Metastases in the lymph nodes are secondary formations that spread throughout the body from the maternal tumor.
Cancer can appear in the lymph nodes in two ways: it can start there, or it can spread there from another location.
Cancer that starts in the lymph nodes is called lymphoma. You can read more about lymphoma in a separate article.
But more often than not, the cancer starts somewhere else and then spreads to the lymph nodes. This type of cancer will be discussed.
The main reason for the spread of metastases in the lymph nodes are primary, or maternal cancers, which affect various parts of the human body and cause their oncology:
Organs of the head (mouth and its components, jaw tissue, etc.)
Gland tissue (thyroid, prostate or mammary)
Components of the digestive system (stomach, intestines, colon, digestive tract)
Reproductive organs and reproductive system (ovaries, testicles, epididymis, uterus, etc.)
The time of appearance of secondary foci of the disease depends on many moments in a person’s life:
The fastest and earliest occurrence of metastases in oncology occurs in adulthood; in childhood they appear later.
In acute immunodeficiency, HIV and AIDS, formations metastasize to certain parts of the body quickly, and their growth becomes more aggressive.
Severity and extent of the disease
With a more severe course of the disease, the spread of diseased cells throughout the body occurs more actively.
Not every case of cancer can cause metastases; sometimes they can be avoided through proper treatment.
Doctors distinguish two types of ways in which diseased cells spread:
In this case, the affected particles penetrate the lymph and thereby spread through the human lymph nodes.
This type is based on the capture of the body by affected cells through the bloodstream.
A mixed type is also possible, and it acts in the fastest and most active metastasis.
Depending on the location of the tumors, the following types of metastatic cancer are distinguished:
This type of cancer is the most common and dangerous for females: it often leads to the death of the patient. The path for advancement is lymphogenous.
First it advances in the axillary nodes, and later metastases are sent to the supraclavicular and subclavian lymph nodes. The lymphatic system in the area near the chest may be affected.
If the maternal focus is located in the organs of the head (mouth, lips, jaw), then the daughter cells spread to the jaw or chin nodes. In the picture: lymph nodes of the head and neck
With initial formations in the legs, in the groin area or in the sacrum, metastases form in the patient’s groin.
Maternal formations, which are locally located in the esophagus, in the thyroid gland or in the throat, form metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck, dangerous to human life: an important collector of the lymphatic system is located in this area. With such spread to the cervical systems, a change in the nodes occurs (size, structure, shape, etc.), and this happens in the last stages of the disease.
350/5000
This photo shows metastatic prostate cancer that has spread to the lymph nodes.
The yellow colored ball-shaped areas are cancerous tissue around the lymph nodes.
The hollow tube in the center of the photo represents the aorta. The aorta is the main artery of the body and is part of the circulatory system. Blood is pumped through arteries from the heart.
In the mediastinum area there are the thoracic lymphatic ducts, anterior nodes and nodes behind the chest: tumors of the thyroid gland, esophagus, uterus, and male testicles most often metastasize to such places.
According to the International System for Classification of Tumors, the stage of this disease is determined according to the number of lymph nodes affected. The metastases themselves are designated N.
The very first sign of the disease is an increase in size of the lymph nodes.
But this symptom may be a sign of a viral infection or other diseases, so if it is detected, you should consult a doctor for further examination.
There are general symptoms accompanying this disease:
To detect this disease, a clinical examination by a specialist is necessary: the symptoms may be similar to other ailments. To make a further prognosis and choose the right treatment for metastases, it is necessary to examine nodes both close to the formation and distributed far from them.
Various diagnostic techniques are used
During the initial examination, the specialist feels the visible formations and determines their size and extent of spread.
When the affected area is in an accessible place, material is taken and sent for histological analysis.
This method is especially effective if metastases are inaccessible and are located inside the body: it helps to determine the degree of the disease and look at the structure of the formations.
This is what metastases look like on ultrasound
Computed tomography, MRI
With their help, the size, variety and precise location of diseased formations are determined.
Molecular examination
Checks for the presence of certain proteins, thanks to which it is possible to distinguish the type of oncology.
