Customer question:
Can enlarged lymph nodes be a sign of lymphoma? Anonymous customer's question
Pharmacist's answer:
Enlarged lymph nodes alone are not necessarily a sign of lymphoma, as there are many other possible causes. Lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic system, which is crucial in defending the body against infections and other pathogens. Enlargement of the lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy) is the immune system's response to infection, inflammation, or other diseases. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that arises from the lymphatic system, and enlarged lymph nodes can be one of its symptoms.
However, there are several other possible causes of enlarged lymph nodes, including:
- Infections: the most common cause of enlarged lymph nodes is infectious diseases such as colds, flu, bacterial infections, tuberculosis, or viral infections such as mononucleosis.
- Inflammation: lymph nodes may enlarge in response to inflammatory processes such as skin inflammation, gingivitis, or rheumatoid arthritis.
- Allergic reactions: Enlarged lymph nodes can also appear in response to allergic reactions.
- Cancer processes: in addition to lymphoma, enlarged lymph nodes can indicate other types of cancer that have spread to the lymph nodes.
You must consult a doctor if you notice enlarged lymph nodes or if lymphoma is suspected. The doctor will perform a thorough examination, collect the medical history, and, if necessary, prescribe additional tests, such as blood tests, imaging tests (e.g., CT, MRI), biopsy, or other diagnostic methods. Only a doctor can make an accurate diagnosis based on this information.
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