- Emergency Number :
- Chetpet: 044 4005 4005
- ,
- Velappanchavadi: 044 4047 4047
- Appointments:
- +91 9840081326
Table of Contents
A painless swelling or lump in the neck, armpit or groin may seem harmless, especially when there is no pain or discomfort. In many cases, swollen lymph nodes are caused by infections and settle as the infection improves. However, a persistent or progressively enlarging lymph node can sometimes be a warning sign of lymphoma and should be medically evaluated.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. It occurs when certain white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably.
The good news is that many types of lymphoma respond very well to treatment, and several are potentially curable, especially when diagnosed appropriately.
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow abnormally and multiply uncontrollably.
The lymphatic system is an important part of the body’s immune system. Lymphoma can begin in lymph nodes or in other parts of the lymphatic system and, in some cases, can involve organs outside it.
Because lymphoma includes many different types, its symptoms, behaviour and treatment can vary considerably.
The lymphatic system is a network of lymph nodes, lymph vessels, the spleen, bone marrow and other tissues that help protect our body from infections and diseases.
Lymph nodes act as important components of the body’s immune defence. They can become enlarged when the body is responding to an infection or other conditions.
One of the most common lymphoma symptoms is a painless swelling or lump in a lymph node.
The swelling may appear in the:
Unlike many infections, lymphoma-related lymph nodes are often painless and persistently enlarged.
Other possible signs of lymphoma may include:
Having one or more of these symptoms does not necessarily mean that a person has lymphoma. Many of these symptoms can occur due to other conditions. However, persistent or unexplained symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor.
Doctors use the term B symptoms for three important symptoms:
Fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss.
These symptoms do not necessarily mean lymphoma, as there are many other possible causes. However, when they occur together with persistent lymph-node enlargement, medical evaluation is important.
Absolutely not.
Swollen lymph nodes commonly occur because of infections such as throat infections, dental infections, tuberculosis and viral illnesses.
In many cases, the swelling settles after the infection improves.
However, a lymph node that is persistent, progressively enlarging, unexplained, or associated with weight loss, prolonged fever or night sweats should be evaluated by a doctor.
It is important not to assume that every swollen lymph node is cancer. At the same time, persistent or unexplained lymph-node swelling should not be ignored.
Blood tests alone cannot reliably diagnose lymphoma.
If lymphoma is suspected, the doctor may recommend imaging and, most importantly, examination of a lymph-node tissue sample through a biopsy.
Depending on the situation, further tests such as:
may be required to identify the exact type and extent of lymphoma.
An accurate lymphoma diagnosis is important because lymphoma is not one single disease. Different types of lymphoma can behave differently and may require different treatment approaches.
If you have persistent or unexplained symptoms, an evaluation by a doctor in Internal Medicine can help determine the possible cause and whether further specialist assessment is required.
Yes.
Lymphoma treatment depends on the specific type and stage of lymphoma.
Depending on the situation, treatment may include:
The appropriate treatment is determined after evaluating the type and extent of lymphoma and the individual’s clinical condition.
Many types of lymphoma respond very well to treatment, and several are potentially curable, particularly when diagnosed appropriately.
Patients diagnosed with lymphoma may require specialist care from Medical Oncology, depending on the type and stage of the disease.
You should consult a doctor if you notice:
Do not panic if you have a swollen lymph node. Most enlarged lymph nodes are not lymphoma. However, persistent or unexplained swelling should be medically evaluated.
Persistent symptoms can have many possible causes, and only a medical evaluation can help determine the underlying reason.
If lymphoma is suspected, timely evaluation can help identify the cause and, when necessary, allow treatment to begin without unnecessary delay.
A persistent painless lump does not automatically mean cancer. But it does deserve a medical opinion.
At Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals, our multidisciplinary medical teams provide comprehensive evaluation and care for a wide range of health conditions, including conditions requiring specialist diagnosis and treatment.
If you have a persistent or unexplained lymph-node swelling, consult a doctor rather than attempting to diagnose yourself through the internet. Appropriate medical evaluation can help identify the cause and determine the next steps in care.
As a multispecialty hospital in Chennai, Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals brings together experienced medical specialists, advanced diagnostic capabilities and comprehensive patient care across multiple specialties.
For patients who require further evaluation of persistent symptoms, our Department of Internal Medicine can provide appropriate initial assessment. When lymphoma or another cancer is suspected or diagnosed, specialist Oncology care may be required.
A persistent painless lump deserves a medical opinion.
If you have an unexplained lymph-node swelling or other persistent symptoms, seek medical evaluation.
A painless, persistent swelling or lump in a lymph node is one of the most common warning signs of lymphoma. It may occur in the neck, armpit or groin.
The three B symptoms are fever, drenching night sweats and unexplained weight loss. These symptoms can also occur in other conditions and do not by themselves confirm lymphoma.
No. Swollen lymph nodes are commonly caused by infections such as throat infections, dental infections, tuberculosis and viral illnesses. Persistent, progressively enlarging or unexplained lymph-node swelling should be evaluated by a doctor.
Blood tests alone cannot reliably diagnose lymphoma. When lymphoma is suspected, a lymph-node biopsy may be required, along with other investigations depending on the individual case.
Several types of lymphoma are potentially curable, and many respond very well to treatment. Treatment and outcomes depend on the specific type and stage of lymphoma.
Depending on the type and stage, lymphoma treatment may include chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, radiotherapy, stem-cell transplantation and newer treatments such as CAR-T cell therapy in selected patients.
A lymphoma-related lymph-node swelling is often painless and may remain enlarged or progressively increase in size. However, the presence of a painless lump alone does not mean that a person has lymphoma.
Lymphoma may cause swollen lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpit and groin. Depending on the type and location of the disease, other symptoms such as abdominal swelling, persistent cough or breathlessness may also occur.
You should see a doctor if a lymph-node swelling persists, continues to grow, has no obvious cause, or occurs along with symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, prolonged fever or drenching night sweats.
Lymphoma diagnosis may involve imaging and, most importantly, a lymph-node biopsy. Depending on the situation, tests such as immunohistochemistry, flow cytometry, CT scans and PET-CT scans may be required.
A doctor in Internal Medicine can evaluate persistent or unexplained lymph-node swelling and determine whether further investigations or specialist assessment are required. If lymphoma is suspected or diagnosed, an Oncology specialist may be involved in further care.
No. Lymphoma is a group of cancers that develop from lymphocytes in the lymphatic system. There are many different types of lymphoma, and their behaviour, treatment and outcomes can vary significantly.
Table of Contents
Recent Post
About us
Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is a leading multispecialty hospital in Chennai with over 90 years of excellence. With 400+ beds and 50+ specialties, its Chetpet and Velappanchavadi centers offer advanced, state-of-the-art, compassionate care under one roof.
Chetpet Contact Details
Velappanchavadi Contact Details
Feel free to ask your queries on
Our Specialities
About us
Dr. Mehta’s Hospitals is a leading multispecialty hospital in Chennai with over 90 years of excellence. With 400+ beds and 50+ specialties, its Chetpet and Velappanchavadi centers offer advanced, state-of-the-art, compassionate care under one roof.
Chetpet Contact Details
Velappanchavadi Contact Details
Feel free to ask your queries on
Our Specialities
Quick Links
Center Of Excellence