Photo: Metastatic gastric cell ring adenocarcinoma in a perigastric lymph node from a gastrectomy specimen. Many cells are distended with abundant intracellular mucin, which pushes the nucleus to the periphery, giving the appearance of a sealed ring. The patient was 50 years old.
In terms of their methods, the treatment of metastases and the maternal lesion does not differ significantly. Most often, the methods are combined with each other, but the treatment plan is determined only depending on the patient’s condition and is individual in nature.
The surgical technique for metastases is used simultaneously with the primary formation; surgeons work on each lymph node with a lesion. Organs where infected cells have entered can also be removed.
Chemotherapy is a permanent way to fight cancer. It affects formations and destroys diseased cells, which leads to tumor reduction. There is a new type - endolymphatic chemotherapy: this innovation makes it possible to partially stop the further progression of the tumor throughout the body.
During treatment, doctors prescribe a number of antitumor drugs, and the patient also needs to adhere to the correct diet, namely, exclude from his diet foods that accompany the development of cancer cells (for example, animal food).
Depending on many factors, the prognosis of metastases in the lymph nodes can be different:
Prognosis by degree of disease
In the first stages, complete relief from the disease is possible with no subsequent remissions, and for patients at the 4th stage, their life expectancy can be up to 1 - 1.5 years.
For example, with metastases in internal organs, the prognosis is extremely negative, and with spread to the neck, life expectancy can be 5 years or more.
Correctly selected treatment and speed of operation
For non-operated patients, the duration of the period of existence does not exceed 1 year.
An inflamed, enlarged lymph node should alert you. As a rule, this symptom indicates the manifestation of a disease. In most cases, the cause of lymphadenitis—the so-called enlarged lymph nodes—is infectious processes.
This is not surprising, since the lymph nodes are a kind of sieve that filters all substances that enter the bloodstream. After pathogenic microbes fall into such “immune traps,” white blood cells are activated in the lymph nodes, which destroy the invading microorganisms. However, in some cases there are so many foreign agents that the initial number of protective cells simply cannot cope with their task. Then the “white cells” begin to multiply in order to fight the infection with redoubled force. As a result, the skin over the lymph nodes turns red, and they themselves increase in size and become painful.
When the lymph nodes become inflamed, the following symptoms appear: enlargement and pain in the lymph nodes, headache, weakness, fever. The appearance of intense pain and redness of the skin at the site of the lymph node indicates that suppuration of the nodes themselves is occurring. If the general condition worsens (temperature rises, chills and severe weakness appear), then purulent lymphadenitis develops.
Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes begins with pain in the lymph nodes and their enlargement, headaches, weakness, malaise, and fever. Often, inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs with inflammation of the lymphatic vessels.
Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes can be catarrhal (inflammation without pus), hemorrhagic (there is an admixture of blood in the inflammatory fluid) and purulent.
The prognosis for initial forms of lymphadenitis and timely treatment is favorable in most cases. The purulent process can lead to the death of the lymph node, followed by their replacement with connective tissue and impaired lymph drainage (edema) in this area.
Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes can be complicated by thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins), spread of the purulent process to surrounding tissues, and blood poisoning (sepsis). The acute form of the disease can also become chronic.
Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur chronically from the very beginning with sluggish inflammatory diseases (for example, with chronic tonsillitis) or occur after an acute process. A chronic inflammatory process in the lymph nodes is most often accompanied by tissue proliferation and is very rarely accompanied by suppuration.
- Bacterial. A single episode of lymph node enlargement is usually caused by a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. Rare bacterial diseases include plague and diphtheria. Tuberculosis is a long-term, localized infection.
- Viral. Typical diseases that cause lymphadenopathy are cat scratch disease and rubella.
Other infectious agents can be single-celled organisms (protozoa), fungi and spirochetes. One of the most common causes of localized enlargement of lymph nodes is temporary inflammation that occurs immediately after a child is immunized, for example, against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus (DPT).
It is important to remember that with a generalized infection, lymphadenopathy is initially localized (limited to a specific location), and only then becomes generalized (widespread).
