Language
Country/Area
No result found
Swollen lymph nodes: Why they're usually painless but could be a sign of cancer?
Swallow lymph nodes are a common sign of cancer, especially in cases of lymphoma. Most people probably think that swollen lymph nodes are painful, but in fact, many swollen lymph nodes are often painless, which can mislead people about their seriousness.
Swollen lymph nodes are not usually painful, but they can be a warning sign of an underlying health problem, including cancer such as lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a type of blood and lymphoma that is made up mainly of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell). Although lymphoma is divided into Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), swollen lymph nodes are a typical symptom of either type.
According to statistics, many lymphoma patients may already show painless lymph node enlargement in the early stages before diagnosis. This swelling usually appears in the neck, armpits, or groin. In addition to swollen lymph nodes, these patients may experience fever, night sweats, weight loss, and persistent fatigue.
Most lymphoma patients may experience a long period of asymptomatic treatment before a diagnosis is confirmed, making early detection more difficult.
Causes and risk factors for swollen lymph nodes
Lymph node enlargement can occur for many reasons, including infection, autoimmune disease, and tumors. For Hodgkin lymphoma, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus and a family history are known risk factors. For common non-Hodgkin lymphoma, risk factors include autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, and exposure to certain pesticides.
In addition to these risk factors, health habits such as smoking and high red meat intake may also increase the chances of developing lymphoma. Experts recommend that any persistent nonspecific symptoms associated with swollen lymph nodes should be sought early from a doctor to avoid a delayed diagnosis.
Diagnosis and testing
The best way to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma is with a lymph node biopsy. During this procedure, doctors remove a portion of the lymph node and examine it under a microscope to see if tumor cells are present. If the test result is positive, further tests such as blood tests, bone marrow examination and medical imaging may be needed to determine whether the cancer has spread and more pathological characteristics.
Lymph node biopsy is an important step in diagnosing lymphoma and can provide an accurate pathological diagnosis.
Treatment methods
There are various treatments for lymphoma, which can be divided into chemotherapy, radiotherapy, targeted therapy and surgery according to the different conditions of the disease. For some non-Hodgkin lymphomas, plasma exchange may be needed because proteins produced by the tumor cells thicken the blood. For some slow-growing, low-grade lymphomas, your doctor may recommend a watchful waiting strategy, where you observe the disease without immediate treatment.
Even though some low-grade lymphomas cannot be completely cured, people may still be able to live a nearly normal life. In contrast, for some high-grade lymphomas, more aggressive treatment options may be required.
Future Outlook
According to statistics, the five-year survival rate for Hodgkin's lymphoma in the United States is currently 85%. The five-year survival rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is 69%. With the advancement of medical technology, the treatment effect will gradually improve. Many more aggressive lymphomas may be cured if they can be diagnosed and treated in time. Therefore, regular checks and attention to one's own health cannot be neglected.
Should I seek medical help immediately if I have swollen lymph nodes?
