When Do Swollen Lymph Nodes Mean Cancer?

While swollen lymph nodes can be a sign of cancer, they are often caused by a variety of other conditions, such as:

* Infections

* Allergies

* Autoimmune disorders

* Certain medications

* Trauma

Cancer is only one of many possible causes of swollen lymph nodes, and it is often one of the less common ones.

In general, swollen lymph nodes that are caused by cancer tend to be:

* Firm or hard to the touch

* Not painful

* Located in several different areas of the body

* Increasing in size over time

You should always see a doctor if you have swollen lymph nodes that last for more than a few weeks, especially if you have any of the other symptoms of cancer.

Other symptoms of cancer that may occur with swollen lymph nodes include:

* Weight loss

* Fever

* Fatigue

* Loss of appetite

* Bleeding

* Swelling in other parts of the body

A doctor can take a biopsy of a swollen lymph node to determine if it is cancerous.

If a lymph node is cancerous, it may be necessary to treat the underlying cancer to get rid of the swollen lymph nodes.

Treatment for cancer that is causing swollen lymph nodes may include:

* Surgery

* Chemotherapy

* Radiation therapy

*Targeted therapy

* Immunotherapy