— Connective tissue diseases
Lymphadenopathy is caused by cancers such as leukemia, Hodgkin's disease, and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Are you experiencing pain in your lymph nodes? Do you want to know more detailed information or do you need an inspection? You can make an appointment with the doctor Euro lab is always at your service! The best doctors will examine you, study external signs and help you identify the disease by symptoms, advise you and provide the necessary assistance. You can also call a doctor at home . Euro lab clinic is open for you around the clock.
Phone number of our clinic in Kyiv: (+38 044) 206-20-00 (multi-channel). The clinic secretary will select a convenient day and time for you to visit the doctor. Our location and directions are listed here. Look in more detail about all the clinic’s services on its personal page.
If you have previously performed any tests, be sure to take their results to a consultation with your doctor. If the studies have not been performed, we will do everything necessary in our clinic or with our colleagues in other clinics.
Do your lymph nodes hurt? It is necessary to take a very careful approach to your overall health. People do not pay enough attention to the symptoms of diseases and do not realize that these diseases can be life-threatening. There are many diseases that at first do not manifest themselves in our body, but in the end it turns out that, unfortunately, it is too late to treat them. Each disease has its own specific signs, characteristic external manifestations - the so-called symptoms of the disease . Identifying symptoms is the first step in diagnosing diseases in general. be examined by a doctor several times a year in order not only to prevent a terrible disease, but also to maintain a healthy spirit in the body and the organism as a whole.
If you want to ask a doctor a question, use the online consultation section, perhaps you will find answers to your questions there and read tips on caring for yourself . If you are interested in reviews about clinics and doctors, try to find the information you need on the forum. Also register on the Eurolab medical to be constantly aware of the latest news and information updates on the site, which will be automatically sent to you by email.
Lymph nodes are lymphoid formations the size of beans or peas that serve as protection against infections. Lymph nodes filter bacteria and other potential infectious agents from body tissues. They also contain lymphocytes, which are white blood cells that fight infection. Lymph nodes are located in groups or individually in strategically important places for the body and represent part of the lymphatic system , which also includes a circulatory network of vessels through which a special fluid called lymph flows.
This is not surprising, since the lymph nodes are a kind of sieve that filters all substances that enter the bloodstream . After pathogenic microbes fall into such “immune traps,” white blood cells , which destroy the invading microorganisms . However, in some cases there are so many foreign agents that the initial number of protective cells simply cannot cope with their task. Then the “white cells” begin to multiply in order to fight the infection with redoubled force. As a result, the skin over the lymph nodes turns red, and they themselves increase in size and become painful.
enlargement and pain in the lymph nodes;
The appearance of intense pain and redness of the skin at the site of the lymph node indicates that suppuration of the nodes themselves . If the general condition worsens (temperature rises, chills and severe weakness appear), then purulent lymphadenitis develops.
In most cases, enlargement and pain in the lymph nodes is a response to an infection , generalized or localized, usually requiring treatment. However, some serious illnesses, including serious infections, may begin with enlargement of one lymph node or one group of lymph nodes.
Swollen lymph nodes can indicate a variety of conditions, ranging from common illnesses (infections such as a cold or sore throat ) to rare illnesses (an early sign of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma). In general, enlarged lymph nodes are more common in children than in adults, regardless of the severity of the disease.
Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes begins with pain in the lymph nodes and their enlargement, as well as with:
increase in body temperature.
Often inflammation of the lymph nodes occurs with inflammation of the lymphatic vessels . The severity of signs of inflammation directly depends on the inflammation in the place where the infection came from. But sometimes, when inflammation in the primary site subsides, inflammation in the lymph nodes continues.
Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes can be:
catarrhal (inflammation without pus);
hemorrhagic (there is an admixture of blood in the inflammatory fluid);
With catarrhal inflammation in the lymph nodes, the general condition suffers little, the regional (located in the area of the primary source of infection) lymph nodes are enlarged and painful, they are not fused with the surrounding tissues, the skin over them is not changed. When pus appears, the pain becomes intense, the skin over the lymph nodes turns red and inflamed, the lymph nodes become immobile, and general signs of inflammation appear - high fever , headaches.
