Lymph node cancer

Lymph node cancer, also known as lymphoma, is not common - only about five percent of all patients with different types of cancer. In this disease, malignant cells begin to form in the tissues of the human lymphatic system, which significantly reduces immunity and, accordingly, the body's ability to prevent any infections.

Cancer of lymph nodes has quite pronounced signs. Symptoms of cancer of lymph nodes are manifested primarily by their increase in different areas, for example, in the neck, groin or in the armpits. A distinctive feature is the absence of painful sensations when feeling the enlarged knots. Also, the patient's appetite decreases, he begins to feel constant fatigue and weakness. The main indicator of the presence in the body of the active process of formation of malignant cells is a complex transformation of the elements of the lymphatic system. And metastases in the lymph nodes can be formed as a result of damage to the tumor cells of any organ.

As with any other diseases, lymph node cancer needs precise diagnosis, which plays a huge role in the treatment of the patient. As a rule, specialists initially conduct a number of studies, among which the blood test, both biochemical and general, is the first place. After this, the doctor performs a biopsy at the lesion site and sends the sample to a histological laboratory study. Along with this, the patient should be examined with the help of magnetic resonance and computer tomographs. Depending on the initial results, such examinations as ultrasound of the spleen, liver, lymph nodes, lung and bone X-ray, myelography, cytological analyzes and laparotomy may also be prescribed.

If you start treating cancer of the lymph nodes in time, there will be a high probability of recovery. Taking into account all the characteristics of the disease and the results of the tests, a set of measures is carried out according to a certain scheme. If you describe the methods of treatment briefly, then we can say that they are all aimed at reducing the volume of a cancerous tumor and achieving the initial signs of remission. Also, the professionalism of the doctor, his experience in such situations plays a big role in choosing the methods of treatment. As a rule, one of the following methods or a combination thereof is used to get rid of cancer.

Chemotherapy is usually performed in combination with radiation therapy, more rarely - separately. This is probably the most common type of treatment, not only cancer of the lymph nodes, but also any other diseases that result from the formation of malignant cells. Chemotherapy is usually carried out in several stages with the use of drugs, the action of which is directed to the destruction of tumor cells.

Radiation therapy also lasts a long time. At least you should spend three or four weeks on it. This method of treatment in irradiation with high-energy X-rays of the affected lymph nodes, and sometimes adjacent to them, is concluded.

Unfortunately, radiation and chemotherapy, despite their effectiveness, are accompanied by some side effects. First of all, they greatly weaken the body. To do this, often prescribed drugs that are aimed at maintaining the normal functioning of all systems. They also conduct a general recovery of the body and help it to clear.

Sometimes bone marrow cells are severely damaged by therapy. In such cases, surgical intervention is necessary, namely bone marrow transplantation. In different cases, the patient's cells are transplanted from a healthy site or donor cells.