Lymphadenitis, or enlarged lymph nodes, refers to their increased size and swelling, and this is usually a sign of infection or inflammation in the body, as this condition is common, and most of the time it is not serious. (1)


At the same time, swollen lymph nodes are also one of the most common signs of lymphoma. (1)


What is the difference between lymphadenitis and cancer?

Both lymphadenitis and lymphoma are conditions that cause swollen lymph nodes, but in most cases the cause is simple, the result of an infection or injury, and is not related to cancer. (2)


Although it is difficult to differentiate between the two conditions based on the shape and feel of the swollen lymph nodes only, there is some tentative evidence of differences between them. Benign lymphadenitis is characterized by these signs: (2) (3)


  • It is often accompanied by symptoms indicating an infection such as influenza or a cold, such as: body aches, cough, runny nose, nausea, chills, and high body temperature.
  • The location of the swelling is close to the site of the infection, for example if you have a sore throat, the lymph nodes in the neck swell, while if you have an ear infection, the lymph nodes in front of the ear swell.
  • Painful when touched.
  • It moves when pressed.
  • It lasts for a short time, and gradually eases as the infection heals.
  • It is usually small in size.



While Swelling of lymphoma is characterized by these signs: (4) (5)


  • It appears suddenly without infection or obvious cause.
  • It lasts for more than two weeks or a month.
  • It is often located in the neck, under the armpit, or near the sensitive area.
  • Solid, firm, and sometimes rubbery, it does not move when pressed.
  • Mostly painless, but in a few cases it may be painful.
  • Large in size (more than 1.5 cm), or increasing in size over time.
  • It is accompanied by symptoms of cancer, such as a slight increase in body temperature for no reason, night sweats, and unjustified weight loss.
  • The person may currently or previously have a type of cancer.




Important note: These symptoms do not always indicate lymphoma, and are often the result of other causes unrelated to the cancer.




This table summarizes the most important differences between lymphadenitis and cancer:


Factors

Lymphadenitis

Lymphoma

Duration of swelling

It usually goes away within a few weeks

It may last for more than two weeks or even months

Location of swelling

It is often near the site of infection

It may occur anywhere on the body, especially the neck, underarms, or near sensitive areas

Swelling size

It is usually small

It may be large or get larger over time

Characteristics

It moves when pressed

Solid and stable, it does not move when pressed

Accompanying symptoms

They may include fever, chills, fatigue, muscle aches, and cough

They may include night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and mild fever


What are other symptoms of lymphoma?

In addition to swollen lymph nodes, lymphoma patients may experience the following symptoms: (6)


  • Flatulence.
  • Skin rash and itching.
  • Fatigue and general exhaustion.
  • Profuse sweating, especially at night.
  • Loss of appetite and weight loss.
  • Easy bleeding and bruising on the body.
  • Recurrent infections.
  • Chronic cough, chest pain, or any other respiratory symptoms.


When should you see a doctor?

Make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible if you develop worrying signs of swollen lymph nodes as mentioned above, especially in these cases: (2)


  • Swelling persists for a long time.
  • The size of the bulge is large or increases rapidly over time.
  • Hard or firm bulge when pressed.
  • Redness, inflammation and pus at the site of the swelling.
  • Other disturbing accompanying symptoms.




Are you experiencing swollen lymph nodes? Don’t worry—our team is here to help. Visit the Endocrinology Clinic at Al-Ahli Hospital, where our specialists will conduct the necessary evaluations to identify the cause and provide the appropriate care. Book your appointment today for expert, personalized assessment.





References