The prognosis for initial forms of lymphadenitis and timely treatment is favorable in most cases. The purulent process can lead to the death of the lymph node, followed by their replacement with connective tissue and impaired lymph drainage (edema) in this area. Acute inflammation of the lymph nodes can be complicated by thrombophlebitis (inflammation of the veins), spread of the purulent process to surrounding tissues, and blood poisoning (sepsis). The acute form of the disease can also become chronic.
Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes
Chronic inflammation of the lymph nodes can occur chronically from the very beginning with sluggish inflammatory diseases (for example, with chronic tonsillitis) or occur after an acute process. A chronic inflammatory process in the lymph nodes is most often accompanied by tissue proliferation and is very rarely accompanied by tissue suppuration.
With chronic lymphadenitis, there is an increase and thickening of the lymph nodes, which are dense to the touch, painless, and not fused with the surrounding tissues. In this case, the lymph nodes remain enlarged for a long time, but then nevertheless decrease due to the growth of connective tissue in them and wrinkling. In some cases, pronounced proliferation of connective tissue in the lymph nodes can lead to lymph circulation disorders and swelling.
localized (local) infection;
generalized (widespread) infection;
connective tissue diseases;
Localized infections may include:
Bacterial. A single episode of lymph node enlargement is usually caused by a staphylococcal or streptococcal infection. Rare bacterial diseases include plague and diphtheria. Tuberculosis is a long-term, localized infection.
Viral. Typical diseases that cause lymphadenopathy are cat scratch disease and rubella.
Other infectious agents can be single-celled organisms (protozoa), fungi and spirochetes. One of the most common causes of localized enlargement of lymph nodes is temporary inflammation that occurs immediately after a child is immunized, for example, against diphtheria, whooping cough and tetanus (DPT).
There are also generalized infections , which are divided into:
Bacterial. Major skin infections (such as impetigo), tuberculosis, blood poisoning, and typhus are typical causes of lymphadenopathy.
Viral . Infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, chicken pox are typical causes. Some researchers suggest that AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a virus-triggered cause of enlarged lymph nodes.
Other causes of generalized infections include protozoa and spirochetes, microscopic organisms that cause infection and swelling.
It is important to remember that with a generalized infection, lymphadenopathy is initially localized (limited to a specific location), and only then becomes generalized (widespread). Connective tissue diseases that cause lymphadenopathy include arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
Enlarged lymph nodes in the legs are a fairly common occurrence that each of us has probably encountered. However, in some cases, such a phenomenon may indicate a serious illness. Today we will talk about the lymph nodes located on the legs.
Lymph is a yellowish fluid in the body. It is responsible for the protective function of the body and contains lymphocytes responsible for the immune response. It washes the cells for internal cleansing. Fluid is collected from all organs, flowing into the lymphatic vessels and then into the general bloodstream. Numerous microbes enter the lymph nodes, which act as filters, where they are disinfected. However, if lymphocytes are weakened, they cannot cope with all microorganisms.
The functions of the lymphatic system are not only the production of lymphocytes that destroy bacteria, but also ensuring the uniform distribution of fluid in the tissues.
Lymph nodes are scattered throughout the body. They resemble small beans made of dense tissue, which are practically not palpable through the skin unless they are enlarged. Their size varies from a few millimeters to several centimeters. They are concentrated in different areas of the body and prevent the development of the inflammatory process, and even oncology.
Today we will look at the location of lymph nodes on a person’s legs and the reasons for their enlargement.
The following types of lymph nodes are distinguished:
In this case, the largest are considered to be the cervical, axillary and inguinal.
The inguinal nodes of the lymphatic system are located on either side of the groin and are scattered in small groups along the inner thigh. They cleanse the lymph coming to them from the lower extremities and organs of the reproductive system.
The popliteal lymph nodes are located on the inside of the knees, in the area where they bend.
How do lymph nodes behave if an infection enters the body? Inflammation of the lymph nodes on the leg is characterized by an increase in size, and a little later – pain when touched. Experts advise regularly checking the condition of the lymph nodes, especially on the legs, since this is where it is most difficult to notice their enlargement.
