No, they are hardly noticable when not swollen. When they are swollen they can be pea-sized or larger.
The significance of enlarged lymph nodes connected to breast cancer is that when these lymph nodes get enlarged by either cancerous cells or other problems, it may be felt at breast examination.
Lymphocytes are found concentrated in a few places in the body. Lymph Nodes Spleen Appendix & intestines. If lymphocytes become cancerous, they are called a lymphoma. But, since lymph nodes are part of a fluid filtration system they are a frequent place for other cancers to metastasize.
After it travels through the lymphatic system, the lymph nodes filter lymph, trapping bacteria and other disease-causing microorganisms in the fluid.Lymphatic vessels open into veins and the fluid re-enters the bloodstream.As lymph flows through the lymphatic system, it passes through small knobs of tissue called lymph nodes. Lymph nodes filter the lymph, trapping bacteria and other microorganisms that cause disease. When the body is fighting an infection, the lymph nodes enlarge. If you've ever had "swollen glands" when you've been sick, you've actually had swollen lymph nodes.
(1) A lymph is transported back to the blood stream, the lymph nodes act as lymph "filters" Macrophages in the nodes remove and destroy microorganisms and other debri that enter the lymph from the loose connective tissues, effectively preventing them from being delivered to the blood and spreading to other parts of the body. (2) They help activate the immune system. Lymph nodes and other lymphoid organs are strategically located sites where lymphocytes encounter antigens and are activated to mount an attack against them.
Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body, with clusters located in the neck, armpits, and groin. They are an important part of the immune system, filtering and trapping viruses, bacteria, and other harmful substances.
Lymph nodes swell as a normal immune response to infection or inflammation. This swelling occurs as the lymph nodes work to filter and trap viruses, bacteria, or other pathogens. The increased activity of immune cells in the lymph nodes causes them to enlarge.
Lymph nodes are composed of masses of lymphocytes and other cells which serve the function in humans of fighting off foreign bodies including bacteria and viruses. Lymph nodes are a central part of the human immune system. Lymphatic ducts carry lymph fluid into and out of lymph nodes. This is one of the ways that immune cells travel to all parts of the body. Cancers of the lymph nodes are called lymphomas of which the most well known is Hodgkins Disease.
Lymphadenopathy is any disease process involving enlargement of the lymph nodes. This can occur due to infection, autoimmune disease or malignancy.
Removal of Lymph NodesThe lymph nodes are a way of travel for breast cancer cells. This is the first place they go if the cancer has spread. They remove the lymph nodes to see if the cancer has spread. Hopefully, the breast cancer cells will not have gone past the lymph nodes, and with removal of them and the cancer in the breast, the cancer is gone. Unfortunately, this is not always the case, and the cancer can spread to other parts of the body through the lymph nodes. The more lymph nodes that are positive for cancer, the more likely the cancer has spread to distant places in the body. Early detection is the key! Keep up on the mammograms and self examination. It could save your life!AnswerThe above poster gave an excellent answer, but just wanted to add that lymph nodes are throughout our body and are filters for our body, thus, of there are cancer cells they can travel through lymph nodes.
Anemia does not normally cause swollen lymph nodes. lymph nodes are most commonly the sign of bacterial/viral infections. These lymph nodes are usually soft, mobile, tender and swell to a large size over a short period of time. other causes of swollen lymph nodes incluse benign growths and malignancies. When watching out for malignancies, lymph nodes should be checked if they are hard, non-mobile, cause no pain and swell largely over a longer period of time (weeks-months)
The group of lymph nodes in the small intestine is called the mesenteric lymph nodes. They are located in the mesentery, the tissue that attaches the small intestine to the back of the abdominal wall. Mesenteric lymph nodes play a crucial role in immune responses and help filter and trap pathogens and other harmful substances in the lymphatic system.
Trabeculae in lymph nodes are made of fibrous connective tissue that provide structural support to the node. These trabeculae help to compartmentalize the lymph node, dividing it into smaller areas where lymphocytes and other immune cells can interact with antigens.