Metastasis is a secondary pathological focus of cells that penetrates through the tissues of the human body from the initial site of the disease. Metastases that spread through the lymphatic vessels of the body are called lymphatic. Passing through the lymphogenous vessels, metastases are often retained in the lymph nodes.
Metastases in the lymph nodes of the neck and the entire body can be formed both in the late stages of cancer, significantly complicating the condition of the patient, and in the early stages. Most often lymphogenous way spreads malignant epithelial tumors (for example melanoma ).
Why do metastases spread?
Lymph nodes are called the peripheral organs of the lymphatic system, which is the complement of the cardiovascular system of man and other vertebrates. The function of the lymphatic system is to maintain metabolism, as well as purify or filter the tissues and cells of the human body.
Lymph nodes are located in groups throughout the human body and are the site of lymphocyte production - the cells of immunity, which destroy harmful foreign cells that enter the body. Removal of a tumor together with metastases in regional lymph nodes often leads to the cessation of the spread of tumor cells. And with properly selected therapy leads to a complete cure of the disease.
There are factors that contribute to the spread of metastases:
- age (the older the person, the more likely the metastasis);
- associated diseases (chronic diseases weaken the protective functions of the body and promote the occurrence of metastases);
- size and location of the primary focus of tumor cells (the larger the tumor, the more likely the appearance of metastases);
- tumor growth (growth in the thickness of the body wall is more dangerous and often causes metastases compared to tumors that grow in the lumen of the organ).
Symptoms of metastases in the lymph nodes
Symptoms of metastases in cervical, supraclavicular, axillary and inguinal lymph nodes are:
- an increase in the lymph nodes to a size noticeable during external examination;
- painlessness of the lymph nodes with increased size;
- significant weight loss, without diet;
- persistent weakness, fatigue;
- anemia;
- elevated temperature, frequent ARI;
- neurosis;
- enlargement of the liver.
Often, lymphogenous metastases are detected earlier than the primary tumor itself. More often it occurs in men at the age of about 50 years.
Diagnosis of lymphogenous metastases
One symptomatology and visually enlarged lymph nodes is not enough for accurate diagnosis. This is especially true of hidden metastases, for example, in the lymph nodes of the abdominal cavity, or retroperitoneal lymph nodes. The golden rule of all oncologists is the complete diagnosis of all groups of lymph nodes in the presence of a primary tumor. For this, modern diagnostic tests such as CT, PET, MRI, ultrasound are used.
Methods of treatment of metastases in lymph nodes
Treatment of metastases in the lymph nodes is most often radical. It is necessary to remove large metastases together with lymph nodes during the removal of the tumor or separately. A radiosurgical method is also used, with the help of CyberKnife, which allows tumors in hard-to-reach places with amazing accuracy without unnecessary traumatization of surrounding tissues.
With multiple lesions, with small sizes of metastases and tumors, and also in the postoperative period after the removal of the malignant tumor, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are prescribed. The combination of all treatment methods depends on many individual factors and is developed by the doctor separately for each patient.