The specific tests will depend on the suspected cause, but most likely will include a complete blood count (CBC). Certain blood tests may help confirm or exclude any suspected underlying conditions. The site of your swollen lymph nodes and your other signs and symptoms will offer clues to the underlying cause. Your doctor will also want to check lymph nodes near the surface of your skin for size, tenderness, warmth and texture. Your doctor will want to know when and how your swollen lymph nodes developed and if you have any other signs or symptoms. Once in the lymph system, cancer cells can move through the lymph vessels to distant parts of the body, where they can form new tumors (metastasis).To diagnose what might be causing your swollen lymph nodes, your doctor may need: But cancer cells can also spread from another part of the body to lymph nodes, usually the ones that are closest to the primary tumor.įor example, breast cancer may spread to the lymph nodes under the arm or near the collarbone. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymph nodes. You can have swollen lymph nodes for many reasons, such as strep throat, an ear infection, or an immune system disease.Ĭancer can also cause swollen lymph nodes. Sometimes, there are multiple areas of swollen lymph nodes, which is called generalized lymphadenopathy. There’s usually a single area of swollen lymph nodes, such as the neck, underarm, or groin. But swelling alone isn’t enough to tell you exactly what it is. When your lymph nodes are swollen, you know there’s something going on. When you have an infection, injury, or cancer, lymph nodes swell up as they filter out problem substances. The lymph nodes act as filters for germs and foreign substances. Lymph fluid, which contains white blood cells to fight infection, travels through lymph vessels. There are approximately 800 lymph nodes scattered throughout your body, with more than a third located in the head and neck. It’s a network of lymph vessels and lymph nodes. The lymph system is part of the immune system. The tissue samples will go to a laboratory where a pathologist will use a microscope to look for cancer cells.Ī biopsy often follows a cancer diagnosis, even if the lymph nodes appear normal. This can be done with a needle, or the lymph nodes can be removed during surgery.
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