Khaberni - Breast cancer is more common after the age of 50, and many are aware of the breast cancer symptoms that appear in the breast, such as the presence of a lump, swelling, or other changes, but this condition can also affect other parts of the body. In some cases, breast cancer may stimulate the lymph glands throughout the body in the same manner as a cold.
According to "Souri Life", the British Cancer Research Foundation warns that "lymph glands in the body are usually not palpable. However, they may swell when infected or suffering from a cold. One of the less common causes of lymph gland swelling in the armpit is breast cancer that has spread to this area of the body."
Lymph Glands
Lymph glands are small, bean-shaped structures found throughout the body, including under the armpits, in the groin area, upper legs, neck, abdomen, pelvis, and chest.
Lymph glands in the neck are usually palpable even if they are not swollen.
These glands filter lymphatic fluid, which consists of waste, bacteria, and damaged cells, and possibly cancer cells, which is collected from all around the body.
The lymph glands also filter bacteria and damaged cells, which are attacked by white blood cells.
Swelling of the Glands
As a result, the lymph nodes swell when the body fights an infection, such as a cold, because the number of white blood cells increases to combat harmful pathogens.
However, when cancer cells break away from the tumor, they may get trapped in the lymph node, causing it to swell as well.
The lymph glands nearest to the affected site tend to be the first to swell.
For instance, with a cold, it is likely that the lymph nodes in the neck will swell, while a cancerous tumor in the breast can cause the lymph nodes in the armpit to swell.
Fibroadenoma
On the other hand, a fibroadenoma, which is a collection of fibrous glandular tissue, is more common in women under the age of 40.
Therefore, British Cancer Research urges women to consult a doctor and undergo examination if any lump in the breast is detected.
The most common symptom of breast cancer in men is the presence of a painless lump in the breast. It can also cause nipple discharge or retraction into the breast.
Other common symptoms include a rash on or around the nipple, and sores on the breast skin, which necessitate immediate medical examination.
