In addition to blood, another fluid circulates in the human body - lymph. For her, there is a separate network of vessels and capillaries. Translated into Russian, the word "lymph" means "pure water", "moisture". The name itself came to us from Greek, because the ancient Greeks knew about the existence of this clear fluid in the body. The vessels through which this fluid circulates, respectively, are called lymphatic. On the way to their location are nodes that contain the so-called macrophages - immune cells. What function does the lymph node perform?
Principle of operation
In total, in the human body there are up to 1000 such nodes that are located where the natural folds are. This is the place under the jaw, the elbow and knee hollows, the inguinal region and the armpits, as well as the chest, neck and abdominal cavity. Each lymph node constantly filters the fluid passing through it, repelling foreign objects that can harm health. It retains in itself all the harmful impurities that appear in the lymph, entering it from inflamed tissues. As a rule, there are various microbes and viruses, foreign and simply unhealthy cells. Then the macrophages inside the node literally absorb harmful impurities. Also, the lymph nodes rid the body of excess water, fats and proteins.
Features
With a heavy load, the lymph node can grow in size and become inflamed, but after the destruction of the threat and the full recovery of the person, the normal form returns. True, the node remains increasingly dense after each serious illness transferred by the body. That is why in children who have not yet been sick with anything dangerous, the lymph nodes are very small, it is almost impossible to feel them under the skin. When a child first gets a cold, the nodes under his jaw enlarge. The only places where the lymph nodes remain tiny throughout a person’s life (unless severe inflammation occurs nearby) are located on the elbow and knee bends. It is much more difficult to notice inflammation in the chest and abdominal cavity - where it is impossible to feel the knot physically.
Why lymph nodes may enlarge
- If the node has increased in size, but the person does not feel pain from it, we are talking about a focus of inflammation somewhere nearby. Such changes are called lymphadenopathy and are generally not dangerous. The danger is caused by the causes of the disease.
- If, when pressed, a person is in pain, then the problem is in the node itself, which has become inflamed. This disease is called lymphadenitis, and it is much more dangerous than the previous one. The cause of inflammation is that, due to weakened immunity, the lymph nodes cannot cope with the infection that gets into them. Subsequently, suppuration may occur, which can spread to neighboring tissues. Surgery is used to eliminate lymphadenitis.
- The cohesion of the lymph nodes with other tissues and loss of mobility are the most dangerous signs. This may indicate the presence of a malignant tumor somewhere in the body . In other words, there is a risk that a person has developed cancer of the lymphatic system.
Cancer cells
Contrary to popular belief, cancer cells are present not only in the patient’s body, but also in any healthy person. Every day, about a hundred thousand such cells appear. Their peculiarity is in the structure disturbed due to a genetic malfunction, which in turn can give the ability to quickly reproduce. Cancer cells do not stay in one place. They move freely through the lymphatic system, and the lymph node becomes a natural barrier in their path. In a healthy body, damaged cells are successfully neutralized by macrophages.
Lymph node cancer: signs
This is an oncological disease, which has another name - lymphoma - and is characterized by the occurrence of damage to internal organs. In a sick person, lymph nodes multiply, mainly in the axillary zone, as well as in the cervical and inguinal zones. People often have a lack of appetite, weakness and apathy, and fever. Sometimes sweating increases, digestive processes are disturbed. Other signs of lymph node cancer may include a feeling of fullness in the stomach, lower back pain, difficulty breathing, which is caused by pressure from the enlarged organs on neighboring tissues. In the later stages of the disease, malaise, significant weight loss and changes in blood composition are observed.
Types of Lymphomas
There are two main categories that divide the diseases of the lymphatic system: Hodgins disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In the first case, the disease spreads according to one scenario, gradually moving from one node to another. Specific treatment is also required, since Hodgins disease does not respond to those drugs that are used to treat other types of lymphomas. In the second group are several oncological diseases. Most of them occur in the lymph nodes, sometimes in other organs (liver, stomach, nervous system). The risk group in both cases includes men and women aged 15 to 40 years, the elderly and women who have had late births.
Cancer of the lymphatic system: treatment and prognosis
For treatment, surgical intervention, radiation therapy, various drugs, including chemotherapy, can be used. Combining the use of several types of medical intervention brings the greatest efficiency. In addition, another way of providing assistance has now appeared - the donor's stem cells are transplanted to the patient. But initially chemotherapy treatment is mandatory.
You should know that the effectiveness of treatment depends on how early the disease is detected. Advantages are also young age and localization of tumors. Cancer of the lymphatic system, which can be diagnosed at an early stage, has rather favorable prognoses. But even in the later stages, with proper treatment by a competent oncologist, you can achieve remission. Recently, many new medications have appeared that allow to consolidate the result. After completing the course of treatment, most patients are able to return to their normal mode of life.