Lymph node alteration
October 23, 2011 | 10,00 EUR | answered by Dr. med. Ralf Berg
Dear Sir or Madam,
A few weeks ago, I noticed that I have palpable lymph nodes in my groin. I find two longer lymph nodes particularly noticeable, one on each side, located above the other lymph nodes. Since I can't help but feel the lymph nodes every day, I recently noticed that one of the longer, larger lymph nodes has a strange shape. While it is generally elongated, when palpating it, one can feel protrusions and a dent in the middle. I have already researched on some websites to find out what shape a lymph node should have. Most of the information states that it should be round or oval. I have an appointment with a doctor in a week, but I am still very worried that the shape of the lymph node is not normal.
Can lymph nodes also have irregular shapes, or is this already a sign of a malignant lymph node change?
Thank you for your response.
Dear questioner,
Your concern that you may have a lymph node tumor is understandable. You may have also read about a tumor navel on the internet, but that has nothing to do with the deviations you described.
Lymph nodes can deviate from their round or oval shape and be irregularly shaped, without necessarily indicating malignancy. In books, the typical shape is usually described, but since all people are unique, there can be completely harmless deviations in lymph nodes as well.
You can wait calmly and without fear until next week. Your doctor may have a blood test or differential blood test done, which can help to better identify a lymphatic disease. Unfortunately, you did not provide your age. If you are younger (under 35 years old), the most common lymph gland tumor is Hodgkin's lymphoma. In this case, the lymph nodes in the body interior are usually affected, rather than the groin lymph nodes that can be felt.
Groin lymph nodes are usually related to infections. In particular, infections or inflammations in the genital area can lead to enlarged groin lymph nodes. Another possibility is that an inexperienced "feeler" may overlook that it is not a lymph node, but another lymph node nearby starting to swell. This can sometimes be difficult to distinguish.
In summary, there is no need to panic. Such deviations exist, but they are by no means a certain sign of a malignant disease.
Best regards, Dr. R. Berg
