Lymph Nodes and Spleen Flashcards
what forms the lymphatic system?
the lymphatic vessels and the lymph nodes located along them
what size are normal lymph nodes?
small, <2.5cm
what is troisier’s sign and what does it suggest?
enlargement of Virchow’s node in the left supraclavicular fossa
metastasis from an abdominal malignancy
what is a sentinel lymph node?
the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread
how can the sentinel lymph node by identified?
by dye or radioactive isotopes
what part of the lymph node is first affected by metastasis?
the subcapsular sinus of the lymph node
what are the B cell areas in a lymph node called?
follicles
where are T cells mainly found in lymph nodes?
paracortical areas
what is lymphadenopathy?
enlargement of lymph nodes
name some potential causes of lymphadenopathy
infection
autoimmune disorders
malignancy
what is it called when you can see red lines extending from a swollen lymph node?
lymphangitis
what is the most common type of cancer affecting a lymph node?
metastatic
what is a lymphoma?
a malignant tumour derived from the cells of the immune system
what are the two main types of lymphoma?
non hodgkin (NHL) hodgkin
which type of lymphoma is more common?
NHL
specifically B cell NHL
