Neck lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, especially its lymph nodes, which are an important part of the body's immune system.
In this article, we will discuss in detail what lymph nodes are, and how they develop cancer in the neck area specifically, in addition to the available diagnostic and treatment methods.
Location of lymph nodes in the neck
Before we learn about the symptoms of lymphoma in the neck and how serious they are, we need to first explain the locations of the lymph nodes in the neck, which include the following:
- Collateral glands: These are the glands located on both sides of the neck in front of the muscles.
- Posterior glands: These glands are located in the back of the neck, specifically behind the muscles.
- Submental glands: located under the lower jaw between the neck and jaw.
- Ear area: These are the lymph nodes directly behind the ear.
- Above the shoulder: Some glands are located above the shoulder or collarbone.
- Lower part of the neck: located near where the neck meets the chest.
Symptoms of lymphoma in the neck may start with seemingly ordinary things — but early detection changes everything.
To learn about the lymphatic system and its general symptoms, see our comprehensive guide to سرطان الغدد الليمفاوية.
Symptoms of lymphoma in the neck
Lymphoma in the neck is considered a cancer that may not be apparent at its beginning, but there are local signs that are related to the anatomy of the neck nodes, and the lymph nodes in the neck are located within specific anatomical groups, which makes identifying the symptoms of lymphoma in the neck in these areas a major key to early diagnosis, and the five distinctive signs of the neck are as follows:
- The presence of a solid, painless mass in the neck. The enlarged lymphatic mass is the most common symptom and is usually located in the lower lateral area of the neck, level two and three. It does not cause pain when touched and does not disappear within weeks.
- A change in the features of the neck or asymmetry on the sides, as the patient may notice an abnormal protrusion or asymmetrical swelling, especially when looking in the mirror or while shaving.
- Difficulty swallowing or feeling pressure in the pharynx. If deep nodes are affected, such as the nodes adjacent to the pharynx or the base of the tongue, the patient may feel discomfort or difficulty swallowing for no apparent reason.
- Hoarseness or change in the tone of speech. This occurs if the tumor compresses the recurrent laryngeal nerve or extends toward the larynx, and is a relatively advanced sign.
- Skin changes or local redness on the neck, and in some advanced cases, superficial inflammatory signs or dilated capillaries may appear above the tumor, which gives the skin a different appearance.
How to do a home test to examine the neck glands
A simple home test can be performed to examine the neck glands to detect any enlargement or abnormal masses, but this examination does not replace a specialized medical evaluation. The steps for a home examination of the neck glands are as follows:
- Choose a well-lit place and sit in front of a clear mirror in a bright room, and make sure that your neck is completely exposed, without any jewelry or clothing that obstructs vision or touch.
- Use the tips of your three middle fingers on each hand to touch, which is best so that you feel the most sensitive in detecting lumps.
- Feel the area just under the chin, then move slowly sideways, following the jaw line to the ears, noting any lumps, pain on pressure, or unusual hard areas.
- Slide your fingers along both sides of the neck toward the shoulders near the muscle near the neck, the sternocleidomastoid, and apply gentle pressure in circular motions along this muscle.
- Examine the area above the collarbone, by placing your fingers directly above the collarbone and applying gentle pressure. If you notice any palpable lump, this requires prompt medical evaluation.
- Watch for signs such as lumps larger than a pea, a painless lump that does not move, and swelling that persists for more than two weeks without tenderness.
What are the types of x-rays for lymphoma in the neck?
