Metastases | Lymph node swelling causes

Metastases

Tumors are diseases in which some cells multiply uncontrolled in the body. Initially, this cell proliferation takes place in the affected organ, resulting in the development of cancer. Subsequently, however, some of the indestructible cells can also be distributed in the body via the blood or lymph channels.

They attach themselves to a different location and form so-called metastases (metastases) of the original tumor there. In lymphogenic metastasis (spread of cancer cells via the lymphatic system), many of the cells are filtered out of the lymph by the lymph nodes. This can cause swelling of the lymph nodes.

In addition, the filtered out cells begin to multiply in the lymph nodes, so that metastases also develop there. Breast cancer is a cancer that metastasizes mainly lymphogenically (via the lymphatic system). Usually metastases are found in the lymph nodes of the axillary region of the affected side.

Due to the rapid metastasis, the lymph nodes in the armpit are often also removed during surgical treatment of breast cancer. Radiation of the lymph nodes on the affected side may also be necessary.