Symptoms
Lymphoma is not difficult to diagnose once a patient and doctor begin to look for signs of cancer. However, Lymphoma–especially
non-Hodgkin lymphoma–can be something of a silent killer. Symptoms are frequently minor or nonexistent in the early stages.
Furthermore, lymphoma symptoms mimic symptoms of common sickness that are familiar and not necessarily threatening to most
patients.
Lymphoma symptoms are not specific to the disease. For this reason, it is very important that
you tell your doctor during regular checkups about any symptoms that you might be experiencing. They include:
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Lymphoma may cause swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, chest, abdomen and on the skin.
Lymph nodes in the neck frequently swell in cases of sinus infection or can be symptomatic of the flu. But if they
persist for a long time or occur apart from other sickness they might be cause for concern. Lymph node swelling in the armpits
or abdomen might be cause for more immediate concern. Lymphoma may also cause swelling in the chest area which may
interfere with breathing. Lymphomas of the skin often appear as itchy red or purple lumps. Swollen lymph nodes are usually tender and painful to some degree. However,
in the case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes might swell and become firm without any evident pain.
- Chest pain
- Chest pain may occur if the lymphoma affects the thymus
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sudden and unexpected weight loss of 10% or more of total body weight could be a cause for concern.
- Recurring Fevers
- Obviously, fever can be a sign of just about anything. When fever recurs for no apparent reason, especially in conjunction
with other symptoms, it could be a sign of lymphoma.
- Night sweats
- These will usually occur in conjunction with a fever.
- Fatigue / Lack of energy
- Again, this can be related to many things but in combination with other symptoms might be significant
- Rashes
- Itchy skin (pruritis), rashes and lesions can be a sign of lymphoma, particularly cutaneous lymphoma
- Lower back pain
- Obviously, most back pain occurs for reasons apart from lymphoma. However, expanding lymph nodes may press on nerves
and cause lower back pain. This type of pain should be considered in the presence of other symptoms.
- Sore lymph nodes after drinking
- Alchohol consumption puts stress on the lymphatic system which, along with the liver and kidneys,
is part of the body's blood cleansing apparatus. If the lymph system is weakened by lymphoma, drinking may cause pain
in the affected areas.Lymph nodes are possibly painful after alcohol consumption.
Cat scratch fever
It should be noted that cat scratch disease can closely resemble lymphoma. It may come as a surprise to classic rock
listeners to learn that "Cat Scratch Fever" is not just a Ted Nugent song but an actual illness more formally known
as cat scratch disease or Bartonellosis. It is caused by a bacteria spread through contact with an infected cat and can
result in lymph node infection. For more on cat scratch disease, please
see this page from the CDC.
What next?
If you have one or more of these symptoms, and feel that they are part of an overall pattern sugesting lymphoma,
you need to consult a physician as soon as possible.
For most people, preventive care is the most important weapon in the fight against lymphoma. Lymphoma is often
diagnosed during routine exams, x-rays, or even during pregnancy. By having regular checkups and monitoring your
overall health, you increase your chances of early diagnosis and, therefore, successful treatment.
Need Help with Decisions?
Click here to sign up for the FREE Profiler Treatment Option Tool. This tool will assist you in understanding which questions to ask your physician, your treatment options and possible side effects.
Dive Deeper
More on the diagnosis of lymphoma and lymphomas in general
