10. Swollen Lymph Nodes: The Body’s Filters React
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures scattered throughout the body. They act as filters, trapping viruses, bacteria, and other causes of illnesses before they can infect other body parts. In HCL, these nodes can become swollen, signaling the body’s fight against the disease.
These swollen nodes can manifest as lumps – often painless – under the skin, especially in areas like the neck, armpit, or groin. They’re the body’s response to an infection or, in the case of HCL, an accumulation of abnormal cells.
Swelling of the lymph nodes doesn’t always mean cancer. They can swell in response to even a common infection like a cold. However, if the swelling persists, if the nodes feel hard to the touch, or if they keep growing in size, it becomes a concern. (10)
