have Hodgkin lymphoma, your doctor will probably cut and remove a small piece of tissue from your lymph node, called a biopsy, and the samples will be sent to a lab to look for cancer cells. If cancer is diagnosed, other tests are used to stage it, in other words, to see whether the disease has spread, and if so, how far it’s spread. That helps your doctor find the right treatment. If you have Hodgkin lymphoma, most often the treatment involves radiation therapy, chemotherapy, or a combination of both. People who don’t respond to these treatments sometimes need a bone marrow transplant. While you’re being treated for Hodgkin lymphoma, you may need other therapies to help you feel better. That might include antibiotics to fight an infection, or a blood transfusion to add red blood cells when they’re low. Getting diagnosed with any type of cancer can be difficult to hear. But, you should know that Hodgkin lymphoma is one of the most curable types of cancer. Even if the disease has spread, your chances of survival are very high. You can improve your odds by following the entire treatment plan. Once your lymphoma has been treated, you’ll need to see your doctor regularly for check-ups to make sure the cancer hasn’t returned, and to monitor for any side effects your treatment may have caused.
The lymphatic system filters fluid from around cells. It is an important part of the immune system. When people refer to swollen glands in the neck, they are usually referring to swollen lymph nodes. Common areas where lymph nodes can be easily felt, especially if they are enlarged, are the groin, armpits (axilla), above the clavicle (supraclavicular), in the neck (cervical), and the back of the head just above hairline (occipital).
How Cancer Gets in the Lymph Nodes
Cancer can start in the lymph nodes. This is called lymphoma. There are several types of lymphomas, such as Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Cancer cells can also spread to the lymph nodes from a cancer in any part of the body. This is called metastatic cancer. Cancer cells may leave a tumor in the body and travel to an area of lymph nodes. The cancer cells often travel to nodes near the tumor first.
How Cancer in Lymph Nodes is Found
Nodes swell as they work hard to fight cancer cells.
You or your health care provider may feel or see swollen lymph nodes if they are close to the surface of the skin, such as in the neck, groin, or underarms.
Keep in mind that many other things also can cause lymph nodes to swell. So having swollen lymph nodes does not mean you definitely have cancer.
When a provider suspects that cancer cells may be present in lymph nodes, certain tests may be performed to detect cancer, such as:
- Lymph node biopsy or removal
- B-cell leukemia/lymphoma panel on the lymph node
- Other imaging tests
What it Means When Cancer is Found
A node can have a small or large amount of cancer cells in it. There are hundreds of nodes throughout the body. Several clusters or only a few nodes may be affected. Nodes near or far from the primary tumor may be affected.
The location, amount of swelling, and number of nodes affected will often help determine the treatment plan. When cancer has spread to lymph nodes, it is in a more advanced stage.
The cancer in lymph nodes can be treated with:
- Surgery
- Chemotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Radiation
Removing Lymph Nodes
Surgical removal of lymph nodes is called lymphadenectomy. Surgery can help to get rid of the cancer before spreading further.
After nodes are removed, lymph fluid has fewer places to go. Sometimes back up of lymph fluid, or lymphedema, can occur.
When to Call the Doctor
Contact your provider if you have questions or concerns about swollen lymph nodes or your cancer treatment.
References
Hall JE, Hall ME. The microcirculation and lymphatic system: capillary fluid exchange, interstitial fluid, and lymph flow. In: Hall JE, Hall ME, eds. Guyton and Hall Textbook of Medical Physiology. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2021:chap 16.
Weiser R, Klimberg VS. Lymphatic mapping and sentinel lymphadenectomy. In: Cameron J, ed. Current Surgical Therapy. 14th ed. Philadelphia, PA: Elsevier; 2023:749-756.
Version Info
Last reviewed on: 8/21/2024
Reviewed by: Warren Brenner, MD, Oncologist, Lynn Cancer Institute, Boca Raton, FL. Review provided by VeriMed Healthcare Network. Also reviewed by David C. Dugdale, MD, Medical Director, Brenda Conaway, Editorial Director, and the A.D.A.M. Editorial team.
