A lump in the neck: When is it a sign of metastatic cancer?

Serious cancer is not only caused by the tumor itself, but also by metastasis, which means diseased cells spread from the original site to more distant parts of the body. One of the common pathways of metastasis is through the lymphatic system.

When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, the condition usually becomes more serious, affecting treatment and the patient's prognosis, according to the health website Healthline (USA).

Cancer that spreads to the lymph nodes can cause swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.

PHOTO: AI

The lymphatic system consists of various parts such as lymph, lymphatic vessels, lymph nodes, and lymphoid organs. Lymphatic vessels resemble blood vessels, but what runs inside is lymph, a colorless fluid containing white blood cells.

Meanwhile, lymph nodes are small, pea-sized structures scattered along lymphatic vessels, such as in the neck, armpits, groin, and under the chin. These nodes function to filter lymph, produce immune cells, and act as checkpoints to filter and destroy bacteria.

When cancer spreads to the lymph nodes, these nodes may swell, form hard lumps, or feel painful. The most common symptom is swollen lymph nodes in areas near where the cancer started. These areas are often the neck, armpits, or groin.

Besides swelling, lymph nodes affected by cancer may not be painful but can cause discomfort and disrupt immune function. In some cases, patients may also experience fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss. These are also warning signs of progressing cancer.

However, swollen lymph nodes are not always caused by cancer. In fact, many infections and other diseases can also cause swollen lymph nodes.

How to determine if lymph nodes contain cancerous cells.

Detecting lymph nodes containing cancerous cells is a crucial step in diagnosing and staging the disease. Doctors typically begin with a physical examination, palpating and checking the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, and groin to assess their size, firmness, and mobility.

To accurately determine the condition of the lymph nodes, imaging techniques such as ultrasound, CT scans, or PET scans are commonly used. In addition, lymph node biopsy is the most reliable method to determine whether or not cancerous cells are present.

When cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, treatment is often more complex and requires a combination of measures to control the disease. One common option is surgery to remove the affected lymph nodes to minimize cancer cells and prevent the disease from spreading. Besides surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are also often used to kill any remaining cancer cells in the nodes and surrounding tissues, according to Healthline .

Source: https://thanhnien.vn/noi-cuc-uo-co-khi-nao-do-ung-thu-di-can-185250607153143145.htm