Question 1

can cancerous lymph nodes shrink?

Accepted Answer

: They usually do not shrink without treatment for cancer, either radiation or chemo, effects of which may be delayed. Some other times there might be a different condition causing reactive enlargement (most commonly infections) that once treated or resolved may result in partial shrinking.

Question 2

can cancerous lymph nodes be movable?

Accepted Answer

: In early stages of metastatic tumor in lymph nodes the nodes are moveable. It is with spread of tumor through the capsule of the nodes that nodes become fixed.

Question 3

how do cancerous lymph nodes feel like?

Accepted Answer

Nodes.: Usually, cancerous lymph nodes are firm, larger than normal, not tender, and continue to enlarge over weeks/months.

Question 4

are lymph nodes that move aren't cancerous?

Accepted Answer

Not necessarily: We can't tell whether lymph nodes are cancerous or not just by feeling them for movement.  The only way to know for sure is to obtain tissue from the lymph node with either a needle biopsy or more definitively, an open biopsy that removes all or part of the node.

Question 5

are cancerous lymph nodes moveable or fixed?

Accepted Answer

Depends: If the cancer is contained within the capsule of the lymph node it is mobile. 

If the cancer has penetrated through the capsule of the lymph node it is likely to become fixed to the nearby tissue and become immobile.

Please note enlarged lymph nodes do not always mean that it is a cancerous lymph node.

Question 6

i was wondering are cancerous lymph nodes painful?

Accepted Answer

Not usually: Cancer is painless in early stages. But it can cause some pain and discomfort with ongoing enlargement, so big growths do become painful with time.

Question 7

does cancerous lymph nodes became bigger by time?

Accepted Answer

Yes: Especially if it is a cancer involving the lymphocytes.

Question 8

do lymph nodes swell if there are cancerous swells near them?

Accepted Answer

Both: A lymph node draining a tumor may become enlarged without metastic lesion. Metastases will certainly cause enlargement.

Question 9

can cancerous lymph nodes be very soft & moveable? is that possible?

Accepted Answer

yes. but no: Clinical finding is definitive for benign or malignant. Nodes commonly come and go to feel/touch. Lymphoma not common.

Question 10

do cancerous lymph nodes always get bigger? and are they always immovable and hard?

Accepted Answer

See below: The vast majority enlarge and harden.

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Doctor answers about:

Do cancerous lymph nodes shrink

A member asked:

Can cancerous lymph nodes shrink?

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Can cancerous lymph nodes be movable?

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How do cancerous lymph nodes feel like?

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Are lymph nodes that move aren't cancerous?

A member asked:

Are cancerous lymph nodes moveable or fixed?

A member asked:

I was wondering are cancerous lymph nodes painful?

A member asked:

Does cancerous lymph nodes became bigger by time?

A member asked:

Do lymph nodes swell if there are cancerous swells near them?

A member asked:

Can cancerous lymph nodes be very soft & moveable? is that possible?

A member asked:

Do cancerous lymph nodes always get bigger? and are they always immovable and hard?

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