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Lymphoma & Lymph Nodes
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, or with cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes, you may be experiencing a range of emotions, such as shock, anger, anxiety and fear. Learning more about the disease, and understanding the treatment options available to you, may help you feel more in control of your situation. The more you know, the better prepared you will be to make informed decisions about your care.
Cancer Treatment Centers of America (CTCA) can help. Cancer Treatment Centers of America is a network of cancer hospitals dedicated to helping people fight cancer. At CTCA, we offer comprehensive and innovative cancer treatment options designed to treat all of you, not just your disease. We also try to SM at CTCA" href="http://www.cancercenter.com/about-us/philosophy.cfm">empower you with clear information, while encouraging you to participate fully in your treatment decisions.
To learn more about CTCA and what separates us from other cancer centers, call us at 800-615-3055. Our Oncology Information Specialists are here for you 24 hours a day, seven days a week. They can provide you with information about the treatment options available at CTCA, and help you determine if CTCA may be the right treatment facility for you. You can also contact our cancer representatives anytime using our Online Chat feature.
Lymph Nodes: What are they?
Lymph nodes, sometimes called lymph glands, are rounded masses of lymphatic tissue surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes are located along lymphatic vessels as part of the lymphatic system (which is part of the body’s immune defense system). Lymph nodes have several important functions and are good indicators of disease. Lymph nodes filter lymphatic fluid (lymph). Lymph nodes also store white blood cells (lymphocytes). Lymph nodes can play a role in cancer, as the lymphatic system can move cancer cells throughout the body.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a term for cancers that develop from cells of the lymphatic system called lymphocytes (a subset of white blood cells). When one of these cells undergoes a transformation into a malignant cell and begins to grow abnormally, dividing and forming tumors, lymphoma arises.
There are two basic categories of lymphomas: Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also called Hodgkin’s Disease) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas. The difference between these is in the specific lymphocytes involved.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma develops in white blood cells, which help the body fight disease. It is marked by the presence of an abnormal lymphocyte called the Reed-Sternberg cell (or B lymphocyte). In Hodgkin's lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread beyond the lymphatic system.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas (NHL) include all other lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas develop from white blood cells in other parts of the lymphatic system, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus and lymph nodes. The B lymphocyte in Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not found in non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. There are more than 30 different types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
When Cancer Spreads To The Lymph Nodes
Cancer can spread through the body either through the bloodstream or through the lymph nodes. In breast cancer, the breast cancer cells can move into the sentinel lymph nodes and then to other parts of the body. When cancer spreads from one part of the body to another, it is called metastasis.
The most common sign that cancer has spread to the lymph nodes is that one or more of the lymph nodes becomes enlarged. If there are only a small number of cells in the lymph nodes, however, there may not be any obvious signs. Remember, lymph nodes can become enlarged for other reasons, such as an infection.
Symptoms of Lymph Node Cancer
The first symptom of cancer in the lymph nodes is often a firm, but painless, swelling of the lymph nodes (i.e., in your neck, armpit or groin areas). Other potential symptoms can include:
- Persistant fatigue
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Unexplained weight loss
- A general feeling of tiredness and lack of well-being
- Itching
- Abdominal pain or swelling
NOTE: It is important to remember that these potential symptoms can be attributed to a number of conditions and only a medical professional can tell you if your symptoms are the result of cancer or another condition.
Identifying Cancer in the Lymph Nodes
An accurate diagnosis of your lymphoma type will help determine the most appropriate treatment regime for you. Your doctor may use the following screening and diagnostic tests:
- Physical examination – to determine the size and consistency of your lymph nodes
- Blood and urine tests – to rule out an infection or other disease
- Imaging tests – to determine the location of tumors in the body
- Biopsy – removing a small amount of tissue to determine the type of lymphoma, the growth rate of the tumor, and whether it has spread
Once the diagnosis is made, your doctor will assign a stage (I through IV) to the disease, based on the number of tumors and how widely the tumors have spread. Staging is how doctors judge the extent of the disease, which will likely affect your treatment options.
Knowing if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes is important in determining the best treatment plan. At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we offer techniques to help determine if cancer has spread to the lymph nodes. One technique is Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy. This can be a very important tool in helping to stage the disease and create a treatment plan.
Hospital Locations
At CTCA, each of our state-of-the-art hospitals was built on a vision of hope and healing. Our hospitals house the latest cancer treatments and technologies under one roof. To learn more about our hospitals and locations, visit our Hospital Locations page.
Lymph Nodes - More Information
If you or a loved one has been diagnosed with lymphoma, chances are you are searching for the best treatment plan for your cancer type. The more information you have about your treatment options, the more equipped you will be to manage your feelings, make informed decisions and cope with the journey ahead.
At Cancer Treatment Centers of America, we assemble a team of cancer experts who put you at the center of your care. Our doctors and practitioners will work closely with you to ensure that you understand your treatment options, and create a comprehensive lymphoma treatment plan tailored to your needs. At CTCA, we make your fight our fight.
For more information about CTCA and our cancer treatment options, call us anytime at 800-615-3055, or contact us through our Online Chat.
Lymphoma Survivor Stories
As a lymphoma cancer patient or caregiver, you need to know that you are not alone. Find hope and encouragement through inspiring lymphoma survivor stories told by CTCA patients.
To find out if CTCA is the right cancer center for you, call us anytime at 800-615-3055, or contact us through our Online Chat.
Additional Cancer Information and Resources
Don't miss this additional lymph node information. Click on the links to the right to learn more about lymph nodes or call 1-800-615-3055 to discuss your treatment options with one of our Oncology Information Specialists.
Additional Resources:
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