The simplest answer would be – hard to say! While some general indications are there, these are not enough to confirm or rule out cancer. There are some physical markers in which case cancer is suspected. The lymph node could be large in size, irregular in outline, firm or hard, or rubbery or not very mobile. However, these are not enough to confirm cancer. In the same way, absence of such markers does not mean, there is no cancer. That is why more tests are done to confirm or rule out cancer(s).
To know more about this, we need to understand what is the lymphatic system is and how does it work?
Among all the body-systems, people have the least awareness about the lymphatic system. Yet it’s one of the most important systems for our overall health and well-being. It’s part of the body’s immune system and is responsible for maintaining a good level of immunity against disease.
The lymphatic system primary consists of thin, tubular, vein-like ‘lymph vessels’, in which a thin, clear fluid called the ‘lymphatic fluid’ flows, and small, kidney-bean shaped, lymph nodes. Clusters of lymph nodes are present throughout the body. They are close to the surface of the skin, behind the ears (auricular lymph nodes), in the neck (cervical), near the collar-bone (supraclavicular), upper chest (subclavian), chest (pectoral), at the armpits (axillary), at the elbow (epitrochlear) and the groin (inguinal). These can be felt to the touch by a doctor. Other than these, there are several clusters deep inside the body which cannot be seen or felt. Overall, there are approximately 600 clusters estimated to be present in a normal, healthy, adult human body.
The working of the lymphatic system can be best understood by comparing it with the criminal-policing system. The lymph vessels are like the highway in which white blood cells, that act as patrol police, flow through. Pathogens like viruses and bacteria, cancerous cells and other toxic materials are like criminals that get onto the highway and try to harm the body. That is, invading cells attach themselves or penetrate blood vessels and lymph vessels in an attempt to harm the body.
If white blood cells (patrol police) are not able to destroy the infiltrating pathogens, they are able to get away but eventually arrive at check-points called lymph nodes. Here, more white blood cells (more police) try to attack or stop the invaders, causing a build-up of cops and criminals – white blood cells and invading cells at the lymph node. That is when, or that is why, the lymph node gets swollen up. It’s a clear indication that there are invaders – infections or disease-causing pathogens in the body. (You may remember doctors trying to feel the underside of your throat when you have a fever. They are basically looking for swollen cervical lymph nodes.)
That is why the lymph vessels, lymphatic fluid and lymph nodes are compared to filters as they filter out invading pathogens. They are also compared to sewerage drains as they drain out the waste in the body. This is because the lymph vessels generally drain into blood vessels, from where the waste material is transported by blood to the liver and kidneys (sewage treatment plants) for breakdown and elimination.
The clusters of lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body, in order to filter out invading cells in the vicinity, which makes perfect sense. So if lymph nodes in the throat are swollen, it’s an indication of cold or viral infections, if swollen in the groin area, an indication of sexually transmitted disease, etc. In exactly the same way, cancerous cells in the proximity of a cluster of lymph nodes will cause that cluster to swell up. However, every lymph node swelling is not cancer and there are many conditions that cause this.
Treatment options vary depending on the underlying conditions. Common infections are treated by antibiotics, OTC drugs and home-remedies. Uncommon infections and immune disorders are treated by drugs and therapies that are targeted at them. Cancers are treated through multiple options such as radiation, chemotherapy and surgery.
If you or any of your dear ones are showing swollen lymph nodes or any other symptoms of disease, do not panic. Rush to a reputed hospital. Here, specialists will conduct the required tests, diagnose the condition precisely and prescribe the right course of treatment for quick recovery and rehabilitation.
Reviewed by Dr Suresh S Venkita, Group Medical Director, Kauvery Hospitals
Kauvery Hospital is globally known for its multidisciplinary services at all its Centers of Excellence, and for its comprehensive, Avant-Grade technology, especially in diagnostics and remedial care in heart diseases, transplantation, vascular and neurosciences medicine. Located in the heart of Trichy (Tennur, Royal Road and Alexandria Road (Cantonment), Chennai, Hosur, Salem, Tirunelveli and Bengaluru, the hospital also renders adult and pediatric trauma care.
Chennai – 044 4000 6000 • Trichy – Cantonment – 0431 4077777 • Trichy – Heartcity – 0431 4003500 • Trichy – Tennur – 0431 4022555 • Hosur – 04344 272727 • Salem – 0427 2677777 • Tirunelveli – 0462 4006000 • Bengaluru – 080 6801 6801
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