Exploring the Relationship Between Mesothelioma and the Lymphatic System
Posted on: November 12, 2023 *Updated on: May 25, 2024The parallels between the lymphatic system and the vascular system, which handles blood circulation, are remarkable. Functioning as a biological thoroughfare, the lymphatic system plays a pivotal role in enabling immune cells to mount responses against infections, diseases, and a range of other challenges.
At the core of the lymphatic system are lymph nodes, strategically positioned to capture and detain harmful entities like cells and bacteria. These nodes operate as crucial checkpoints in the body’s defense mechanisms against a variety of cancers, mesothelioma included. While they serve as vital components of the immune system, cancer can exploit these nodes and the broader lymphatic network to traverse the body, initiating the process of metastasis.
The phenomenon of swollen lymph nodes takes on added significance as a potential marker of metastatic mesothelioma. This is due to cancerous cells having the capability to infiltrate and navigate the intricate pathways of the lymphatic system. The resulting swelling can be indicative of the presence of mesothelioma that has spread, underscoring the interconnectedness of this disease with the lymphatic system.