What is a characteristic of a cancerous lymph node?

A characteristic of a cancerous lymph node is that it tends to be hard and fixed. This hardness is indicative of a neoplastic process, where the lymphatic tissue has become infiltrated by malignant cells, causing the node to lose its normal pliability. When a lymph node is fixed, it essentially means that it is adhered to the surrounding tissues, which is a concerning sign suggesting potential involvement of the malignancy in the local structures.

In contrast, a lymph node that is soft may indicate inflammatory changes or infections rather than a malignancy. Fluctuant consistency often suggests the presence of an abscess or fluid collection, which is not typically seen in malignant lymph nodes. Mobile and multiple lymph nodes could suggest a benign reactive process or infection, which does not point to cancer. Thus, the characteristic of being hard and fixed is particularly concerning for malignancy and is crucial in clinical assessments.