Attention! If the lymph node has enlarged, this is due to the growing number of lymphocytes in it and indicates that the body has noticed a pathogenic agent and has begun to defend itself. This is a good sign, but prolonged enlargement of the lymph nodes requires contacting a specialist.
In people with a dense build and loose skin, the lymph nodes may become enlarged for no apparent reason. If the phenomenon passes soon, there is no need to worry about it. Below we will look at the symptoms and causes of enlarged lymph nodes.
How to find out that a lymph node is swollen? First, a lump the size of a walnut appears. When pressed, pain is felt, but an enlarged lymph node on the leg can often not be noticed at all if the process is uncomplicated.
Complicated lymphadenitis (inflammation of the lymph nodes) manifests itself as purulent inflammation, which is accompanied by headache, weakness of the whole body, and fever. If the lymph nodes on the inside of the knees are inflamed, a person suffers from a pulling sensation in this area. Inflammation can be localized in one lymph node, a group of them, or even affect all organs.
Doctors say that if only one lymph node is enlarged, and not the whole group, this can only mean that it is working more actively than others, which is often a consequence of an infection. As soon as the body fully restores its strength, everything will return to normal. But if there is pain in the area of enlargement, it is better to consult a specialist.
So, the main reasons for enlarged lymph nodes. This type of lymphadenitis can appear even after a common cold with complications. But most often, infections get into the lymph nodes from a wound on the leg or foot if there is a purulent process. This can be explained by the fact that the lymphatic pathways are located in such a way that the infection easily spreads from the damaged area to the lymph nodes.
A complication of such a “journey” can be a purulent abscess in the popliteal fossa, if the microbes that have entered the lymph are especially active. In this case, the intervention of a doctor is necessary - he must open the abscess that has affected the lymph node on the leg, surgically, and ensure drainage of the pus. In medical practice, there are cases when there is no pus inside. In this case, doctors prescribe medication.
Attention! It is noteworthy that the abscess of the popliteal fossa is characterized by a paucity of processes, which often misleads patients. An inflamed lymph node on the leg practically does not manifest itself at all. The symptoms of an abscess are expressed in painful sensations during flexion and extension of the knees, as well as during palpation. The swelling in this area is small, and there is no redness at all.
Why is the lymph node in the groin area swollen? The first cause of lymphadenitis in the groin area is also a purulent wound on the leg. In addition, doctors identify wounds received from cats, abscesses, boils, cellulitis on the legs and even erysipelas.
But besides this, the following diseases can also be the cause of enlarged inguinal lymph nodes.
This is a type of venereal disease. It is common in the tropics, so it is rare in our countries, but recently cases of infection have increased. The disease is characterized by the formation of papules with liquid on the skin, in place of which an ulcer soon appears. After 2 months, all groups of lymph nodes enlarge in males, and in women, inflammation of the deep nodes of the small pelvis is observed. Lymphadenitis also manifests itself in other sexually transmitted diseases - chlamydia, syphilis, gonorrhea.
A tumor that develops in the lymph nodes. The disease has a latent course and is malignant in nature, so it is almost impossible to detect it in the early stages, and when metastases appear, it is too late to seek help.
Inflammation of the genital organs.
These include vulvitis, urethritis, colpitis, balanoposthitis and other diseases. Lymphadenitis can also be caused by systemic viral infections - HIV, cytomegalovirus infection, mononucleosis. The lymph node on the leg is the first to receive information that not all is well and begins to respond to the infection.
In order to independently determine the nature of lymphadenitis, take into account several nuances:
And then we will look at how to treat lymph nodes on the legs.
What to do if you find an enlarged lymph node? This phenomenon in itself does not require therapy, since it is considered only a symptom of a disease or injury.
An enlarged lymph node on the leg requires consultation with a specialist. It is best to contact your local physician, who will prescribe appropriate treatment or give a referral to another specialist. It is important to determine why the lymph node is inflamed, and for this you need to undergo the necessary tests. They will help you make a diagnosis and get involved in the treatment of the underlying disease. With successful therapy, the lymph nodes will return to normal on their own.
