4. Swollen Lymph Nodes: The Visible Mark
Swollen lymph nodes, medically known as lymphadenopathy, are often the most visible sign of both Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas. These swollen nodes, which can feel like soft, rubbery lumps under the skin, are usually a result of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) accumulating in the lymph nodes due to the body’s response to an infection or due to the direct proliferation of these cells in lymphoma.
It is the neck, armpits, and groin that are the most common areas where swollen lymph nodes appear in patients, but they can occur in other parts of the body as well. Unlike nodes that swell in response to infection, which tend to be tender and painful, lymph nodes swollen due to lymphoma are typically painless, which can lead patients to underestimate the urgency of seeking medical care.
For clinicians, the pattern of lymph node swelling can provide important diagnostic clues. In Hodgkin Lymphoma, the swelling tends to progress in an orderly and predictable manner, often starting with one group of nodes and then moving to the next set of nodes.
In Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the pattern can be more erratic, with multiple groups of nodes becoming enlarged at the same time, which may include those deeper within the body that are not palpable during a physical exam.
The evaluation of swollen lymph nodes is a critical step in the diagnosis and staging of lymphoma. This often involves a combination of physical examination, imaging studies such as CT or PET scans, and ultimately a biopsy, where a small sample of the lymph node is removed for microscopic examination. This biopsy is pivotal, as it allows pathologists to identify the specific type of lymphoma and helps clinicians to develop an effective and targeted treatment plan based on the unique cellular characteristics of a patient’s disease. (4)
