Lymphoma : 8 Warning Signs That Many Fear!
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system that begins in immune cells. The lymphatic system is in charge of infection control. Lymphoma is classified into two types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, with non-Hodgkin lymphoma being the more common. Lymphoma can affect lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen, and groyne. This article will go over the most common symptoms of lymphoma, as well as other warning signs.
8 Common Symptoms of Lymphoma
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymphoma patients often experience painless swelling of lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, and groyne. However, swollen lymph nodes can also occur in other parts of the body, such as in the abdomen or chest. Swelling of the lymph nodes can occur in stages and can last for a long period of time.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Patients with lymphoma frequently lose weight unintentionally. This weight loss usually happens all of a sudden, and the patient will lose weight despite eating normally. The presence of cancer cells in the body, which require a lot of energy and nutrients, is usually the cause of this weight loss.
3. Weakness
Patients may also experience fatigue, weakness and a lack of energy. This is due to the fact that cancer cells in the body take over the function of the immune system, causing patients to become tired more easily.
4. Recurrent Infections
In lymphoma patients, recurring infections such as respiratory tract infections, sore throats or colds are common. This is because cancer cells in the body weaken the immune system, making the patient more susceptible to infection.
5. Fever
Fever is a common symptom faced by lymphoma patients. This fever is distinct from the common fever in that it lasts for several weeks and does not usually respond to antibiotics. Fever can also be accompanied by weakness or extreme fatigue.
6. Shivering
Patients can also experience chills, especially when the fever rises. Shivering is the body's response to an increase in body temperature and can cause the body to shiver for several minutes or hours.
7. Sweating
Lymphoma patients frequently sweat excessively, particularly at night. This sweat can stain clothes and sheets and is associated with unpleasant symptoms such as difficulty sleeping and anxiety.
8. Itchy Skin
Itchy skin is another symptom of lymphoma. Itchy skin can occur on the lymphoma-affected area of the body or throughout the body. It is usually caused by a chemical reaction in the body as a result of cancer or treatment.
Other Lymphoma Symptoms
1. Difficulty Breathing
Patients with lymphoma who have swollen lymph nodes in the chest or lungs may experience difficulty breathing. This is due to pressure exerted on the surrounding organs by the enlarged lymph nodes. Shortness of breath, difficulty breathing, or a persistent cough may occur in patients.
2. Cough and Chest Pain
Coughing and chest pain are also signs of lymphoma. A persistent cough and chest pain can indicate a serious illness that necessitates immediate medical attention.
3. Loss of Appetite and Difficulty Swallowing
Patients with lymphoma may also experience appetite loss and swallowing difficulties. This is caused by the enlargement of the lymph nodes surrounding the digestive tract. Patients may experience stomach swelling, nausea, and vomiting, or difficulty eating and drinking.
4. Bruises or Bleeds Easily
Lymphoma patients may bruise or bleed easily. This is because the bone marrow's production of blood cells to replace lymphoma-damaged cells may be affected by this cancer. Patients who are lacking in platelets (thrombocytopenia) may also bruise or bleed easily.
5. Stomach and Bone Pain
Other symptoms associated with lymphoma include abdominal and bone pain. Abdominal pain and bloating can occur if lymphoma spreads to internal organs such as the liver or stomach. It can cause pain and fatigue in the bones, as well as a lack of blood cells produced by the bone marrow if it spreads to the bones or bone marrow.
6. Symptoms of Nerves and Brain
Headaches are another sign of lymphoma, particularly if cancer has spread to the brain or nervous system. If this occurs, the person may suffer from severe headaches for an extended period of time.
More serious symptoms can occur when lymphoma spreads to the nerves and brain. Seizures, impotence, vision loss, and cognitive issues such as memory loss are some of them.
Signs of Lymphoma in Children
Lymphoma in children has symptoms and signs that are similar to lymphoma in adults. However, certain symptoms are more common in children, such as:
- Lymph nodes in the neck, armpit or inguinal region (thigh area) that are swollen
- Long-term fever
- Appetite loss
- Bloating or abdominal pain
- Unknown cause of weight loss
- Simple bruising or bleeding
- Weakness or exhaustion
- Breathing problems or coughing
If a child exhibits these symptoms, it is critical that they see a doctor. To make an accurate diagnosis, the doctor will examine one’s health and perform tests such as blood tests, lymph node biopsies, or scans.
Other Diseases Similar to Lymphoma
Other diseases can also exhibit symptoms similar to lymphoma. Let’s learn about these diseases together.
Disease | Signs/Symptoms |
Mononucleosis | Significant lymph node swelling, sore throat, fever, fatigue |
HIV infection | Prolonged lymph node swelling, night sweats, fatigue, weight loss |
Autoimmune diseases such as lupus | Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, joint pain, rash |
Sarcoidosis | Swollen lymph nodes, cough, difficulty breathing, chest pain |
Other cancers such as leukaemia or breast cancer | Swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, breast pain or lumps |
It is important to remember that if you are experiencing symptoms similar to lymphoma, you should see a doctor right away!
Danger Never Rests!
Lymphoma cancer is a dangerous disease that, if not treated promptly, can spread throughout the body. As a result, being aware of the early signs of lymphoma cancer is critical for early diagnosis and treatment. Perform regular health checks and take appropriate action if any early signs of suspicion are detected.
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