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As we know, the launch of the COVID vaccine is now in full swing in the UK and, over the weeks, young adults are being invited to receive their first dose of vaccination that will protect them against the coronavirus. But, as with many vaccines, there can be side effects, and according to initial clinical trial data, one vaccine in particular is known to produce symptoms that can easily be mistaken for breast cancer in women.
In an attempt to ensure that no one is unnecessarily scared, we spoke to a cancer specialist to find out exactly why the side effect can occur after the vaccine and what it means. THE symptom in question is known as ‘lymphadenopathy ‘, which is more commonly known as swollen lymph nodes. In clinical trials, it was found to be present in about 11% of people who received the Modern vaccine after the first dose and 16% after the second dose in the trials. The Modern vaccine is not yet available in the UK – currently only Pfizer / BioNTech and Oxford / AstraZeneca are in use here – but they say it will be launched in the spring, so it may come anytime in the coming weeks.
THE The bottom line is that if you notice lymphadenopathy as a result of the Modern vaccine, you don’t have to worry. It is a known side effect, and you should simply monitor your body for a few weeks to ensure that you do not notice any other changes that may also be related to breast cancer. Here, Dr. Penny Kechagioglou, Clinical Oncologist specializing in Breast at GenesisCare, explains everything you should know about swollen lymph nodes in relation to breast cancer and why they can also occur as a side effect of the COVID-19 vaccine.
What is lymphadenopathy?
“Lymphadenopathy means swelling of the lymph nodes, which are oval organs around our body and part of our immune system that fights infections, “says Dr. Kechagioglou.” The lymph nodes can be found in our neck, in our armpits and groins, all areas that we can feel. They also exist within our bodies and close to our organs, where we are unable to feel. The most common cause of lymphadenopathy is infection, such as sore throat and lymph nodes are usually sensitive when this happens. Other causes of lymphadenopathy include cancer, medications and autoimmune diseases ”, he explains.
Why can swollen lymph nodes be a symptom of breast cancer?
“Breast cancer can cause swelling of the lymph nodes under the arm or neck, usually on the same side of the cancer, but sometimes it can be the opposite side. The lymph nodes tend to swell because the breast cancer cells have entered them or because they overproduce immune cells to fight breast cancer, “says the oncologist. “If breast cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, they usually look stiff and painless, unlike when they are infected. If multiple axillary nodes are affected with cancer, patients may experience swelling in the arm and / or hand (lymphedema) on the same side of the cancer. “
How common is lymphadenopathy as a symptom of breast cancer?
We are well informed about the most common symptoms of breast cancer: a lump or swelling in the breast, pain in the breast, sudden change in the shape of the breast or inversion of the nipple. But lymphadenopathy can be another indicator. “Swollen lymph nodes in the armpits, with no symptoms or signs of breast, is not a very common presentation of breast cancer, but it can happen“, advises Dr. Kechagioglou.” If lymphadenopathy is felt, especially if it is hard and painless, it should not be ignored and urgent expert advice should be sought. “
Why can swollen lymph nodes occur as a side effect of a COVID vaccine?
First, the oncologist explains that lymphadenopathy in the armpit or neck region on the same side as the injection of the COVID vaccine is “a normal reaction of the body in the injection area” This is because your lymph nodes are “trying to fight a potential infection” to which your body has been exposed as a result of the injection. The doctor clarifies, however, that this does not happen to everyone after vaccination with COVID. “In addition, some people may experience swollen nodules, but others may not, and will only be detected when people have their screening mammograms,” she says. [Note: mammograms are only routinely available to over 50s, so it’s not something many young women will experience.]
What should you do if you notice swollen lymph nodes after a COVID vaccine?
“If patients experience swollen lymph nodes in their armpits after vaccination with COVID and there are no other symptoms or signs of breast cancer as described above, then they need to monitor their knots for a few days / weeks to see if they return to normal“, advises Dr. Kechagioglou.” If the lymph swelling subsides, then there is nothing else that people need to do, “she adds.” However, if the nodules do not return to normal size in a few weeks, if they develop in the meantime, or if people have any other symptoms or signs of breast cancer, they should seek urgent medical advice. ” The oncologist added that it is sensible that anyone with a breast exam will postpone it until a few weeks after vaccination with COVID. to avoid unnecessary recall due to vaccination-induced lymphadenopathy.
The information in this story is accurate at the time of publication. While we try to keep our content as up to date as possible, the situation surrounding the coronavirus pandemic continues to develop rapidly, so it is possible that some information and recommendations have changed since publication. For any latest concerns and advice, visit the World Health Organization. If you are in the UK, the National Health Service can also provide useful information and support, while US users can contact the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.
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