Ive been having radiotherapy for 17 sessions. The lymph nodes are red and swollen and actually seem bigger than at first?? Is this a normal reaction?
Ive been having radiotherapy for 17 sessions. The lymph nodes are red and swollen and actually seem bigger than at first?? Is this a normal reaction?
Hi JDCC,
Thanks for getting in touch and welcome to our online community. I’m Rachel one of the Cancer Information Nurses here on the Macmillan Support Line. I’m glad to see that you’ve joined our Head and Neck Cancer forum and hope that you’re finding it supportive.
I’m sorry to hear that you’ve noticed swelling and redness to your lymph nodes during your radiotherapy treatment and can imagine that this is concerning for you.
Here on the support line, we don’t have access to medical records and aren’t linked to the NHS, so we can’t say whether these symptoms are side effects of your treatment.
We’d always advise that you tell your cancer team as soon as possible about any new or worsening symptoms that you notice, they are best placed to assess you and give specific advice.
Swelling and redness can be side effects of radiotherapy, but it’s important to rule out more serious possible causes such as a blood clot, infection or lymphoedema. We would suggest you contact your treatment team for urgent advice today. If you’re unable to get in touch you should call NHS 111.
If the swelling causes any breathing difficulties, call 999 as this would be a medical emergency.
In the meantime, here’s some general information about side effects of radiotherapy to the head and neck that you might like to take a look at.
I hope this helps.
Best wishes
Rachel
Macmillan Cancer Information Nurse Specialist
You can also speak with the Macmillan Support Line team of experts. Phone free on 0808 808 0000 (7 days a week, 8am-8pm) or send us an email.
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