Lymph Node Cancer:
Lymph
Node:
The lymph nodes are part of the lymphatic
system. They have several important functions and are
good indicators of disease. Lymph nodes are rounded masses of lymphatic
tissue that are
surrounded by a capsule of connective tissue. Lymph nodes filter lymphatic
fluid. Lymph nodes
store white blood cells. Lymph nodes are located along lymphatic vessels.
Lymph nodes are
sometimes also called lymph glands. Lymph nodes can play a role in cancer,
as the lymphatic
system can move cancer cells throughout the body. Lymph node cancer is
also known as
lymphoma or lymphatic cancer. Breast cancer often spreads through the
lymph nodes in the arm
pits (so-called axillary lymph nodes), and whether these lymph nodes are
tumor-free or contain
small metastases is an important factor in the decision of
how aggressively to treat a patient. The
role of a lymph node (or axillary) dissection is to determine if any
breast cancer cells from the
tumor in your breast have moved into the nodes. If breast cancer cells are
detected, this means
that the cancer is more likely to recur later. Due to this increased risk,
you are likely to receive a
recommendation for additional systemic therapy, which could include
chemotherapy and/or
hormonal therapy.
What
is “Cancer” Insurance?
Cancer insurance provides benefits only if you get cancer. If yes, then
Cancer policies sold today
vary widely in cost and coverage. If you decide to purchase a cancer
insurance policy, contact
different companies and agents, and compare the policies before you buy.
Cancer insurance is
sometimes referred to as a specified disease or dreaded disease policy.
It is also necessary if you
are considering the purchase of cancer insurance or other specified
disease type coverage, it is a
good idea to carefully review your current health insurance policies.
Before going for cancer
insurance you should make it clear from agent or company that all
expenses will be covered by
policy or only hospital costs will be bared by cancer insurance policy.
Many cancer insurance
policies have fixed cost limits. Cancer insurance is not a substitute for
comprehensive coverage.
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