nyirokcsomókitettséget

Nyirokcsomó-kitettség refers to the presence of cancer cells within lymph nodes. When cancer spreads from its primary site, it often travels through the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and nodes that help the body fight infection. Cancer cells can break away from a tumor and enter these lymphatic vessels, eventually reaching the lymph nodes. The detection of these cancer cells in the lymph nodes is known as lymph node metastasis.

The extent of lymph node involvement is a crucial factor in determining the stage of cancer and guiding treatment decisions. The presence of cancer in lymph nodes generally indicates that the disease has progressed beyond its original location and has a higher risk of spreading further. Doctors assess lymph node status through various methods, including physical examination, imaging scans (such as CT or MRI), and surgical procedures like lymph node biopsy or sentinel lymph node biopsy.

In a sentinel lymph node biopsy, the surgeon identifies and removes the first lymph node(s) that drain the area of the primary tumor. If these sentinel nodes are free of cancer cells, it suggests that the cancer has not yet spread to other lymph nodes, potentially avoiding more extensive surgery. If cancer cells are found in the lymph nodes, further treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or more comprehensive lymph node removal (lymphadenectomy), might be recommended. The prognosis for a patient often depends on whether the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes and how extensively.