What if chemotherapy does not relieve swollen lymph nodes?

A lymph node can remain enlarged because of infection, inflammation, treatment-related change or cancer activity. Its size alone cannot identify the cause. Response also depends on the cancer type, the location of the nodes and the treatment schedule. Swelling that stays the same, grows, becomes painful or appears in a new area should be described rather than interpreted at home.

Tell the team when the swelling began, where it is, whether it changes, and whether you have pain, skin changes, night sweats or fever. They may feel the area, review your treatment timing and request imaging or a sample when needed. The result may lead to observation, infection treatment, a change in cancer treatment or another specialist opinion. Do not massage a newly swollen area or alter chemotherapy without instructions.

Call promptly for fever during chemotherapy, rapidly increasing swelling, redness, warmth, severe pain or feeling suddenly unwell. Seek emergency care for difficulty breathing or swallowing, swelling of the face or neck, fainting, or severe weakness. These problems can require immediate treatment.

Could this be infection, inflammation or treatment-related swelling? Do I need imaging or a biopsy? How will you judge the treatment response? Which changes should I report immediately?