Difference Between Lymph Nodes and Lymphoma

Lymph nodes and lymphoma are two different diseases. They have certain similarities, but they are different in severity and harmfulness. Their pathogenesis is different. Lymph nodes are mainly caused by purulent bacteria or other infections, which can easily form abscesses and cause adhesions. Lymphoma is a malignant tumor and is more harmful.

The difference between lymph node and lymphoma

1. Different pathogenesis

To distinguish lymphadenitis from lymphoma, we must first understand the pathogenesis. The main pathogens of lymphadenitis are purulent bacteria, which are mostly secondary to other purulent infection lesions and are caused by pathogenic bacteria invading the lymph nodes along the lymphatic vessels. Since lymph fluid is divided into zones and collected in lymph nodes in specific areas, primary infection in a certain area can only cause lymphadenitis in that area. Therefore, this disease often occurs in the neck, armpits and groin. When lymph nodes are infected, they may cause perilymphadenitis, adhesions, and may develop into abscesses.

2. Lymphoma is a malignant tumor

Lymphoma is a group of malignant tumors that originate from lymph nodes or other lymphoid tissues. In addition to lymph lumps, you should pay attention to whether there is long-term unexplained low-grade fever or periodic fever, especially accompanied by skin itching, night sweats, and weight loss. The possibility of lymphoma should be highly suspected.

How can people who have no medical knowledge judge whether a lump in lymphatic tissue is good or bad? If it is acute lymphadenitis, the lump will feel soft and red, swollen, hot and painful. If it is lymphoma, it will feel tough, like touching your nose (soft on the outside, hard on the inside), with a smooth surface, usually no tenderness, and will not move when pushed.

If there are lumps in the lymph nodes and long-term unexplained low-grade fever or periodic fever occurs, malignant lymphoma should be highly suspected, especially if accompanied by itchy skin, sweating, and weight loss. Go to a regular hospital for examination in time to avoid delaying the disease. Ultrasound, CT and other examinations are helpful in diagnosing lymphoma, but the most accurate method is to take a biopsy for pathological diagnosis.