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What Causes Nodes to Persistently Show on a PET Scan?

Lymph nodes are small glands that are present everywhere in our bodies. They are connected by vessels that transport tissue fluid around our bodies and are essential for killing germs and bacteria. When lymph nodes have a pronounced appearance on PET scans, this indicates a problem. Several conditions can cause lymph nodes to appear enlarged and the kind of treatment you receive will depend on the condition.

  1. Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • Hodgkin's Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. It commonly occurs on the neck, but can also develop under the arms, in the abdomen or in the spleen. This kind of cancer usually affects people between the ages of 15 and 29, although the causes are unknown. It is a rare form of cancer and, according to Cancer Research U.K., only one out of every 200 cancers diagnosed will be Hodgkin's Lymphoma.

    Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

    • Like Hodgkin's Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma also affects the lymph nodes. However, NHL is caused by white blood cells dividing abnormally. As their usual role is to fight infections in the body, this leaves them unable to do so. They grow into tumors, which grow either in the lymphatic system or in nodes of the organs they have developed in.

    Secondary Cancer

    • The lymph nodes can also appear enlarged due to other types of cancer. The difference between lymphoma and other types of the disease is that with lymphoma, the cancer originates in the lymph nodes. However, if the primary cancer is elsewhere in the body, such as the lungs, the cancer can spread to the lymph nodes and cause swelling. The treatment will depend on the type of primary cancer, so early diagnosis is crucial.

    Sarcoidoisis

    • Sarcoidosis is a condition that causes inflammation. It is not cancerous and the underlying cause is unknown. It can start in the lungs or skin and is also common in the lymph nodes. However, it can also affect other organs of the body too and sarcoidosis in the brain or heart can be a serious condition. The treatment depends on which organs are affected, although some sufferers do not need treatment at all.

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