When cancer cells break away from a tumor, they can travel to other areas through either the bloodstream or the lymph system. If they travel through the lymph system, the cancer cells may end up in lymph nodes.
Most of the escaped cancer cells die or are killed before they can start growing somewhere else. But one or two might settle in a new area, begin to grow, and form new tumors. This spread of cancer to a new part of the body is called metastasis. In order for cancer cells to spread to new parts of the body, they have to go through several changes.
They must become able to break away from the original tumor and attach to the outside wall of a lymph or blood vessel. Then they must move through the vessel wall to flow with the blood or lymph to a new organ or lymph node.
When cancer does spread to lymph nodes, it usually spreads to nodes near the tumor itself. These are the nodes that have been doing most of the work to filter out or kill the cancer cells. But if there are only a few cancer cells in a lymph node, it may look and feel normal. Lymph nodes deep in the body cannot be felt or seen.
So doctors may use scans or other imaging tests to look for enlarged nodes that are deep in the body. Often, enlarged lymph nodes near a cancer are assumed to contain cancer.
The only way to know whether there is cancer in a lymph node is to do a biopsy. Doctors may remove lymph nodes or take samples of one or more nodes using needles. The pathologist prepares a report , which details what was found. Glands known as lymph glands or lymph nodes swell near an infection to help your body fight it. They can arrange a phone call from a nurse or doctor if you need one. Go to A GP will be able to recommend treatment depending on the cause, which might include antibiotics antibiotics do not work on viral infections.
Page last reviewed: 25 September Next review due: 25 September Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. A nodule is usually a growth on a gland. A hernia, aneurysm, or nodule may be felt under the skin but may not be visible. These types of lumps may need more medical evaluation.
A lump caused by cancer is usually hard, irregularly shaped, and firmly fixed under the skin or deep in tissue. Although they usually do not cause pain, some types of cancerous lumps are painful. Most lumps are not caused by cancer. Check your symptoms to decide if and when you should see a doctor. Many things can affect how your body responds to a symptom and what kind of care you may need.
These include:. You have answered all the questions. Based on your answers, you may be able to take care of this problem at home. Certain health conditions and medicines weaken the immune system's ability to fight off infection and illness. Some examples in adults are:. A soft lump in one of these areas belly button, groin, past surgical site may be a hernia.
A hernia can occur when there is a weakening in the muscle wall and part of an internal organ often part of the bowel pushes through.
With a hernia, the lump may go away when you press on it or lie down, and it may get worse when you cough. It may or may not be painful. Based on your answers, you may need care soon. The problem probably will not get better without medical care.
Based on your answers, you may need care right away. The problem is likely to get worse without medical care. Sometimes people don't want to call They may think that their symptoms aren't serious or that they can just get someone else to drive them.
Or they might be concerned about the cost. But based on your answers, the safest and quickest way for you to get the care you need is to call for medical transport to the hospital. Call your doctor if any of the following occur during home treatment:. Wash your hands frequently during cold and cough season. This may help prevent some upper respiratory infections that cause glands to swell. To prepare for your appointment, see the topic Making the Most of Your Appointment.
You can help your doctor diagnose and treat your condition by being prepared to answer the following questions:. Blahd Jr. Author: Healthwise Staff. Medical Review: William H. This information does not replace the advice of a doctor. Healthwise, Incorporated, disclaims any warranty or liability for your use of this information.
Your use of this information means that you agree to the Terms of Use. Learn how we develop our content. To learn more about Healthwise, visit Healthwise. Healthwise, Healthwise for every health decision, and the Healthwise logo are trademarks of Healthwise, Incorporated. Updated visitor guidelines. Topic Overview Most swollen glands or lumps under the skin are not cause for concern.
Infections Swollen glands commonly develop when the body fights infections from colds, insect bites, or small cuts. Examples of such infections include: Bacterial infections , such as: Strep throat, caused by the streptococcus bacterium. A boil abscess , similar to a large pimple.
A boil may develop when a hair follicle or the skin becomes infected. A sweat gland abscess may form one or more lumps in the armpit that look like boils. Viral infections , such as: A viral infection of the skin molluscum contagiosum , which causes small pearly or flesh-colored bumps. Measles , rubella , chickenpox , or mumps.
AIDS acquired immunodeficiency syndrome , which develops in the late stage of HIV human immunodeficiency virus infection. This virus attacks the immune system, making it difficult for the body to fight off infection and some diseases. These viruses cause fever, sore throat, and fatigue.
Other infections, such as: Lyme disease , an infection that is spread by certain types of ticks. Syphilis , a sexually transmitted infection. Noncancerous benign growths Types of noncancerous benign growths, which are usually harmless, include: A lipoma , a smooth, rubbery, dome-shaped lump that is easily movable under the skin.
A cyst , a sac of fluid and debris that sometimes hurts. Cystic lesions from acne are large pimples that occur deep under the skin. Branchial cleft cysts are found in the neck and do not usually cause problems unless they become infected. These cysts are most common in teenagers. An epidermal cyst often appears on the scalp, ears, face, or back.
A ganglion is a soft, rubbery lump a type of cyst on the front or back of the wrist. Tonsillitis , which may also cause swelling in the neck. A salivary gland problem, such as inflammation, a salivary stone, an infection, or a tumor. An inflammation of fatty tissue under the skin erythema nodosum or overgrown scar tissue keloid.
Hernias, aneurysms, or nodules Hernias or aneurysms are bulging sections in a muscle or blood vessel. An inguinal hernia is a soft lump in the groin or near the navel. It may be more visible when you cough. Hernias that disappear when you press on them may not need any treatment. Hernias that don't disappear when you press on them may be more serious and need medical treatment. A bulging section in the wall of a blood vessel aneurysm may feel like a pulsating lump in the abdomen, in the groin, or behind the knee.
It can cause serious problems if it involves the blood vessels in the brain or the abdomen. Aneurysms may be a medical emergency and may require immediate evaluation. A thyroid nodule is an abnormal growth on the thyroid gland.
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