lymph node cancer

Lymph Node Cancer: Understanding the Symptoms and Types

Lymph node cancer, also known as lymphoma, is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system plays a crucial role in our body's immune response, filtering out harmful substances and fighting off infections.

Common Symptoms of Lymph Node Cancer

• Swollen Lymph Nodes: One or more lymph nodes become swollen or feel hard, usually in the neck, armpits, or groin area. This is often painless and can persist for several weeks.
• Persistent Fatigue: Feeling extremely tired or weak, even after getting enough rest.
• Unexplained Weight Loss and Fever: Losing weight without trying to, accompanied by a high temperature.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two main types of lymphoma:

1. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This is the most common type of lymphoma, accounting for about 85% of all cases.
2. Hodgkin Lymphoma: A less common type of lymphoma that affects the immune system.

Other Key Facts

• Lymphoma can start in the lymph nodes or spread to them from other parts of the body.
• The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin area.
• Early detection and treatment are crucial for improving survival rates.

References

• [1] Aug 25, 2023 — The lymph (or lymphatic) system is a part of your body's immune system. Learn how cancer can begin in or spread to the lymph nodes.
• [2] Cancer can start in the lymph nodes. This is called lymphoma. There are several types of lymphomas, such as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Cancer cells ...
• [3] What are common lymphoma symptoms? · Painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin that doesn't go away within a few weeks.
• [4] Nov 5, 2024 — Key Symptoms of Lymph Node Cancer · Swollen Lymph Nodes · Persistent Fatigue · Unexplained Weight Loss and Fever.
• [5] Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Lymphoma symptoms include lumps, a high temperature, unexplained weight loss and night ...
• [6] The most common symptom of cancer in the lymph nodes is that 1 or more lymph nodes become swollen or feel hard. But if there are only a few cancer cells in the ...
• [7] Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymphocytes, white blood cells in the lymphatic system. There are two main types of lymphoma:.
• [8] A small bean-shaped structure that is part of the body's immune system. Lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, ...
• [9] The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. Find out more about the symptoms ...

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymph Node Cancer

Lymph node cancer, also known as lymphoma, can manifest in various ways, making it essential to be aware of the common signs and symptoms. Here are some of the most prevalent indicators:

• Swollen lymph nodes: The most common symptom is a painless swelling or lump in one or more lymph nodes, usually in the neck, armpit, or groin [9][12].
• Unexplained fatigue: Feeling extremely tired without any apparent reason can be an early sign of lymphoma [11].
• Swollen glands: Swollen lymph nodes may feel soft and round, like lumps the size of a pea, peanut, or grape, and may be painful when touched [10].
• Chest pain: Chest pain, cough, or breathlessness can also be symptoms of lymphoma [11].
• Night sweats and fevers: Some people experience night sweats and fevers as symptoms of lymphoma [4].

Other Possible Symptoms

In addition to the above-mentioned signs and symptoms, lymph node cancer can also cause:

• Abdominal pain: Lymphomas in the stomach or intestines can lead to abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting [13].
• Loss of appetite: An enlarged spleen might press on the stomach, causing a loss of appetite and feeling full after only a small meal [13].

Important Note

It's essential to note that swollen lymph nodes can also be caused by infections, allergies, or other conditions. If you experience any of these symptoms, it's crucial to consult with a doctor for proper evaluation and advice.

References:

[4] - Swollen lymph nodes, night sweats and fevers are symptoms of lymphoma. [9] - The most common symptom is a painless swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or groin lymph nodes. [10] - When touching an affected area, swollen lymph nodes may feel soft and round, like lumps the size of a pea, peanut or grape. [11] - Lymphoma symptoms can include swollen glands, chest pain, cough or breathlessness, and extreme tiredness. [12] - The most common sign of lymphoma is a lump or lumps, usually in the neck, armpit or groin. These lumps are swollen lymph nodes. [13] - An enlarged spleen might press on the stomach, which can cause a loss of appetite and feeling full after only a small meal.

To diagnose lymph node cancer, several tests are typically performed to confirm the presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes. Here are some of the diagnostic tests used:

• Lymph Node Biopsy: This is a surgical procedure where a sample of tissue or cells from the affected lymph node is removed and sent to a laboratory for examination under a microscope. The biopsy can be done using various techniques, such as fine-needle aspiration (FNA) or excisional biopsy [6][8].
• Blood Tests: Blood tests may be ordered to check for abnormal levels of certain proteins or enzymes that can indicate the presence of cancer cells [4][9].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, and MRI scans are used to visualize the lymph nodes and surrounding tissues. These tests can help identify any abnormalities in the lymph nodes and determine if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body [3][5][12].

