Lymph Node Cancer Symptoms

With modern medical technology, more cancers are being discovered, diagnosed, and treated. Almost everyone knows someone who has been touched by cancer. It is because of this, everyone becomes alarmed with any bumps on the body. Not all bumps mean cancer, but it is important to know how to recognize lymph node cancer symptoms so that medical attention can be sought. Cancer in the lymph nodes is also known as lymphoma, which is a serious but treatable cancer. Like with most cancers, the earlier it is treated the higher the survival and success rate will be.

Common Symptoms

One of the first signs of lymphoma, which is lymph node cancer, is swollen lymph nodes. Unlike other node swelling, the lumps will not go away. There are hundreds of nodes throughout the body but swollen nodes are most commonly noticed in the neck, groin, and armpits. The lumps will be hard, solid, and continue to grow. Other lymph node cancer symptoms include the following:

  1. Lymph node pain
  2. Loss of appetite
  3. Weight loss
  4. Fatigue
  5. Lethargy
  6. Night sweats
  7. Chills
  8. Mild fever

With lymphoma (lymph node cancer) the symptoms can worsen with alcohol use. Lymph nodes naturally swell when there is infection in the body and because of illnesses other than cancer. Only a healthcare professional will be able to diagnose lymph node cancer.

Diagnosing From Symptoms

Simply examining the lymph nodes your self will not be able to determine if the swollen node is a lymph node cancer symptom, the body reacting to an infection, or other health issue. A doctor will consider all symptoms and may monitor the swollen lymph node. If cancer is still suspected as the cause of the swollen node, a biopsy will be done. Removing the lymph node is the only way to do this. When the diagnosis is lymphoma, the doctor will determine which type of lymphoma it is.

Types of Lymph Node Cancer

There are two types of lymph node cancers and both have similar lymph node cancer symptoms. Lab tests are necessary to determine the type of lymphoma. These are the two types of lymph node cancer:

  1. Hodgkins Disease
    A rare lymphoma that is more common in people who have a family history of this type of cancer. It usually is diagnosed in males between 15-34 years old and males over 55 years old. Hodgkin's lymphomas commonly begin in lymph nodes in the upper torso (neck, underarms, or chest) and represents about 1% of all cancers diagnosed in the United States. The number of cases is decreasing.
  2. Non-Hodgkins Disease
    A cancer of the lymph nodes. It is the 6th most common type of cancer in the United States. Thu number of cases is increasing.

Many lymph node cancer symptoms are similar to symptoms of other illnesses and often are not a sign of cancer. When the symptoms persist or you have a concern, it is important to consult a healthcare professional because early treatment increases the success of the treatment.

Inguinal (Groin) Lymph Nodes

Learn about Inguinal Lymph Nodes.