The lymph nodes are small glands located in the neck, groin and underneath the arms that help clear pathogenic substances from the blood. Cancerous cell growth within the lymph nodes is a medical condition commonly referred to as lymphoma. The first signs of lymph node cancer can be difficult to detect, but affected patients should consult a medical professional as soon as possible to receive further evaluation.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the first symptoms of lymph node cancer is the development of swollen or enlarged lymph glands, KidsHealth reports. Rapid cancer cell growth in the lymph nodes can irritate these small glands, causing them to enlarge. The affected lymph node can protrude from the skin and may feel firm and painless to the touch.
Fever or Night Sweats
An increase in body temperature can be a first sign of lymph node cancer, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America explains. When cancer cells grow in the body, they activate the immune system. The immune system may then initiate an increase in body temperature in an attempt to prevent the cancer cells from growing and spreading through the body. Patients with fever symptoms can also experience night sweats, which may cause them to wake up several times during the night drenched in sweat. Additionally, a fever can contribute to headache, facial flushing and chills. A fever can be a sign of an alternate medical problem, such as an infection, and affected patients should receive additional care from a doctor to ensure receipt of appropriate treatment.
Unintended Weight Loss and Fatigue
Patients with lymph node cancer can experience significant, unintended weight loss as one of the first symptoms of this disease, warns the pediatric cancer website Ped-Onc Resource Center. Weight loss may occur even if a patient maintains a healthy diet. Symptoms of weight loss can contribute to severe fatigue, weakness or malaise in patients with this form of cancer. Increased fatigue can make it difficult for patients with lymph node cancer to participate in their unusual daily activities, such as school or work.
Itchy Skin
Cancer growth in the lymph nodes interferes with the normal function of these glands. Consequently, toxic waste products can begin to accumulate within a patient's blood. These toxins can inflame or irritate the skin, causing symptoms of itchy, irritated skin, the Cancer Treatment Centers of America reports. A patient's skin can also appear unusually dry or flaky due to lymph node cancer.
