What Happens When Cancer Reaches the Lymph Nodes

When you find out that you or your family membermetastasis.
has cancer that is spread to the lymph nodes, youThe most common sign that the cancer has spread
are likely to go through a range of emotions. Thisto the lymph glands is that they become enlarged. If
brings a new aspect to care and treatment options.there are only a small number of cells infected, there
The more informed you are, the better decisions youmay not be any additional warning signs.
can make. It is important to first know what happensThere are some symptoms you can look for in
when cancer reaches the lymph nodes.addition to swelling of the lymph glands in the neck,
The lymph nodes are part of the immune system.armpit, or groin. These include persistent fatigue,
They are round masses of tissue surrounded by afever, weight loss, and abdominal pain and swelling.
capsule of connective tissue that have the importantBear in mind that these symptoms can be attributed
job of housing white blood cells. These are also calledto many other illnesses as well.
lymph glands.Arming yourself with information is key when you
Cancer spreads through the body either through thethink cancer may have spread to these areas. Be
bloodstream or lymph nodes. When a cancer starts inaware of your body, and if you have any questions,
another part of the body, for example the breast,consult your doctor at once.
and moves to the lymph nodes, it is called