Lymphoma Symptoms

What are Lymphoma 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. Lymphoma 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.

Lymphoma Symptoms and 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 lymphoma 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.

Clinical Trials

Patients who are looking for more advanced treatment or who have lymphoma that does not respond to standard treatment may want to consider a clinical study. Click below to find more related articles on Lymphoma Symptoms.

Lymphoma Symptoms - Related Articles

Lymphoma Prognosis

Main Lymphoma Page

Childhood Lymphoma Page

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Adult Non-Hodgkin's

Childhood Hodgkin's

Childhood Non-Hodgkin's

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