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Cancer and lymph nodes

Definition

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.

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.

Review Date: 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.