A lump on the neck, armpit, or groin can immediately raise fears about cancer. But doctors say that not every lump is cancerous. Swollen lymph nodes are common due to infections or other diseases, and they tend to go back to normal once the underlying problem is resolved.
But when it is painless (and if it does come with other unexplained symptoms) this lump should not be discarded. One possible cause is lymphoma, a blood cancer that affects lymphocytes, a white blood cell that is involved in the body’s immune system.
The lymphoma broad category includes Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The symptoms can vary depending on the type and where the disease develops. A lump alone does not mean lymphoma, but knowing the warning signs can help people to know when medical evaluation is essential.
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What does a Lymphoma-related Lump look like?
One of the most common symptoms of lymphoma is a painless swelling of a lymph node. These lumps are most commonly seen in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Lymph nodes typically swell when the immune system is responding to an infection. A cold, throat infection, or another common illness can cause glands in the neck to become enlarged. Such swelling is often effective as the infection gets better.
That is why finding a swollen lymph node does not necessarily mean cancer.
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But persistent swelling without obvious infection should be treated as well. Lumps that continue to grow, feel hard or don’t move when pressed should also be evaluated by a doctor. The NHS advises medical evaluation if a lump remains for more than two weeks or if a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin does not go down.
The doctor may examine the lump and ask about any other symptoms. Blood tests, imaging, or biopsy may be recommended based on the findings.
Other Lymphoma Symptoms To Watch For
A persistent lump is more concerning when it occurs along with other unexplained symptoms.
One of the more obvious symptoms is night sweats, unexplained weight loss and fever, systemic or “B symptoms” of lymphoma. These are present in Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma but can also be caused by many other causes.
Other symptoms may include persistent tiredness, itching, breathlessness and coughing. The symptoms are determined by the lymph nodes or other parts of the body.
Some people also experience repeated infections, unexplained bruising or bleeding, and fatigue if lymphoma affects the bone marrow. Pain or indigestion may occur in the abdomen if lymph nodes or organs in the abdomen are involved.
There is also a less common symptom associated particularly with Hodgkin lymphoma: pain in swollen lymph nodes after drinking alcohol. This is not present in everyone with the disease and is not enough on its own to indicate lymphoma.
But the most important thing is the whole pattern and not any symptoms in isolation. Someone with a lump and fever after a recent infection is very different from someone with a painless lump that has gradually grown bigger but never seemed to be able to be properly treated.
When should you go to the doctor?
The safest thing is not to try to determine at home whether a lump is cancerous. There are many possible causes of lumps: infections, cysts, lipomas, and other benign conditions.
You should see a doctor if a lump persists for more than two weeks, becomes larger, feels hard or fixed, or has no obvious explanation. Swelling around the neck, armpit or groin that does not settle should also be evaluated.
Medical attention is especially important when the lump is accompanied by unexplained weight loss, persistent fever, drenching night sweats, ongoing tiredness, itching, breathlessness or other unusual symptoms. These symptoms do not prove lymphoma, but they warrant investigation.
It is also important not to panic after finding a swollen lymph node. Most swollen glands are associated with infections rather than cancer.
If a doctor suspects lymphoma, further tests can help determine the cause. These include blood tests, imaging, and, if necessary, a biopsy of the affected tissue. A diagnosis cannot be made from the appearance or feel of a lump alone.
The bottom line is simple: a lump is not cancer, but a persistent or unexplained lump should not be ignored. Pay attention to changes in your body and seek medical advice when symptoms persist to help identify the cause and, if necessary, start treatment at the appropriate time.
This article is for general information only and does not replace a medical examination or diagnosis. If you have a persistent lump or other concerning symptoms, seek a qualified healthcare professional.
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