It's worth noting that a combination of these tests is often used to diagnose lymph node cancer, as no single test can provide a definitive diagnosis. A healthcare provider will typically interpret the results of these tests along with the patient's medical history and physical examination findings to determine the best course of action.

In addition to these diagnostic tests, a specialist hematopathologist may also examine the biopsy tissue using a microscope to look for cancer cells [15]. The lymph node biopsy's purpose is to confirm a diagnosis and help healthcare providers determine the best treatments [14].

References: [1] Context result 2 [3] Context result 5 [4] Context result 8 [5] Context result 9 [6] Context result 10 [8] Context result 4 [12] Context result 11 [14] Context result 14 [15] Context result 15

Treatment Options for Lymph Node Cancer

Lymph node cancer, also known as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), can be treated with various drug therapies. Here are some common treatment options:

• Chemotherapy: This is the most common treatment for NHL, and it involves using strong medicines to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given through a vein or orally, and it can be used alone or in combination with other treatments.
  • Example: Chemotherapy treats cancer with strong medicines. [5]
  • Chemotherapy drugs can be used alone, in combination with other treatments, or as part of a clinical trial. [7]
• Targeted Therapy: This type of treatment targets specific proteins or genes that are involved in the growth and spread of cancer cells. Examples include:
  • Acalabrutinib Maleate Monohydrate: A targeted therapy used to treat certain types of NHL, including mantle cell lymphoma and marginal zone lymphoma.* [1]
  • Zanubrutinib (Brukinsa): A targeted therapy used to treat mantle cell lymphoma or marginal zone lymphoma, typically after at least one other treatment has failed.* [2]
• Immunotherapy: This type of treatment uses the body's immune system to fight cancer. Examples include:
  • Checkpoint inhibitors: A type of immunotherapy that helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.* [6]
  • Adoptive cell therapy: A type of immunotherapy that involves using a patient's own immune cells to fight cancer.* [6]

Other Treatment Options

In addition to these drug therapies, other treatment options for lymph node cancer may include:

• Radiation Therapy: This type of treatment uses high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
• Surgery: In some cases, surgery may be used to remove affected lymph nodes or other tissues.

It's worth noting that the specific treatment plan will depend on various factors, including the stage and type of NHL, as well as the patient's overall health.

Differential Diagnosis of Lymph Node Cancer

Lymphadenopathy, or the enlargement of lymph nodes, can be caused by a variety of conditions, including malignancies, infections, and autoimmune disorders. When it comes to differential diagnosis of lymph node cancer, several factors must be considered.

• Benign vs Malignant: Most lymphadenopathy is benign in nature and is generally associated with a short duration of symptoms [3]. However, when it comes to cancer, the differential diagnosis includes malignancies such as lymphoma (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) and metastatic cancer.
• Types of Lymphoma: There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma [6]. Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system, while non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a broader category of cancers that affect the immune system.
• Staging: Lymphoma is staged as I, II, III or IV and divided into A or B, depending on the absence or presence of systemic symptoms [7]. This staging system helps healthcare providers determine the severity of the disease and plan treatment accordingly.

Other Differential Diagnoses

In addition to lymphoma, other conditions that can cause lymphadenopathy include:

• Metastatic Cancer: Cancers such as bronchogenic carcinoma and Hodgkin lymphoma can metastasize to lymph nodes [5].
• Infections: Infections such as tuberculosis and cat-scratch disease can cause lymphadenopathy.
• Autoimmune Disorders: Conditions such as rheumatoid arthritis and lupus can also cause lymphadenopathy.

References

[1] Ferrer, R. (1998). Consistency. Stony-hard nodes are typically a sign of cancer, usually metastatic. Very firm, rubbery nodes suggest lymphoma. Softer nodes are ...

[2] Gaddie, H. L. (2016). Lymphadenopathy is benign and self-limited in most patients. Etiologies include malignancy, infection, and autoimmune disorders, ...

[3] Qureshi, F. G. (2012). Most lymphadenopathy is benign in nature and is generally associated with a short duration of symptoms.

[4] (2024). Because Hodgkin lymphoma is considered a curable malignancy and the differential diagnosis is broad, medicolegal problems may arise from ...

[5] (2024). Bronchogenic carcinoma. Lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma. Other diseases associated with hilar or mediastinal lymph nodes are as follows:

[6] "Lymphoma" is a term for a group of blood cancers in your lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma — Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

[7] Lymphoma is staged as I, II, III or IV and divided into A or B, depending on the absence or presence of systemic symptoms.

[8] Ferrer, R. L. (Cited by 14). INTRODUCTION. Peripheral lymphadenopathy without an obvious cause after the history and physical examination presents a diagnostic dilemma.

[9] Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Lymphoma symptoms include lumps, a high temperature, unexplained weight loss and night ...