Lymph Node Cancer

The lymphatic system is comprised of small glands called lymph nodes which cleanse the body of waste material and protect it from disease. A healthy lymphatic system traps bacteria, viruses, and waste material and destroys these substances with the help of white blood cells.

Usually lymph nodes cannot be felt except when injury or disease occur. Then the nodes become swollen in the area that is affected. This is the body’s normal reaction to infection. The location of the swelling typically helps to identify the type of illness. Often the glands most affected are found in the neck, groin, and underarms.

Typically, you’ll first consult with your doctor who’ll give you a complete examination to evaluate the swollen lymph nodes. If your doctor cannot confirm a cause, then you’ll be referred to a specialist. Your doctor might refer you to the specialists at the Cancer Center of Southern California who are respected in the medical community for their expertise in treating cancer, including lymphoma.Cancer Center Lymph Node Treatment LA

Lymph Node Cancer

Lymph nodes often swell in one location when a problem, such as an injury, infection, or tumor develops in or near the lymph node. Which lymph nodes are swollen can help identify the problem.

Some of the more common sites of lymph node swelling include:

  • Upper neck, lower jaw or behind the ears – cold or sore throat
  • Armpit – injury, infection, or cancer (breast or lymphoma)
  • Groin – injury or infection to leg, foot, groin, genitals or cancer (testicular or lymphoma)
  • Collarbone – infection or cancer (breast, lung, or neck)

If you schedule annual check-ups with your doctor, you may recall these sites are often examined for swelling. In between your annual physicals, you want to monitor any unusual swelling or sensitivity to these areas and if you notice anything unusual, schedule an appointment with your doctor. While swelling can also indicate an infection and not a serious medical condition like cancer, you do not want to assume you have a serious health condition. Seeing your doctor is always a recommended course of action when a change occurs in the body.

Contact Lymphoma Specialists

If you notice a suspicious swelling around the lymph nodes, consult with a cancer expert for an examination and discussion of your symptoms. The doctors at the Cancer Center are renowned for their expertise in cancer diagnosis and innovative drug therapies. Call today at 310-552-9999 to schedule a consultation.

Next, read about lymphadenopathy symptom.