The lymphatic system is the body's natural immune system that protects the body from various infections. It is made up of spleen, bone marrow, thymus and lymph nodes or glands which are connected by a network of lymphatic vessels. These lymphatic vessels carries a fluid known as lymph which flows throughout the body through lymph nodes. Lymph contains the white blood cells or lymphocytes, which provides protection against several infections. The collection of lymph tissues that are spread all over the body are known as lymph nodes. Lymph nodes perform a number of important functions in the body such as filtering the lymphatic fluid or lymph, which may carry bacteria and storing the lymphocytes or white blood cells.

The cancer found in the cells of the lymphatic system and lymph nodes is known as lymph node cancer or lymphoma. It is the most common type of blood cancer in United States. Cancer in the lymph nodes can be of two types- primary and secondary. Primary lymph node cancer starts directly in the lymph nodes whereas the secondary lymphoma spreads to the lymph nodes from other parts of the body. The lymph node cancer symptoms can be seen in people of any age, including childhood. Lymphoma is more common among men than women of age between 16-34 years and age above 55 years. The lymph node cancer is of two types depending upon the type of cells that are being infected by the tumor. The cancer that develops in the white blood cells or B lymphocytes is known as Hodgkin's lymphoma. All other lymphomas are included in the non- Hodgkin's lymphoma. It can be developed in any of these- spleen, lymph nodes and thymus.

The most common lymph node cancer symptom is the enlargement of the infected lymph node. If the number of cells in the lymph nodes is small enough, then there can be no changes in the size of lymph glands. In that case it is examined only by making a test in the laboratory. The swelling in the neck, groin or in the lymph nodes can be painless. The enlarged lymph node may create other problems such as pressure on the nearby nerves or vessels resulting in numbness, early feeling of fullness, difficulty in breathing or pain in various joints of the arms and legs. If the lymph nodes are situated inside the chest or abdomen are enlarged, other problems like backache and breathlessness can also be experienced. Other potential lymph node cancer symptoms include fever, fatigue, itching, night sweats, tiredness and sickness. Unwanted weight loss and loss of appetite can be one of the major consequences of lymphoma. Different types of lymph node cancer possess different symptoms. If any of the above mentioned lymph node cancer symptoms remain for a longer period, you must consult your doctor for further treatment.