Cancerous cell growth within the lymph nodes is a form of cancer called lymphoma. This type of cancer is typically diagnosed during childhood and affects approximately 1700 people under age 20 each year in the United States, according to 2007 information from medical professionals with KidsHealth. People who develop cancerous lymph node symptoms should seek further care from a medical professional.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The characteristic symptom of cancerous cell growth in the lymph nodes is swollen lymph nodes, explain medical professionals with CancerQuest, an informational resource provided by Emory University. When cancer cells collect within the lymph nodes, affected people can notice that these nodes begin to enlarge and protrude from the surface of the skin. Swollen lymph nodes within the neck, groin or underneath the armpits are typically palpable and may be firm to the touch. In certain cases, lymph node swelling can be difficult to detect, but is generally painless.
Fever and Night Sweats
People who develop cancerous lymph nodes can experience fever symptoms, warn medical experts with the University of Maryland Medical Center. Fever symptoms are typically low-grade and can persist for several weeks. An elevated body temperature can contribute to recurrent, drenching night sweats in affected people. Headache or chills may also arise in people who develop fever symptoms due to lymph node cancer.
Breathing Difficulties
Lymph nodes within the chest that are attacked by cancer cells can lead to breathing difficulties in affected people, explains the Ped-Onc Resource Center. Symptoms of breathing difficulties can include shortness of breath, chest tightness or wheezing. Certain people can also experience difficulty swallowing due to cancerous cell growth within the lymph nodes. Severe or persistent breathing difficulties can be serious and should be discussed with a medical professional as soon as possible.
Abdominal Pain or Upset Stomach
Cancer cell growth within the abdominal lymph nodes can contribute to abdominal pain or upset stomach symptoms in certain people, explains CancerQuest. Affected people can experience nausea, abdominal cramping, constipation or decreased appetite. Prolonged episodes of stomach upset can contribute to weight loss in certain people.
Itchy Skin
In healthy people, the lymph nodes act to filter toxic waste products from the blood. Cancer cell growth within the lymph nodes interferes with the normal function of these nodes. Consequently, toxins can accumulate within an affected person's blood and body tissues. These toxic waste products can irritate and inflame the skin, leading to sensations of severe itching, report UMMC medical professionals. Frequent scratching at the affected skin regions can increase a person's risk of developing a skin infection.
