Inflammation of the lymphatic vessels is known as lymphangitis. In clinical practice, the distinction between lymphadenopathy and lymphadenitis is rarely made and the words are usually treated as synonymous. Lymphadenopathy of an inflammatory type (the most common type) is lymphadenitis, producing swollen or enlarged lymph nodes. Lymphadenopathy or adenopathy is a disease of the lymph nodes, in which they are abnormal in size or consistency. Infections autoimmune diseases malignancies histiocytoses storage diseases benign hyperplasia drug reactionsīack pain constipation urinary frequency 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).Adenopathy, swollen lymph nodes, swollen glandsĪ CT scan of axillary lymphadenopathy in a 57-year-old man with multiple myeloma.įever Hard, fixed, rapidly growing nodes, indicating a possible cancer or lymphoma night sweats Runny nose sore throat 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. You’ve recently been treated for cancer or you’re currently in treatment.Ī biopsy involves getting a sample of tissue from the lymph nodes.Physical examination and diagnostic testing can’t determine the cause.The only way to know for certain if your lymph nodes are benign versus malignant is to perform a lymph node biopsy. imaging tests, such as X-ray, CT scan, MRI, or ultrasound to get a better look at the lymph nodes.blood tests to check for infection and underlying conditions.If your lymph nodes are swollen, your doctor will likely start by feeling some of your lymph nodes and looking for other signs and symptoms of illness. How do doctors diagnose benign vs. malignant lymph nodes? You’re currently in treatment or recently completed treatment for cancer.The area around your lymph nodes is red, feels warm to the touch, or is leaking pus or other fluids.The lymph nodes are getting bigger or are hard and immoveable.You’ve recovered from an illness, but your lymph nodes remain tender or swollen for more than 2 weeks.You have no obvious illness or infection.Signs that swollen lymph nodes should be examined by a doctor include: Lymph nodes are always fighting off invaders, so a few cancer cells may not be enough to cause noticeable swelling. Signs of potentially malignant lymph nodes The swelling is going down as you recover from infection or illness.The swollen lymph nodes are located near an infected body part, such as the throat, ears, or mouth.You have other symptoms, such as coughing, body aches, or nausea that indicate a viral infection or other illness.Here are some signs that swollen lymph nodes are likely benign: However, there are other signs that may provide some clues. As for whether they’re benign versus malignant, you can’t tell by looking at them or feeling them. If you do have swollen lymph nodes, it means they’re fighting off illness.

Lymph nodes that are located deeper in the body can swell without you noticing.

But when lymph nodes near the surface swell, you can easily feel them with your fingers. When all is well, it can be rather difficult to locate your tiny lymph nodes. How can you tell if a swollen lymph node is benign or malignant?

Shotty lymph nodes groin