What to know about swollen lymph nodes and silent lumps

What to know about swollen lymph nodes and silent lumps

Painless lymph node swelling may signal malignant tumors; early diagnosis and treatment are crucial for health protection.

Keywords: ['Swollen lymph nodes', 'Painless', 'Lymphoma', 'Health']

Lymphadenopathy detected.

Is it definitely inflammation?

Taking some medicine and getting a shot can help you get through it?

That's not the case!

Zou Lixin, the head of the Hematology Oncology Department at the Fourth Hospital of Changsha and a chief physician, reminds us that there is a type of painless lymph node enlargement that may seem unremarkable but can be an early warning of malignant tumors. The longer it is left untreated, the more difficult the treatment will become.

Six months ago, Mr. He (a pseudonym), 42 years old, accidentally discovered a lymph node the size of a mung bean on the right side of his neck. Thinking it was inflamed, he didn't pay much attention to it. A month later, the lymph node had grown to the size of a peanut, but it was not painful or swollen. Mr. He took traditional Chinese medicine for half a month on his own, but the lump continued to vary in size.

Three months later, the lymph nodes in Mr. He’s neck became larger, increasing from one to several, forming a small cluster. He started experiencing symptoms like fatigue, low fever, and night sweats, which made him realize the seriousness of the situation.

Mr. He went to the Hematology and Oncology Department of the Fourth Hospital of Changsha for a consultation. After understanding his condition, the attending physician arranged for a lymph node biopsy, which revealed non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The painless enlargement of lymph nodes that he initially overlooked was, in fact, the most typical initial symptom of lymphoma.

(▲AI Image)

Lymphadenitis vs. Lymphoma, don't confuse them anymore!

Lymph nodes are the "outposts" of the human immune system, filtering bacteria, viruses, and abnormal cells to protect the body. There are hundreds of lymph nodes throughout our body, commonly found in the neck, under the jaw, in the armpits, groin (the base of the thighs), mediastinum (within the chest cavity), abdominal cavity, retroperitoneal space, and mesentery. When bacteria or viruses invade, the lymph nodes can become inflamed and swollen.

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the lymphatic system and is classified as a blood cancer. Essentially, it involves the transformation of lymphocytes (immune cells) into cancer cells, which then proliferate uncontrollably.

Lymphadenitis and lymphoma both appear to manifest as "enlarged lymph nodes," but they have essential differences:

Lymphadenitis: The lymph nodes are tender and often accompanied by redness, swelling, and fever, usually triggered by a cold, tonsillitis, or toothache. Typically, after receiving an injection and taking anti-inflammatory medication, the symptoms will quickly subside and are not prone to recurrence.

Lymphoma: It is divided into local symptoms and systemic symptoms. Painless lymphadenopathy is the most typical local symptom, commonly seen in the neck, armpits, and groin. The lymph nodes are painless, of a firm texture, and have limited mobility. They will not completely disappear with anti-inflammatory or traditional Chinese medicine treatments; instead, they tend to gradually increase in size and number.

In addition to painless lymphadenopathy, be vigilant for the following signs:

1. Low-grade fever of unexplained origin (usually around 38°C).

At night, I experience heavy sweating while sleeping, and I wake up with my clothes and bedding soaked.

Rapid weight loss in a short period (losing more than 10% of body weight within six months).

4. Generalized fatigue, skin itching, and pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol;

5. Chest tightness, coughing, shortness of breath (mediastinal lymphadenopathy);

6. Abdominal bloating, abdominal pain, and indigestion (enlargement of abdominal lymph nodes).

What is the cause of lymphoma formation?

Currently, the medical community has not provided a definitive answer. However, numerous studies have identified several risk factors closely associated with it:

1. Impaired immune function: congenital immunodeficiency, long-term use of immunosuppressants, AIDS, post-organ transplantation, etc.

2. Viral infections: EB virus (the most relevant), HTLV-1, hepatitis B virus/hepatitis C virus, etc.

3. Bacterial infection: Helicobacter pylori can induce gastric mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue lymphoma.

4. Environment and Chemical Exposure: Radiation, benzene, herbicides, hair dyes, long-term exposure to chemical products.

5. Genetics and Family Tendency: A family history of lymphoma and leukemia indicates a slightly higher risk.

6. Age factor: More commonly seen in middle-aged and older individuals, but some types (like Hodgkin lymphoma) can occur in young people.

Zou Lixin reminds us that painless lymphadenopathy is often a sign of malignant tumors! If you notice swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, or groin, especially if they are non-tender, poorly mobile, somewhat hard, and multiple with fusion, do not ignore it. You must promptly visit a hematology or oncology department for diagnosis. Tests like lymph node ultrasound and fine needle aspiration biopsy can help clarify the diagnosis. Lymphoma is not an incurable disease; early detection, diagnosis, and treatment are crucial.

Hunan Medical Dialogue Special Contributor: Tang Shuangyang, Changsha Fourth Hospital

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(Editing YT)