CANCER OF THE LYMPH NODES

The lymph nodes, found throughout the body, are often referred to as the “glands” that in childhood become swollen or painful during an infection. They are part of the normal defense mechanism of the body. The spleen serves a similar purpose and is frequently involved in the same disorders as the lymph nodes. The lymph nodes and spleen produce special cells (for example, lymphocytes) that manufacture antibodies and help combat infection.

Cancer of the lymph nodes and spleen is called lymphoma, and there are many varieties. The symptoms depend on which lymph nodes have become enlarged. The disease can begin as a swelling in the neck or groin. Tumors that expand within the abdomen may not be fell, but there may be an unusual degree of fatigue, and at times the temperature may become intermittently elevated, without any sign of infection. It is not uncommon for afflicted individuals to receive a few courses of different antibiotics to treat a fever that does not stay down despite such therapy. Some people become anemic, whereas others become more susceptible to infections which may complicate the appearance of the fever.

To make an accurate diagnosis, the physician will usually do a biopsy of a lymph node and perhaps take a bone marrow specimen, a liver biopsy, X-rays, and scans to determine how far the disease has spread. Depending on the extent of the disease, treatment consists of radiation therapy alone or with combination chemotherapy. The response to treatment can be remarkable. If the disease is limited to one area, it may be cured. Even in those who have evidence of the disease in many parts of the body, the illness can be halted for months or years. In addition, even if the ailment returns there is a good chance that more recently developed medications will be effective. Treatment should never be denied because of age alone.

Sometimes lymph nodes are invaded by cancer that has spread from elsewhere (metastatic disease). In these cases the prognosis depends on whether or not the original malignancy is susceptible to therapy.

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