According to the National Cancer Institute, lymph nodes are bean-shaped structures that are part of the body’s immune system.

It explained that lymph nodes filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid, and they contain lymphocytes (white blood cells) that help the body fight infection and disease.

“There are hundreds of lymph nodes in the body. They are connected to one another by lymph vessels.

“Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the neck, axilla (underarm), chest, abdomen, and groin. There are about 20 to 40 lymph nodes in the axilla,” the institute stated.

According to Healthline, lymph nodes swell from an infection in the area where they are located, adding that they become swollen in response to illness, infection, or stress.

“Swollen lymph nodes are one sign that your lymphatic system is working to rid your body of the responsible agents.

“More serious conditions, such as immune system disorders or cancers can cause the lymph nodes throughout the body to swell. Immune system disorders that cause the lymph nodes to swell include lupus and rheumatoid arthritis,” it stated.

Speaking on the development, a breast oncologist at Dana-Farber Cancer Institute in Boston, USA, Dr. Harold Burstein said, “There have been a couple of situations where the patient went for a mammogram and on the mammogram, there it was.”

He explained that lymph nodes are normally the size of a lima bean and are all over the body, adding that the most prominent ones are those located in the armpits, neck and groin areas.

“The ones located under the armpits are most likely to swell after vaccination because they are closest to the injection site.

“They could begin swelling as soon as a few days after vaccination and could last as long as 12 weeks.

“Additionally, the vaccine shouldn’t create any abnormalities in the breast itself, only under the armpit,” he said.

Dispelling fears about the COVID-19 side effect, Burstein and other health experts said the side effect is completely normal as increased inflammation suggests antibodies are at work protecting the body against SARS-CoV-2.

They also explained that the two mRNA vaccines, Pfizer/BioNTech and Moderna, authorised against COVID-19 are highly effective, and are known to evoke other side effects like low-grade fever, chills, headaches and fatigue.

The experts noted that other vaccines such as those for influenza and the human papillomavirus can elicit a similar reaction.

However, there are suggestions that the immune reaction might increase as more people get vaccinated at the same time.

 “This is a normal immune response to a potent vaccine. It’s to be expected. It’s a well-desired consequence of the vaccine,” said Burstein.

Professor of Diagnostic Radiology and deputy chair of Breast Imaging at the University of Texas MD Anderson Cancer Center, USA, Dr. Jessica Leung, also observed that its possible potent mRNA vaccines are causing swollen lymph nodes at a higher rate than others, as they appear to cause more side effects.

“But with the non-mRNA vaccines (like Johnson & Johnson), it’ll be interesting and educational to see what happens,” she said.

According to Healthline, the short-term side effects of the authorised COVID-19 vaccines are similar, noting that it typically starts within a day or two after inoculation.

It listed the side effects to include pain, redness or swelling at the injection site, fatigue, fever, chills, headache, body aches and pains, nausea and lymph nodes

“It’s pretty normal to feel mild symptoms like those described above after getting a vaccine.

“Although it can be unpleasant, it’s actually a good sign. It means that your body is in the process of generating an immune response,” the site explained.

Leung advised people to get screened for breast lumps before taking the COVID-19 vaccine or wait for about four to six weeks after vaccination based on guidelines by the Anderson Cancer Center.

Leung said, “Don’t wait too much longer after six weeks. If it’s not possible to reschedule your mammogram, get your mammogram anyway, but let your providers know (you’ve) had the COVID vaccine in this arm, at this date.”

She explained that most healthcare providers can differentiate between a swollen lymph node and something worthy of concern, especially if they know the patient had been recently vaccinated against COVID-19.

Leung and Burstein, however, advised against rescheduling vaccination appointment, noting that the COVID-19 vaccine is limited in supply and difficult to acquire.

Leung said, “(But) don’t forget your mammogram even with this because cancer is still a big problem.”

source: punch