Can lymph nodes wax and wane?

It is generally agreed that a firm lymph node larger than 1.5 × 1.5 cm that is not associated with a documented infection, that persists longer than 4 to 6 weeks, and is certainly progressing should be considered for biopsy. However, lymph nodes in several histopathologic subtypes of NHLs frequently wax and wane.

Can cancer symptoms wax and wane?

Numerous other lymphoid malignancies can also mimic HL including non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, myeloma, and other aggressive lymphomas such as Burkitt’s lymphoma. Patients with HL often describe a waxing and waning course of symptoms and enlarged nodes, further confounding diagnosis.

Are cancerous lymph nodes smooth?

Lymph nodes that are smooth and relatively soft, but slightly enlarged, may be normal and reveal only hyperplasia when biopsied. Enlarged lymph nodes that have an irregular shape and a rubbery, hard consistency may be infiltrated by malignant cells.

Can hair cause swollen lymph nodes?

It is common for swollen lymph nodes to appear due to irritations on the skin by the use of chemicals such as deodorant, or by a small wound that occurs after hair removal, folliculitis, by ingrown hair or cuts that occur on a daily basis, in various parts of the body.

What’s the deal with waxing, waning, and persistently enlarged lymph nodes?

What’s the deal with Waxing, Waning, and Persistently Enlarged Lymph Nodes? Lymph nodes can increase or decrease in size for many reasons, including response to treatment, progression of lymphoma, spontaneous regression of lymphoma, immune activation against lymphoma, infection or the resolving of infection (reactive, see above), and so on.

What does waxing and waning in lymphoma mean?

Waxing means progressing, and waning means regressing. Waxing and waning might be used to describe transient or short-term fluctuations in the size of lymph nodes that could be accounted for by inflammation and other factors unrelated to the actual number of malignant cells.

What causes lymph nodes to increase or decrease in size?

Lymph nodes can increase or decrease in size for many reasons, including response to treatment, progression of lymphoma, spontaneous regression of lymphoma, immune activation against lymphoma, infection or the resolving of infection (reactive, see above), and so on.

What does the term waxing and waning mean?

The term waxing and waning is also used to describe the uneven course of lymphomas, particularly of the indolent (slow growing) types. Waxing means progressing, and waning means regressing.