Womb cancer and the lymphatic system
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system helps to protect us from infection and disease. It also drains lymph fluid from the tissues of the body before returning it to the blood. The lymphatic system is made up of fine tubes called lymphatic vessels that connect to groups of lymph nodes throughout the body.
Lymph nodes (sometimes called lymph glands) are small and bean-shaped. They filter bacteria (germs) and disease from the lymph fluid. When you have an infection, lymph nodes often swell as they fight the infection.
Womb cancer and lymph nodes
Sometimes cancer can spread through the lymphatic system. If the cancer cells spread outside the womb, they are most likely to go to lymph nodes in the pelvis (the area between your hips). They may sometimes go to the lymph nodes in the tummy (abdomen).