The lymph nodes examined depend on the location of your skin cancer, eg: if your skin cancer was on your leg then the lymph nodes in your inguinal area groin will be felt or if on your face then the nodes in your head and neck would be examined. The aim is to detect any enlargement of the lymph nodes and undertake investigations at an early stage.
Some people express a wish to check their own lymph nodes between clinic appointments. This is why you have been given this information. Your doctor or nurse will show you how and which lymph nodes to check. This system consists of lymphatic vessels and tissue. Lymph is a fluid that contains proteins and waste materials, which is collected from around the cells in the body, eventually draining into larger vessels.
On its journey more tissue and waste material is collected. The fluid lymph that accumulates firstly drains into larger lymph vessels, then into ducts in the neck, before emptying into the blood stream.
Lymph nodes are small oval clumps of lymphatic tissue found at intervals along the vessels. These lymph nodes filter out harmful organisms and cells from the lymphatic fluid before it is returned to the blood stream.
Lymph nodes can only be felt in the areas listed:. Usually lymph nodes are not enlarged and thus not able to be felt, but if you have previously had an infection such as tonsillitis you may have noticed and felt lymph nodes becoming enlarged, painful and tender. Lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to cancer cells lodging in them. Checking your lymph nodes once a month is sufficient and this can be done at the same time as you check your skin for any changing moles.
Checking them more often may result indifficulty noticing any change. Localized lymphadenopathy refers to swollen lymph node s in one location. The location of swollen lymph nodes usually suggests the cause of the problem.
A swollen lymph node in the neck, for example, is often a sign of an upper respiratory infection. When lymph nodes in the armpit become swollen, your body may be fighting a viral infection, or any of several other conditions.
Among the potential causes of a swollen lymph node in the armpit are:. Common viruses can trigger swelling in one or more lymph nodes in the armpit. They include the flu, common cold, and mononucleosis. More serious viral infections that may cause lymph node enlargement include herpes, rubella and HIV. These viruses may also cause lymph nodes in the neck to become enlarged, too.
In many cases, rest, fluids, and time are all that you can do while your immune system fights off the virus. For certain viral infections, like HIV , antiviral medications may be necessary. Some common bacterial infections on the arm or surrounding chest wall, including staphylococcus and streptococcus , can lead to an enlarged lymph node in the armpit and elsewhere in the body.
Antibiotics and rest are usually enough to overcome a bacterial infection. Flare-ups of autoimmune disorders, like lupus and rheumatoid arthritis , can cause temporary enlargement of the lymph nodes in an armpit. Treatments vary, depending on the cause, but anti-inflammatory medications, pain relievers, and in serious cases, immunosuppressant drugs may be necessary.
Certain types of cancer directly involve the lymphatic system. Lymphoma actually originates in the lymph glands. Leukemia , a cancer of the blood cells, can cause inflammation and swelling of the lymph nodes. Cancers that form in other organs or tissue may spread to the lymphatic system. Breast cancer , for example, can cause swelling of the lymph nodes in the armpit. An enlarged lymph node near a cancerous tumor is often suspected of also being cancerous.
Cancer treatments vary, and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, surgery and other approaches. Switching medications or adjusting doses may be enough to reduce side effects, like lymph node enlargement.
As your body starts to successfully fight off the infection, the swelling in your lymph nodes should start to diminish. A person may need to stay in the hospital if the infection is severe or they require IV antibiotics, which a doctor administers directly into a vein.
Lyme disease spreads via the saliva of certain species of tick, which are small insects that can bite humans. One of the early symptoms of Lyme disease is swollen lymph nodes, which may appear 3—30 days after the tick bite occurred. A doctor will typically prescribe antibiotics to treat Lyme disease.
Anyone who suspects that they have this condition should seek medical attention promptly. However, these infections typically affect the lymph nodes in other areas of the body, such as the neck or groin. They are less likely to cause swelling in the armpits. Bacteria and viruses are not always responsible for swollen lymph nodes in the armpit. Other possible causes include:. Rheumatoid arthritis RA is one of several autoimmune conditions that can cause swollen lymph nodes.
A review article states that RA affects the lymph nodes, reducing their capacity to drain fluid from nearby inflamed joints. This impairment may lead to local lymph node enlargement. Doctors treat RA with medications that reduce inflammation and relieve pain. Physical therapy may also help. In some cases, a doctor may recommend surgery to replace or repair affected joints.
Cancer that begins in the lymphatic system is known as lymphoma. There are several types of lymphoma, including:. In addition to swollen lymph nodes, the symptoms of lymphoma can include :. Other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes, such as breast cancer , can also cause swelling in these parts of the body. However, it is worth remembering that there are many causes of swollen lymph nodes that are not related to cancer.
A doctor can determine the cause of swollen lymph nodes in the armpit and recommend the best treatment. In some cases, a doctor may also carry out diagnostic tests, such as blood tests, a biopsy, or medical imaging.
Swollen lymph nodes can be painful. While a person receives medical treatment, they can also try certain techniques at home to ease any tenderness. For instance, a person can apply a warm compress to reduce pain. They can run warm or hot water over a washcloth and wring it mostly dry before placing it on the swollen lymph node. People can also take OTC pain medications, such as acetaminophen or ibuprofen, to relieve pain.
A person should talk with their doctor if they are not sure what medications are best for them. Anyone with swollen lymph nodes in their armpit should talk with a doctor. Swollen lymph nodes have many potential causes, and a doctor can rule out possibilities that require prompt treatment, such as Lyme disease. Although swollen lymph nodes often result from an infection, it is important for a person to schedule an appointment if:.
A person should also consult their doctor about swollen lymph nodes if they have previously had cancer treatment.
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