Since there are several subtypes of T cell lymphoma, there will necessarily be several non-specific T cell lymphoma symptoms that might alert a patient or physician to suspect lymphoma. T cell lymphomas are broadly divided into noncutaneous (not affecting the skin) and cutaneous (affecting the skin) lymphomas; the following list of T cell lymphoma symptoms makes no distinction between these categories.
The reader should keep in mind that while this represents some of the many T cell lymphoma symptoms, it is not meant to diagnose and should not replace a visit to one's physician.
General T Cell Lymphoma Symptoms
Non-specific T cell lymphoma symptoms might or might not include one or more of the following:
- -- Swollen and painless lymph nodes in the neck or groin
- -- General malaise or feeling anemic (depression, fatigue)
- -- Appetite loss (also referred to as anorexia)
- -- Drenching night sweats
- -- Unexplained fevers and flu-like symptoms
- -- Unexplained weight loss
- -- Red, non-tender raised lesions on the skin
- -- Splenomegaly (enlarged spleen)
- -- Hepatomegaly (enlarged liver)
- -- Pain associated with possible tumor involvement
Laboratory Values and T Cell Lymphoma Symptoms
Laboratory values to be considered in determining T cell lymphoma symptoms include:
- -- Elevated levels of: LDH, lymphocytes, uric acid, bilirubin, calcium, creatinine
- -- Decreased levels of: Albumin, hemoglobin, MCH, MCV, cholesterol, iron
However, complete metabolic panels can come back completely normal and a bone marrow biopsy can come back negative, and a diagnosis of T cell lymphoma can still be made.
