Watch out for these 3 early warning signs of lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system – a part of the germ-fighting network in the body comprising the lymph nodes, thymus gland, bone marrow, and spleen. Lymphoma can affect all these areas and also other parts of the body. There are two main subtypes of lymphoma – Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The treatment plan mostly depends on the lymphoma type and its severity. Read further to know more about this condition.
Early signs and symptoms
In most cases, lymphoma treatment may vary depending on various factors, such as the organs involved and the progression of the disease. Also, some patients may experience glaring signs of the condition, but others may not have anything at all. Hence here are some early symptoms of lymphoma.
Swollen lymph nodes
The lymph nodes are a part of the immune system in the body as they help circulate lymph fluid which contains immune cells throughout the body. In patients suffering from the condition, the swollen lymph nodes might appear like lumps under the skin and are primarily noticed in areas like the underarm, side of the neck, groin, and above the collarbone. Even though a glaring sign of lymphoma, the swelling may also be caused by infections.
Fever
Usually, high temperatures can be due to an infection. But in rare cases, they may be a symptom of cancer too. This type of fever is often known as ‘fever of unknown origin’ (FUO), which may necessitate diagnosing the condition and its treatment. Patients may notice that this type of fever lasts up to 3 weeks, experience a temperature of 101 degrees or more, and has no other identifiable cause. According to statistics, 20-30% of FUO cases have been caused by colorectal cancer, lymphoma, or leukemia.
Nightsweats
Often categorized as an irritation, night sweats may also indicate medical conditions such as cancer, hormonal imbalance, and infections. A few patients might also notice profuse sweating, leading to the dampening of bedclothes and linens. Furthermore, the symptom may also be accompanied by hot flashes beginning in the chest or arms and moving upwards towards the face. It might also lead to a reddening appearance of the skin.
As lymphoma is a severe health condition, early detection might help diagnose and timely treatment of the condition. Therefore, patients are advised to seek the advice of a healthcare specialist at the earliest if they notice any of these symptoms.