How to treat lymph nodes on the legs at home? Experts do not advise self-medication without knowing the diagnosis. However, warm compresses applied to the area of enlarged lymph node will help to temporarily relieve inflammation.
If you discover painful enlargement of your lymph nodes, consult a doctor who will help identify the problem and prescribe competent treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes can indicate a variety of conditions, from common illnesses (infections such as a cold or sore throat) to rare illnesses (an early sign of cancer, such as leukemia or lymphoma). In general, enlarged lymph nodes are more common in children than in adults, regardless of the severity of the disease.
The severity of signs of inflammation directly depends on the inflammation in the place where the infection came from. But sometimes, when inflammation in the primary site subsides, inflammation in the lymph nodes continues.
With catarrhal inflammation in the lymph nodes, the general condition suffers little, the regional (located in the area of the primary source of infection) lymph nodes are enlarged and painful, they are not fused with the surrounding tissues, the skin over them is not changed. When pus appears, the pain becomes intense, the skin over the lymph nodes turns red and inflamed, the lymph nodes become immobile, and general signs of inflammation appear - high fever, headaches, etc.
With chronic lymphadenitis, there is an increase and thickening of the lymph nodes, which are dense to the touch, painless, and not fused with the surrounding tissues. In this case, the lymph nodes remain enlarged for a long time, but then nevertheless decrease due to the growth of connective tissue in them and wrinkling. In some cases, pronounced proliferation of connective tissue in the lymph nodes can lead to lymph circulation disorders and swelling.
- Bacterial. Major skin infections (such as impetigo), tuberculosis, blood poisoning, and typhus are typical causes of lymphadenopathy.
- Viral. Infectious mononucleosis, cytomegalovirus infection, rubella, chicken pox are typical causes. Some researchers suggest that AIDS (acquired immunodeficiency syndrome) is a virus-triggered cause of enlarged lymph nodes.
Other causes of generalized infections include protozoa and spirochetes, microscopic organisms that cause infection and swelling.
Connective tissue diseases that cause lymphadenopathy include arthritis and systemic lupus erythematosus.
The hypersensitivity conditions that cause lymphadenopathy are reactions to certain medications and substances, such as horse serum, which is used to produce antisera for some diseases.
One of the common complications of malignant tumors is metastasis to the lymph nodes. These are secondary lesions that form due to the spread of cancer cells. If metastases appear, this indicates the progression of the cancer process.
Metastatic spread is always caused by the growth and development of the primary focus, the cellular structures of which spread throughout the body through the lymphatic system.
The most common causes of lymph node metastasis are cancers in organic structures such as:
Breast cancer is considered the most common female oncology, which quite often becomes the cause of death. Breast cancer metastasizes primarily through the lymphogenous route.
Squamous cell carcinoma is formed from flat epidermal or mucous cells; over time, it is able to grow into the tissue of the subcutaneous layer. This type of cancer grows slowly and metastasizes quite rarely.
Such oncology is usually closely associated with excessive ultraviolet radiation, papillomaviruses, immune disorders or the carcinogenic effects of certain substances.
In squamous cell carcinoma, lymph nodes located close to the primary site are first affected. Moreover, metastasis of such cancer to the lymph nodes occurs already at stages 3-4 of the oncological process, so it has a more severe course
In general, there are several ways of spreading metastases: with blood, with lymph flow and a mixed way.
First, tumor cell structures penetrate the lymphatic pathways, and then into the nearest and distant lymph nodes.
Epithelial cancers (melanoma) and intraorganic tumor lesions can metastasize into lymph node structures.
The lymphatic system has been studied quite widely, so such metastasis is detected already in the early stages of development. Although metastasis in regional lymph nodes can appear within a year, therefore the cancer patient undergoes periodic examinations in order to detect such spread of the tumor process in time.
One of the first signs of the spread of cancer cells to the lymph nodes is their noticeable increase in size, which can be detected by palpation or visually.
Lymph node metastasis is accompanied by:
The most important lymphatic complex is located in the cervical region, into which formations localized in nearby tissues and structures usually metastasize, for example, in the thyroid gland or larynx, esophagus or pharynx, etc.
