What are lymph nodes and their role in the immune system. How can swollen lymph nodes be related to cancer. When should you seek medical attention for swollen lymph nodes. What are the signs and symptoms to watch for in your lymph nodes. How do oncologists evaluate lymph nodes for cancer.

Understanding Lymph Nodes and Their Function

Lymph nodes, also known as lymph glands, play a crucial role in our immune system. These small structures, varying in size from a pinhead to an inch across, are responsible for filtering lymph fluid that drains from cells and tissues throughout the body. Clustered in various locations, including the sides of the jaws, neck, upper chest, under the arms, and groin, lymph nodes act as defensive outposts against harmful invaders.

When your body detects pathogens or abnormal cells, lymph nodes may become enlarged or sensitive to touch. This swelling is often referred to as “swollen glands” and is a sign that your immune system is actively working to protect you. However, in some cases, swollen lymph nodes can also indicate more serious conditions, including certain types of cancer.

The Link Between Lymph Nodes and Cancer

Cancer can manifest in lymph nodes through two primary pathways:

1. Spreading from another part of the body to the lymph nodes
2. Originating within the lymph nodes themselves

Cancer Spreading to Lymph Nodes

When cancer cells break away from their original site, they can travel through the lymphatic system and settle in nearby lymph nodes. This process is known as metastasis. For instance, in breast cancer cases, malignant cells may migrate to the lymph nodes in the armpit region. Oncologists refer to this as regional spread, which is an essential factor in determining the cancer’s stage and appropriate treatment options.

Cancer Originating in Lymph Nodes

Cancer that begins in the lymph system cells is called lymphoma. As lymph tissue is present throughout the body, lymphoma can develop almost anywhere. There are two main types of lymphoma:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Both types of lymphoma can be treated effectively, especially when detected early. Even advanced stages of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be managed successfully with modern treatment approaches.

Recognizing Signs and Symptoms of Swollen Lymph Nodes

While swollen lymph nodes can be caused by common illnesses like colds or strep throat, persistent swelling or other unusual symptoms may warrant medical attention. Here are some signs to watch for:

• Lymph nodes that are hard to the touch or sensitive
• Unexplained fatigue
• Night sweats
• Fever unrelated to known infections
• Unexpected weight loss
• Coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Frequent or severe infections
• Feeling full after eating small amounts of food

If you experience any of these symptoms alongside swollen lymph nodes, it’s crucial to consult your healthcare provider promptly. Your primary care physician or gynecologist can conduct an initial evaluation and determine if further testing is necessary.

When to Seek Medical Attention for Swollen Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes don’t always indicate a serious condition. However, it’s important to know when to consult a healthcare professional. Consider seeking medical attention if:

• The swelling persists for more than two weeks
• The lymph nodes continue to enlarge or become painful
• You experience unexplained weight loss, night sweats, or fever
• The swollen area becomes red or inflamed
• You have difficulty swallowing or breathing

During your appointment, be prepared to discuss any recent illnesses or infections, as these can cause temporary lymph node swelling. Remember that it may take some time for lymph nodes to return to their normal size even after an infection has cleared.

The Role of Oncologists in Evaluating Lymph Nodes for Cancer

If cancer is suspected or already diagnosed, an oncologist will conduct a thorough evaluation of your lymph nodes. This process typically involves several steps:

Physical Examination

The oncologist will first palpate the lymph nodes closest to the skin’s surface, checking for soreness, swelling, or any abnormalities.

Imaging Studies

To detect any internal enlargement, the oncologist may order imaging tests such as:

• MRI (Magnetic Resonance Imaging)
• Ultrasound
• CT (Computed Tomography) scan

Lymph Node Biopsy

If imaging studies reveal swelling or other concerning features, a biopsy is often the next step. This procedure involves removing a small sample of tissue from the affected lymph node for microscopic examination. The biopsy may be performed during cancer surgery or as a separate procedure.

In some cases, a technique called sentinel lymph node biopsy is used. This involves injecting a small amount of dye near the tumor site to identify the closest lymph node, which is then removed for testing.

Pathological Analysis

A pathologist examines the biopsied tissue under a microscope to determine if cancer cells are present. The resulting report provides crucial information about the presence or absence of cancer in the lymph nodes, which helps guide treatment decisions.

The Impact of Lymph Node Involvement on Cancer Staging and Treatment

The presence or absence of cancer cells in lymph nodes plays a significant role in determining the stage of cancer and subsequent treatment plans. Here’s how lymph node involvement affects cancer management:

Cancer Staging

Lymph node status is a key component of the TNM staging system used for many cancers:

• T: Tumor size and extent
• N: Lymph Node involvement
• M: Presence of distant Metastasis

The extent of lymph node involvement can significantly impact the overall stage of cancer, which ranges from Stage I (early, localized cancer) to Stage IV (advanced, metastatic cancer).

