What is the most likely explanation for cancer cells being detected in a lymph node during a biopsy?
Understand the Problem
The question explores the scenario of finding cancer cells within a lymph node during a biopsy. It asks us to identify the most probable explanation for this occurrence from a set of options related to cancer origin, metastasis, and the lymph node's role in the process.
Answer
Cancer cells have likely spread from a primary tumor through the lymphatic system to the lymph node.
The most likely explanation is that cancer cells have broken away from a primary tumor and spread to the lymph node through the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are often the first place cancer cells travel to if they spread.
Answer for screen readers
The most likely explanation is that cancer cells have broken away from a primary tumor and spread to the lymph node through the lymphatic system. The lymph nodes are often the first place cancer cells travel to if they spread.
More Information
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures that filter substances that travel through the lymphatic fluid. They play a key role in the body's immune system. A sentinel lymph node is the first lymph node to which cancer cells are most likely to spread from a primary tumor.
Tips
It is important to differentiate between cancer that has spread to a lymph node and cancer that originated in the lymph node (lymphoma), as this will impact diagnosis and future treatment.
Sources
- Sentinel lymph node biopsy: What cancer patients should know - mdanderson.org
- Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy - NCI - cancer.gov
- Sentinel node biopsy - Mayo Clinic - mayoclinic.org
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