How are malignant lymph nodes treated?
If cancer cells are observed in the lymph nodes after biopsy, you may need more tests. That’s because you’ll want to know more about the cancer and what part of your body it has spread to. Lymph node involvement is a key factor in cancer staging and treatment.
Cancer that has spread from the primary site to lymph nodes means there’s a higher risk it will return after surgery. This means you might need additional treatment, such as:
- chemotherapy [4]
- radiation
- immunotherapy [5]
- targeted therapies
Studies have shown that removing lymph nodes can make it difficult for lymph fluid to drain properly. This condition is known as lymphedema, and it can cause visible swelling in the affected area. The more lymph nodes that are removed, the more problems may occur. Lymphedema can become severe.