Typically, such metastasis occurs as a result of hematosarcoma or lymphogranulomatosis, lymphosarcoma or Virchow's metastases.
As a result of the spread of a cancerous tumor, changes in the echogenic and structural characteristics, size and shape of the lymph nodes occur.
In general, metastatic lesions of the cervical lymph nodes are observed with:
This phenomenon often indicates stage 3-4 of the oncological process. In approximately one third of patients with such metastases, the primary focus cannot be identified.
Inguinal lymph node structures are a barrier that protects and destroys microorganic agents that enter the lymph system from the pelvic organs and legs.
Sometimes cancerous tumors or primary lymphomas form in the inguinal lymph nodes. Groin nodes with metastasis noticeably increase in size, although they may not cause pain upon palpation.
Typically, cancer pathologies such as:
Metastatic lesions of the retroperitoneal lymph nodes are observed in cancer:
In the presence of retroperitoneal tumors, the patient experiences symptoms such as paroxysmal cramp-like abdominal pain, hyperthermia, and diarrhea.
With metastasis, the lymph nodes enlarge, which can cause compression of the psoas muscle and nerve roots. As a result, the cancer patient begins to experience severe back pain.
These lymph nodes are located along the aorta in the anterior zone of the lumbar spine.
Typically, metastasis to the para-aortic lymph nodes is observed in oncological pathologies such as:
If metastases have spread to the para-aortic lymph nodes, then the tumor process, as a rule, has already reached stage 3-4 of development.
A fairly large number of lymph nodes are located in the peritoneal cavity; they are divided into parietal (at the lower back) and intramural.
Metastasis to the lymphatic fractions of the abdominal cavity usually occurs in the presence of malignant tumors of the pelvic and abdominal organs, for example, the ovary or stomach.
Typically, metastasis is indicated by an enlargement of the lymph node to 10 centimeters or more. Such lymph nodes can be identified using magnetic resonance or computer diagnostics.
Lymphatic metastases to the axillary nodes are most often observed in skin oncology of the trunk and arms, as well as in breast cancer. At the same time, the axillary nodes become larger, which is noticeable during normal visual examination.
In addition, the patient may constantly experience weakness, lose weight for no reason, often suffer from ARVI, etc.
It also happens that metastases in the axillary lymph nodes are detected by specialists earlier than the primary malignant tumor.
Typically, tumors such as:
When the right-sided supraclavicular lymph nodes are affected, it often indicates a prostatic or pulmonary localization of the primary malignant focus. If metastases are localized in the right supraclavicular region, then the primary focus may be located in the peritoneum.
Gastric cancer most often metastasizes to the left supraclavicular lymph node structures. In general, an increase in supraclavicular lymph node fractions is a very alarming symptom, which indicates oncology in the abdomen or chest.
The mediastinum area includes the thoracic lymphatic ducts, anterior and retrosternal lymph nodes. Typically these lymph nodes metastasize:
Even small tumors of malignant origin can lead to extensive metastasis of the mediastinum. In this case, the tissues of the neck may swell, hoarseness and dysphagia, interlacing and swelling of the veins located on the chest, stridor breathing, etc.
Diagnostic tests for lymph node metastasis are mandatory.
If the lymph node is located in the access zone, then biomaterial is taken from it using the puncture method and subjected to histology. If the node affected by metastases is located inside the body, then it is subjected to studies such as computed tomography or MRI, ultrasound or PET, etc.
Experts use several criteria to determine the degree of secondary lymph node damage:
Lymph node lesions can be visually identified in the inguinal, axillary, cervical and supraclavicular lymph nodes. For other localizations, detection requires the use of specialized equipment.
Treatment of lymphatic metastases is practically no different from the treatment of primary tumor foci, that is, it involves the use of surgical, chemotherapy and radiotherapy.
These methods are combined in accordance with the stage and degree of lymph node damage. When the patient’s primary tumor is removed, all regional lymph nodes are removed along with it, i.e., lymphadenectomy is performed.
And specialists act on those lymph node structures that are located further than the tumor using radiotherapy or bloodlessly remove metastases using a Cyber Knife.