After the symptoms of lymphoma in the neck appear and the disease is confirmed, the doctor resorts to types of radiation for treatment. Below we explain a table that includes the types of radiation used in diagnosing lymphoma in the neck, clarifying the comparison in terms of accuracy, timing of use, and the most prominent features of each type:
| Type of rays | Accuracy in detection | When is it preferable to use? | The most prominent features and additional differences |
| CT scan | High | Used to detect the size and location of enlarged nodes | It accurately shows anatomical details and is used to determine the extent of spread |
| الرنين المغناطيسي MRI | عالية جدًا | When there is a need to accurately evaluate soft tissues or if tumors are close to nerves or vessels | It does not use radiation, and is useful for complex cases or when there is an allergy to the dyes used in CT |
| الموجات فوق الصوتية | متوسطة | It is used as an initial examination to evaluate superficial nodes and their accessibility | It's safe, fast, and painless, but it doesn't show as much depth or detail as a CT or MRI |
| PET scan | عالية جدًا | When assessing the extent of tumor spread or monitoring response to treatment | It shows the metabolic activity of cancer cells accurately and is often combined with CT in a single image |
| X-ray | منخفضة | It is not specifically suitable for diagnosing the neck, but it is sometimes used to diagnose the chest and lungs when spread is suspected | Limited in showing details of cervical lymph nodes |
Normal size of lymph nodes in the neck
The normal size of the lymph nodes in the neck is very small and cannot be felt or noticed in normal conditions. It ranges between 1 to 2 cm in width and length. Lymph nodes are elastic glands and do not cause any pain in normal conditions. They can also be moved easily under the skin. Therefore, in the event of an increase in their size accompanied by pain and swelling, it is necessary to go immediately to the doctor for reassurance.
Would you like to know: Is it possible for lymphoma to be a benign cancer?
How does neck injury occur?
Lymphoma in the neck area occurs when cancer cells multiply in the lymph nodes in that area.
What do both malignant and benign tumors in the neck look like?
- A benign tumor is usually painless, soft, and can be moved under the skin.
- While a malignant tumor in the lymph nodes may be hard and immovable and is often painless.
متى يجب زيارة الطبيب؟
It is preferable to visit a doctor as soon as possible when noticing any of the symptoms of lymphoma in the neck that we mentioned previously while examining the neck glands or in daily life, especially if they appear suddenly or continue for a period without improvement. Delay in diagnosis negatively affects the chances of treatment, while early medical consultation allows for the necessary tests such as imaging or taking a biopsy of the lymph nodes to determine the cause. Early medical intervention is necessary and important to determine whether the symptoms result from a transient inflammation or result from a more serious problem such as tumors, and therefore any unjustified change in the neck area requires medical evaluation.
احجز استشارتك الان فى Oncology center At Al-Mousa Hospital
When are lymph nodes in the neck dangerous?
Lymph nodes in the neck are dangerous when they exceed their normal size and the swelling continues without improvement, especially if it is accompanied by symptoms such as unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fever, and general fatigue.
What are the misleading symptoms and diseases of neck lymphoma?
Symptoms of lymphoma can be similar to other diseases such as infections of the throat and tonsils, tuberculosis, and lupus erythematosus.
How to diagnose neck lymphoma symptoms
Diagnosing lymphoma of the neck requires a comprehensive medical evaluation that includes a clinical examination, blood tests, and imaging such as X-ray, MRI, or CT scan.
Frequently asked questions
How long does a lymphoma patient live without treatment?
It is not possible to determine how long a lymphoma patient will live without treatment, as each case is different from the other, but what we emphasize is that neglecting treatment will definitely not be in the patient’s interest, but rather will help the cancer spread throughout the body and deteriorate the condition until it reaches late stages that cannot be treated.
Is every swelling in the neck area considered cancer?
No, not every swelling in the neck area is considered cancer.
Is the enlargement of the neck glands in lymphoma on one side only?
It is not necessary that the enlarged lymph nodes in the neck due to cancer be limited to one side only or to both sides together. This depends on the stage of the disease and the type of cancer. In some cases, the enlargement begins in one side and remains localized, and in other cases it may extend to include several areas in the neck or even other parts of the body. Therefore, the diagnosis of a specialist doctor is necessary to determine the pattern of spread and the extent of the risk based on diagnostic examinations and images.
Can a neck mass extend toward the shoulder or jaw?
A neck mass resulting from enlarged lymph nodes, especially in cases of lymphoma, can extend to neighboring areas such as the shoulder or jaw, depending on the location of the enlarged nodes and the degree of their spread. For example, enlarged nodes in the back or side area of the neck can be felt as a mass near the base of the jaw or the top of the shoulder, and may cause a feeling of tightness or fullness in those areas. This extension does not mean that the tumor has spread, but it is an indicator that requires accurate medical diagnosis.
In conclusion, the symptoms of lymphoma in the neck are matters that require immediate medical attention.
Medical sources
