Scientists are trying new methods of treating cancer in the lymph nodes. In particular, they are developing a method that can deliver chemotherapy directly into the lymphatic system. The technique is known as lymphatic drug delivery and allows cancer cells to be treated directly from the nodes where they began. This treatment has many benefits, including the ability to target cancer cells at the lymphatic level.
Treatment for lymph nodes cancer depends on the type of cancer, stage, and location. If the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, it will be staged as TNM (Tumor Node Metastasis). A lymph node that has no cancer will be given a value of 0. Lymph nodes may also be checked for cancer cells, which will indicate whether or not the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Depending on the stage of the cancer, additional treatments may be needed.
Patients with lymphoma will be prescribed chemotherapy or immunotherapy. They may also undergo a bone marrow transplant, stem cell transplant, or CAR T-cell therapy. Surgery may also be an option for treatment but is usually reserved for diagnosis. The procedure requires general anesthesia, and the patient will likely experience numbness and pain.
Lymph nodes cancer may be caused by many different conditions. Usually, lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in the chest, but can occur anywhere else in the body. In rare cases, lymph nodes can become swollen without any obvious cause. Inflammatory conditions can also cause swollen lymph nodes, including sarcoidosis and tuberculosis.