With timely detection and treatment of lymphatic metastases, the growth of the tumor process is blocked and life prognosis is significantly improved.
It is quite difficult to predict the further course of the oncological process based on metastases in the lymphatic system alone. It all depends on the location, degree of malignancy and prevalence of the primary lesion.
If metastases are detected only close to the primary cancer site, then the prognosis for recovery is more positive.
Sometimes, when metastases are detected in the lymph nodes, small formations may be overlooked, which reduces the effectiveness of anticancer therapy.
Metastases in the lymph nodes are secondary foci of growth of a malignant tumor already existing in the body. The development of metastases in the human body gives a signal about tumor progression.
The main reason for the appearance of metastases is the growth of a malignant tumor, the cells of which begin to move throughout the body using the lymphatic system.
Tumors in:
There are two main types of spread of affected cells - lymphogenous and hematogenous.
The lymphogenic method is the spread of damaged cells by their penetration into the lymph flow. The affected cells, penetrating the lymphatic vessels, move to nearby and distant lymph nodes.
The hematogenous method is characterized by the spread of tumor cells through the bloodstream. You can also find a mixed type, which contributes to the maximum spread of cells damaged by cancer.
Metastases in the lymph nodes of the jaw and chin appear when the main tumor focus is located in the lower lip, upper jaw, tongue or oral cavity. Lymph nodes in the region of the medial neurovascular bundle are affected by cancer of the tongue, larynx, and thyroid gland.
Supraclavicular lymph nodes can be affected when tumors develop in the mammary glands, lungs or abdominal cavity.
Metastases to the inguinal lymph nodes spread from cancerous tumors on the lower extremities, in the sacrum, and from tumors in the groin. The lymph nodes of the mediastinum are susceptible to the formation of metastases in cases of oncology of the thyroid gland, lungs, esophagus and other internal organs.
Prostate cancer can cause metastases to the lymph nodes, which are located on either side of the bladder neck. These lymph nodes are considered regional. Cancer of the respiratory tract, breast and stomach can contribute to the appearance of Virchow's metastases. They are a dense, painless lymph node located in the area of the left collarbone.
One of the first symptoms indicating that the lymph nodes are affected by metastases is that they begin to increase in size. You can inspect the lymph nodes visually or using the palpation method. The examination method is selected based on the location of the lymph nodes.
Enlarged lymph nodes may be accompanied by:
The extent to which the lymphatic system is involved in the process of tumor development is determined in several categories:
Modern medicine dictates one unshakable condition. Lymph nodes not only located in close proximity to the tumor, but also distant ones are examined. This allows us to create the optimal course of treatment for the patient.
The examination of lymph nodes determined by visual examination is carried out using puncture and biopsy. Lymph nodes located in depth are studied using modern computer methods such as ultrasound and MRI.
Upon visual examination, it can be determined that the affected cells have penetrated into the axillary lymph nodes, as well as into the lymph nodes located in the neck, groin and above the collarbone.
According to its principle, the treatment of metastases in the lymph nodes is almost identical to the treatment of the primary tumor site. The following methods are used for treatment:
Which methods will be applicable in a particular case or their combination depends on the stage of the disease and damage to the lymph nodes. Treatment is selected purely individually. During surgery to remove a cancerous tumor, all nearby lymph nodes are also removed.
If distant lymph nodes are affected, treatment is carried out with radiotherapy or they are removed using a CyberKnife. This method is also used to remove single metastases localized in the retroperitoneal lymph nodes, as well as metastases in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity and the pelvic area.
Pain relief for bone metastases should be carried out hourly. More details are written here.
During chemotherapy sessions, a variety of drugs and their combinations are used:
If metastases are diagnosed in the lymph nodes, the prognosis depends on the stage of the cancer, what methods are used to treat the tumor, the use of high-tech equipment and the qualifications of medical personnel. Timely treatment is also of great importance.
Metastases from brain cancer can be localized in various organs. More details are written here.
Details about the alternative treatment of liver metastases are described here.
One of the important factors is which lymph nodes were affected, namely: