Metastatic Lymph nodes are lymph nodes that contain cancer, which has spread from somewhere else in the body. Lymph nodes are small, oval-shaped structures located all over the body. As part of the immune system, they help the body fight off infections and cancers.
Cancers from another part of the body can drain into lymph nodes and lead to the growth of cancer. This creates a metastatic lymph node. All metastatic lymph nodes arise from primary tumors elsewhere in the body. Therefore, the cause of a metastatic lymph node is related to the cause of the primary tumor itself—a combination of genetic and environmental factors.
The most common warning sign is an enlarging neck mass or lump. They are usually noticed by a patient or detected by their doctor. However, the diagnosis of metastatic lymph nodes will require examination by a doctor, radiologic imaging and a biopsy. Following these procedures will help determine the best course of treatment.
The treatment for metastatic lymph nodes will depend on the type and location of the primary tumor that spread to the neck. In general, treatment will involve some combination of surgery, radiation and/or chemotherapy.
