A recent study has revealed that cancer in the lymph nodes in mice can make the immune system work against it. It suggests that cancer cells might use the lymph nodes to convince the immune system to protect the tumor, so that it can spread throughout the body. However, more research is needed to understand how these cells work. The effects of cancer on the lymph nodes could lead to new approaches to cancer immunotherapy. Therefore, more research on this important organ will help in identifying possible ways to prevent or treat cancer in lymph nodes.
In the 1990s, doctors would slice 24 lymph nodes for testing. The more lymph nodes that were removed, the higher the risk of long-term side effects. Today, doctors often look at the lymph nodes only for micrometastases, which are tiny pieces of cancer that travel through the bloodstream. In the study, Dr. Hansen’s team found that women with cancer in lymph nodes had a slightly lower survival rate than those with no nodes at all. However, the women who had cancer in more lymph nodes had a better survival rate.
Lymph is a watery fluid that circulates in the body and clears away unwanted materials. This fluid is carried in tubes that connect to the lymph nodes. These small bean-shaped glands are responsible for collecting the fluid in the body and are located in the armpits, neck, and pelvis. Although lymph cancer usually does not cause external symptoms, it can lead to other types of cancer. It is important to understand the relationship between cancer and lymph nodes in order to better diagnose and treat cancer.
Finding cancer in the lymph nodes can be difficult and stressful for patients. While the cells may be present near the original tumor, it may indicate the cancer is spreading at a faster or slower rate. Therefore, it is important to see a doctor for a biopsy and imaging tests. These tests will allow your doctor to determine the extent of cancer spread and how many lymph nodes are affected. Then, if the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, you should seek treatment immediately.
Depending on the stage of your cancer, you may not require treatment if it is slow-growing. However, you should still go to your doctor for checkups. Earlier diagnosis of cancer in lymph nodes can make it much easier to treat. A slow-growing lymphoma, however, may go unnoticed for years. However, aggressive lymphomas may need urgent care. If it spreads to other parts of the body, treatment options may need to be more aggressive.
When the cancer has spread to lymph nodes, treatment options are dependent on the stage of the disease. Higher stages refer to cancer that has spread to regional lymph nodes and other organs. For example, cancers in stage IV may have spread to the liver, tonsils, or diaphragm. However, in stage I, the cancer was localized and was confined to lymph nodes. If it spreads to lymph nodes, the patient will require chemotherapy or immunotherapy.