Treatment Planning

The presence of cancer in lymph nodes often indicates a need for more aggressive treatment. This may include:

• More extensive surgery to remove affected lymph nodes
• Adjuvant therapy (additional treatment after surgery) such as chemotherapy or radiation
• Targeted therapies or immunotherapies, depending on the cancer type and characteristics

For example, in breast cancer, positive lymph nodes may necessitate axillary lymph node dissection and influence decisions about systemic treatments.

Advances in Lymph Node Assessment and Cancer Treatment

Recent years have seen significant progress in techniques for evaluating lymph nodes and treating cancer that has spread to the lymphatic system. Some notable advancements include:

Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy

This technique allows surgeons to identify and remove only the first lymph node(s) where cancer is likely to spread, reducing the need for extensive lymph node dissection and associated complications.

Molecular Testing

Advanced molecular diagnostics can detect minute traces of cancer cells in lymph nodes, improving the accuracy of staging and treatment decisions.

Immunotherapy

Innovative immunotherapies, such as checkpoint inhibitors, have shown promise in treating lymphomas and other cancers that involve the lymphatic system.

Targeted Therapies

Drugs that target specific genetic mutations or proteins associated with cancer can offer more personalized and effective treatments for lymph node-positive cancers.

Radiation Techniques

Precise radiation delivery methods, like intensity-modulated radiation therapy (IMRT), can target affected lymph nodes while minimizing damage to surrounding healthy tissue.

These advancements have significantly improved outcomes for many patients with lymph node-involved cancers, offering more tailored and effective treatment options.

Living with Lymph Node-Positive Cancer: Coping Strategies and Support

A diagnosis of cancer that has spread to lymph nodes can be challenging, but there are many ways to cope and find support:

Education and Communication

Learn as much as you can about your specific diagnosis and treatment options. Don’t hesitate to ask your healthcare team questions and seek clarification when needed.

Emotional Support

Consider joining support groups or seeking counseling to help manage the emotional impact of your diagnosis. Connecting with others who have similar experiences can be incredibly valuable.

Lifestyle Modifications

Adopting a healthy lifestyle can support your treatment and overall well-being. This may include:

• Maintaining a balanced diet
• Engaging in regular physical activity as approved by your doctor
• Practicing stress-reduction techniques like meditation or yoga
• Getting adequate rest and sleep

Lymphedema Management

If lymph node removal or radiation has led to lymphedema (swelling due to lymph fluid buildup), work with a lymphedema specialist to manage symptoms and prevent complications.

Follow-up Care

Adhere to your recommended follow-up schedule and be vigilant about reporting any new symptoms or concerns to your healthcare team.

Remember that many people with lymph node-positive cancer go on to lead full and productive lives. Stay informed, engaged in your care, and don’t hesitate to lean on your support system throughout your journey.

Preventing Lymph Node Problems and Maintaining Lymphatic Health

While not all lymph node issues can be prevented, there are steps you can take to support your lymphatic system and overall health:

Regular Exercise

Physical activity helps stimulate lymph flow and supports immune function. Aim for at least 150 minutes of moderate exercise per week.

Hydration

Drinking plenty of water helps maintain proper lymph fluid balance and supports the lymphatic system’s cleansing function.

Healthy Diet

A balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains provides essential nutrients that support immune health and lymphatic function.

Stress Management

Chronic stress can weaken the immune system. Practice stress-reduction techniques like deep breathing, meditation, or engaging in hobbies you enjoy.

Avoid Toxins

Limit exposure to environmental toxins by choosing natural cleaning products, avoiding tobacco smoke, and being mindful of pollutants in your environment.

Skin Care

Practice good skin hygiene to prevent infections that could lead to lymph node swelling. This includes proper wound care and avoiding cuts or scrapes when possible.

Regular Check-ups

Stay up-to-date with recommended health screenings and vaccinations to catch any potential issues early.

By incorporating these habits into your daily life, you can support your lymphatic system’s health and potentially reduce the risk of lymph node-related problems.

Swollen Lymph Nodes: Are They a Sign of Cancer?

Lymph nodes (also called lymph glands) are an important part of your immune system. These small structures filter lymph fluid that drains from your cells and tissues. Some lymph nodes are as big as an inch across, while others are as small as a pinhead. They’re located throughout your body, with clusters located at the sides of your jaws, in the neck, upper chest, under your arms, and in your groin on either side of the pubic bone. 

If you’ve ever been sick and noticed “swollen glands” in your neck, those are your lymph nodes working hard to defend your immune system from the bacteria and viruses that your lymph system has detected. They can also become enlarged or sensitive to the touch when your body is detecting a condition such as cancer, including lymphoma, leukemia, breast cancer, colon cancer, and others.

