Lymph nodes play vital role as immune defense and fights off infections.. Amidst emerging medical conditions like rising cases of fever , and lymph node swelling which cant be ignored as they have both infectious and non Infectious origin and occasionally both together. They can be caused by inflammation, infection – bacterial ,viral and fungal and also cancerous in origin .
Dr. Neha Rastogi Panda, Senior Infectious Diseases Specialist at Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurgaon said “If one is having swollen lymph node which is gradually getting bigger with or without pain, fever ,it mandates the immediate medical attention and expert advice. It is now known fact that all lymph node swelling are not only have infectious origin , though in our Indian settings , one of most common cause of lymph node enlargement/ swelling is Tuberculosis.
Dr Rahul Bhargava, Principal Director of Hematology and Bone Marrow Transplant, Fortis Memorial Research Institute, Gurugram said “ For Lymphoma, with newer treatment methods cure rate has become higher but what is required is early diagnostic. First thing when we see an enlarged lymph node or a prolonged fever or weight loss we should do lymph’s node biopsy to characterise and differentiate between hodgkins or nonHodgkins lymhoma for which we need special test called immunhistochemistry. Lymphoma is misdiagnosed as Tuberculosis(Tb) , so it becomes important to diagnose it correctly, the only way these two can be separated is by biopsy and blood works”
Dr. Rahul Bhargava further said “After the diagnosis, the right treatment plan is very important. Modern treatment methods along with safe and effective treatment options like BMT have helped improve the clinical outcomes in a big way. Many patients recovered successfully after being declared terminal just because we considered innovative modules as an important and effective treatment option”.
Other infections- viral , fungal to also be sought in case to case basis. Furthermore,
nodes can also be a sign of inflammatory process and also cancerous origin called lymphoma. There is overlap and always dilemma owing to huge similarity between symptoms of Lymphoma and infections particularly tuberculosis which leads to delay
in appropriate treatment. We have seen , one has been started on anti tubercular therapy without diagnosis and it doesn’t improve leading to further delay and complications. ”
Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes.
In current medical era , when both infection and lymphomas have advanced treatment and cure rates key is early and reliable diagnosis in these cases. Timely and upfront expert advice and immediate tissue diagnosis using modalities of biopsy and even Fine needle aspiration ,though former is always preferred and better approach is needed.
With the country taking a lead in cancer treatment, it’s high time when more people should know about the advanced treatment options and avail its benefits.