8. Enlarged Lymph Nodes: An Indication of Spread
In the spectrum of EMPD symptoms, the presence of enlarged lymph nodes is particularly concerning. Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that are part of the body’s immune system. They are spread throughout the body and act as filters for harmful substances. They also contain immune cells that can help fight infection and disease.
In the context of EMPD, enlarged lymph nodes often indicate a more advanced stage of the disease. Lymph nodes near the site of the EMPD, such as in the groin for genital EMPD or in the armpits for axillary EMPD, may become enlarged if the cancer cells have spread to these nodes.
This symptom is particularly significant as it may signal that the disease has started to metastasize, or spread to other parts of the body. As EMPD cells invade deeper into the tissue and gain access to the lymphatic vessels, they can travel to the nearby lymph nodes. Once in the nodes, these cells can continue to grow and multiply, causing the node to become enlarged.
Enlarged lymph nodes may be palpable as small lumps under the skin. They may or may not be tender to the touch. It’s important to note that while lymph nodes can also become enlarged due to reasons other than cancer, such as infection, persistent enlargement should always be evaluated by a healthcare provider.
The detection of enlarged lymph nodes in EMPD not only signals a potential advancement of the disease but also helps guide the management plan. The presence of cancer cells in the lymph nodes often necessitates a more aggressive treatment approach, which may include surgery to remove the nodes or systemic therapies like chemotherapy or immunotherapy.(8)