The Connection Between Lymph Nodes and Cancer

Cancer can appear in lymph nodes in two ways:

1. It can spread to the lymph nodes from somewhere else  
2. It can start in the lymph nodes

Lymph Node Involvement When Cancer Starts Outside of the Lymph System

Because lymph fluid carries cells around the body, it can sometimes carry cancer cells from their starting point to other areas of the body. For example, if the diagnosis is breast cancer, then the breast cancer cells may have traveled to the lymph system. 

If the oncologist determines that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes from another starting point, this is considered regional spread. Lymph node involvement is a part of determining the stage of cancer and the treatments that will be needed. Learn more about the role of lymph nodes in breast cancer.

Cancer that Starts in the Lymph System

Cancer that starts in the cells of the lymph system is called lymphoma. Lymphoma is considered a type of blood cancer that can begin almost anywhere since lymph tissue is found throughout the body. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both of these types of cancer can be successfully treated, especially when caught early. But even Stage III-IV non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas can be treated very effectively with today’s advances in lymphoma treatments. 

Signs to Watch for in Your Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes can be attributed to many things, including a cold or strep throat. If you aren’t experiencing an obvious illness, you should schedule an appointment with your physician if you notice your lymph nodes are swollen, hard to the touch, or sensitive. When any of the following symptoms accompany swollen lymph nodes, be sure you tell your doctor during your appointment: 

• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Fever that isn’t related to a virus or known bacterial infection
• Unexpected weight loss
• Coughing, chest pain, or shortness of breath
• Easy bruising or bleeding
• Abdominal pain or swelling
• Frequent or severe infections
• Feeling full after eating just a small amount of food

Be sure you don’t delay in having your lymph nodes evaluated by a medical professional if you notice something abnormal. It’s a good idea to start with your primary care physician or gynecologist for further evaluation.  

The healthcare professional is likely to ask you questions about whether you’ve recently had an upper respiratory infection, strep throat, any skin infections, or other conditions that could cause lymph nodes to stay swollen for a little while. The swelling is caused by more blood cells coming to fight off an infection or foreign bodies. Even if you don’t have a current infection, let them know about anything in the past few months. It can sometimes take a while for the lymph nodes to return to their normal size.

Your primary care doctor will oversee the tests that are needed to determine if cancer is present. If it is, you’ll need to be treated by a cancer specialist, called an oncologist.

How Does the Oncologist Evaluate Lymph Nodes for Cancer?

If cancer is suspected or you have already been diagnosed, your oncologist will first feel the lymph nodes closest to the surface of the skin to check for soreness or swelling. For this reason, there may be an MRI, ultrasound, or CAT scan used to spot any enlargement. If the scans show signs of swelling, a biopsy is most likely the next step.

A lymph node biopsy is the final say on whether cancer cells are present in the lymph system. This may be done during surgery to remove the cancer, although sometimes it’s done in a separate procedure. A small amount of dye is placed at the site of the tumor to see which lymph node is closest. That lymphoma node, called the sentinel lymph node, may be removed for testing. The removed tissue is looked at under the microscope by a pathologist to find out if there are cancer cells in it. Once analyzed, the pathologist prepares a report noting whether there are any signs of cancer. If a node has cancer, the report describes it in detail.

The Latest in Cancer Care in the Portland-Vancouver Area

The cancer treatment centers of Compass Oncology offer advanced, personalized treatment options and expert guidance from board-certified oncologists. If you have received a cancer diagnosis, request an appointment with one of our oncologists. We’re also available to provide second opinions on a cancer diagnosis and treatment recommendation.

Neck Masses and Swollen Glands – Cadillac, MI

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Do you have a sore throat, headache, and fatigue? It is possible that you could have swollen lymph nodes, also called “swollen glands.” Typically, if your glands are swollen, it is an indication that your body is fighting an infection or some other type of illness. This could be an indication of something more serious as cancer.

Purpose of Lymph Nodes

Helping your body battle infections and other diseases, lymph nodes are bean-shaped, small masses of tissue components of a large lymphatic system. When lymphatic fluid moves through your body, lymphocytes (immune cells) within the lymph glands trap viruses, bacteria and other possibly harmful substances and destroy them. This helps keep these pathogens from spreading any further.

