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Symptoms - Swollen Lymph Nodes

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By Editorial Team

2 min read

Reviewed by: HU Medical Review Board | Last reviewed: November 2024 | Last updated: November 2024

A common sign of blood cancer is swollen lymph nodes (lymphadenopathy). Swollen lymph nodes can feel like hard lumps under your skin, and sometimes you can see them. You may hear lymph nodes called “swollen glands,” especially the ones in the neck. However, they are not actually glands.1,2

What are lymph nodes?

Lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that are part of the lymphatic system. Part of your immune system, the lymphatic system moves fluid, called lymph, through the body. The main job of the lymphatic system is to remove damaged cells and protect the body from possible infections and cancer. The lymphatic system is also made up of lymphatic vessels, collecting ducts, and other organs like the spleen, thymus, and tonsils.3,4

The job of the lymph nodes is to filter the lymph before it returns to the bloodstream. While lymph nodes are found all over the body, there are some areas that have clusters of lymph nodes, including:3,4

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  • The neck (cervical lymph nodes)
  • The armpits (axillary lymph nodes)
  • The groin (inguinal lymph nodes)

Lymph nodes contain many white blood cells, especially ones called lymphocytes and macrophages. These cells are important parts of the immune system. They help the body fight infections and remove damaged cells like cancer cells.3,4

Why do swollen lymph nodes occur with blood cancer?

Some blood cancers, like lymphomas, start in the lymph nodes. Other blood cancers can spread to the lymph nodes. When cancer cells build up in the lymph nodes, the nodes can become swollen or enlarged. They also may harden.3,5,6

Many infections, diseases, and even medicines can cause swollen lymph nodes. In general, the swelling tells you that your immune system is reacting to something.3

Other signs of blood cancer

Blood cancer can cause many possible symptoms. These symptoms may include:1

  • Unexplained weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Extreme tiredness or low energy
  • Feeling full in the stomach
  • Pain in the arms, legs, or joints

In blood cancer, cancer cells can crowd out healthy blood cells. These cells include red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets. When healthy blood cells are badly affected, blood cancer can cause other symptoms, too, such as:6

  • Shortness of breath
  • Dizziness or feeling lightheaded
  • Headaches
  • Frequent infections that will not go away
  • Fevers, especially without a clear cause
  • Frequent bruises without a reason
  • Easy bleeding, such as from cuts, gums, or nosebleeds
  • Tiny red spots on the skin (petechiae)

Not everyone with blood cancer has these signs. There are many types of blood cancer, each with its own typical signs. Each person also may have different signs and experiences.

Diagnosing blood cancer

To find out whether you have blood cancer, doctors may use a few tests. These can include a physical exam, medical history, and blood tests. Blood tests might include a complete blood count, blood chemistry test, blood smear, and blood clotting tests.1,6

You doctor also might want to do the following tests:1

A biopsy is the only sure way to know whether cancer is the cause of a swollen lymph node. Other tests can help doctors see signs of cancer, rule out different conditions that may be causing symptoms, and look for possible complications.3