Locations

No doubt, you are already aware of the lymph nodes found in your neck. However, you actually have hundreds of lymph nodes located throughout your entire body. Your tonsils are also classified as lymph tissues. Sometimes, they can become swollen and inflamed to fight illnesses like tonsillitis. This condition is most common in children, but adults can also contract it. Other areas of the body where you might feel swollen lymph nodes include:

• Behind your ears
• Under your jaw
• The lower part of the back of your head
• Your armpits
• Your groin area

Symptoms and Signs

Under normal circumstances, you should not be able to feel your glands. Normally, they are approximately one half inch in diameter. However, when you or your child fights off an illness, these glands may swell to double or triple their regular size. At this point, they can be felt very easily. Additional signs and symptoms of swollen glands include:

• Pain or tenderness when pressure is applied
• Sore throat, fever and or sores in the mouth
• Warm, red and swollen skin over the gland
• Glands that feel “lumpy”

Causes and Concerns

Soft, tender and moveable swollen glands are typically signs of an inflammation or infection. Lymph nodes that are painless, feel hard to the touch, and resist movement need further examination by a head and neck specialist, as they could be warning signs of more serious conditions. The most common causes of swollen glands include:

• Bacterial infections including strep throat
• Infected teeth or mouth sores
• Viral infections including mononucleosis, also known as “mono”
• Skin infections
• Ear infections
• Sexually transmitted diseases, also known as STDs
• Cancers like Hodgkin’s disease, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, leukemia and breast cancer
• Immunodeficiency conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis (RA), lupus and HIV infections
• Possible side effects from vaccines or other types of medications

Solutions and Options

After the illness has been treated and you feel better overall, your lymph nodes should shrink back to normal. Treatment of your swollen glands tends to be cause-dependent. The following home remedies can prove to be helpful in reducing the pain and discomfort you are experiencing:

• Non-prescription pain relievers: Tylenol (acetaminophen), and anti-inflammatory medications like Advil (ibuprofen), reduce the swelling and inflammation. However, do not ever administer aspirin to a child, as there is a significant risk for Reye’s syndrome.
• Warm, wet compresses: Apply to the affected areas for soothing effect.
• Rest: Make sure to get lots of rest, as this helps your body recover from illness.

When to see a Doctor

There are some symptoms and indications that your swollen glands require treatment from a healthcare professional. Additional treatment may be required if swollen glands are accompanied by:

• A high fever (more than 104 degrees F)
• Breathing difficulties
• Problems swallowing
• Night sweats
• Unexplained loss of weight
• Reddened skin over top of the swollen lymph nodes
• Large swollen nodes that are very tender, hard to the touch and do not reduce in size

Summary

The majority of cases of swollen glands are no cause for great concern. They usually go away with basic treatment at home. However, the more serious symptoms mentioned above should never be ignored. If you are experiencing persistent or problematic swollen glands, contact our office for an appointment. One of our competent head and neck specialists can offer you a solution and treatment.

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Sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, weakness. How to determine angina and how to treat it?

Angina (scientifically, streptococcal tonsillitis) is an infectious disease. Patients with angina have a sore throat, fever and symptoms of intoxication.

What causes a sore throat, how it is treated and how to alleviate the symptoms – All Pharmacies figured it out.

What causes angina and how not to catch it?

The causative agent of angina is a bacterium – hemolytic streptococcus group A. Infection occurs by airborne droplets through contact with a sick person.

Oddly enough, all the measures that are advised during the coronavirus epidemic, such as social distancing, masks and frequent handwashing, will help to avoid getting a sore throat.

How do you know if you have a sore throat?

If you do get an infection, the disease can be identified by the symptoms:

• swollen lymph nodes;
• sore and reddened throat;
• feeling worse;
• weakness appeared;
• temperature increased;
• heart beat faster;
• Oropharyngeal mucosa is swollen.

What to do if you suspect you have a sore throat?

See an otolaryngologist (ENT specialist). He will examine you and already at the first appointment will confirm or refute your fears and prescribe treatment, if necessary.

How is angina treated?

To cure a sore throat, it is necessary to eliminate the causative agent of the disease – the same bacterium – group A hemolytic streptococcus. Such therapy is prescribed only after a thorough examination, and drugs for treatment are prescribed strictly according to the prescription.

Do not self-medicate! Incorrect use of antibiotics can form resistance – when bacteria “get used” to antibiotics and stop responding to them.

How to relieve the symptoms?

You can try to reduce symptoms before starting treatment.

• Sore throat and redness can be reduced by using antimicrobials and topical antiseptics to treat sore throat.

• To relieve sore throat and inflammation in the oropharynx , you can also gargle.

• Herbal preparations may be used. For example, chamomile and calendula have anti-inflammatory properties :

• Antihistamines will cope with tissue swelling . However, remember that they can cause drowsiness, so it is better to take them at bedtime:

• If the temperature rises above 38 degrees0045, take an antipyretic. For example, paracetamol.

• At the same time antipyretic and anti-inflammatory effect m has a group of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory.

When you are sick, it is important to eat a balanced diet, avoid foods that are too cold or too hot, sweets, soda, and even citrus fruits (so that nothing irritates your throat).