The Early Warning Signs of Lymphoma You Should Never Ignore

Lymphoma, a type of cancer in the lymphatic system, is a severe illness that may pose a significant threat to an individual’s life.

Fortunately, modern medicine has made it possible to successfully treat Lymphoma. Knowing the early warning signs of the disease is key to timely diagnosis and proper care.

This article will explore the causes and early warning signs of Lymphoma.

What is Lymphoma? 

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that spreads in the lymphatic system of the body. The lymphatic system is responsible for fighting germs and diseases and is crucial for the body’s health.

Lymphoma is caused when the healthy disease-fighting lymphocyte cells in the lymphatic system begin to change and grow rapidly.

The lymph nodes of the lymphatic system are found throughout the body, including the chest, neck, pelvis, groin, and abdomen. All of these areas and more can be affected by Lymphoma.

There are two main types of Lymphoma:

1. Hodgkin Lymphoma
2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

What are the Risk Factors of Lymphoma?

Individuals who meet certain risk criteria have a higher risk of Lymphoma. These risk factors can include:

1. Having a weakened immune system due to certain medication or health conditions
2. Having a family history of Lymphoma
3. Being a teenager or being over 55 years of age, depending on the type of Lymphoma
4. Certain infections, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, and Helicobacter pylori

What are the Early Warning Signs of Lymphoma? 

The most common early warning sign of Lymphoma is swelling in or more lymph nodes. Such swelling is most common in:

1. Groin
2. Armpits
3. Side of the neck

Other early warning signs may include:

1. Fever or chills
2. Bruising
3. Frequent infections
4. Fatigue
5. Unexplained weight loss

Additionally, one may look for warning signs specific to various body parts. Common signs of Lymphoma in the abdomen include:

1. Loss of appetite
2. Vomiting
3. Nausea
4. Abdominal swelling or pain

Common signs of Lymphoma in the chest include:

1. Coughing
2. Chest pain
3. Shortness of breath

Common signs of Lymphoma in the skin include:

1. Itchy skin
2. Skin rashes
3. Bumps or lumps under the skin

Common signs of Lymphoma in the brain include:

1. Headaches
2. Seizures
3. Double vision
4. Numbness in the face
5. Trouble speaking

What are the Symptoms of Lymphoma? 

Individuals affected by the disease may experience several lymphoma symptoms, such as:

1. Persistent fatigue
2. Fever and night sweats
3. Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, belly, or groin
4. Bone or chest pain
5. Abdominal pain
6. Itchy skin
7. Unexplained weight loss
8. Shortness of breath

What Causes Lymphoma? 

The exact cause of Lymphoma is not yet known.

Lymphoma begins when lymphocytes (disease-fighting blood cells in the body) begin to experience a change in their DNA. These abnormal changes cause the cells to multiply at a rapid rate and live much longer than normal cells.

Such abnormalities in the lymphocyte DNA may cause the affected cells to:

1. Grow rapidly and out of control
2. Spread and increase in number in the lymph nodes
3. Cause swelling in the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver

How is Lymphoma Diagnosed? 

Healthcare providers may perform physical examinations and biopsies to make a Lymphoma diagnosis.

If the laboratory test results indicate signs of the disease, the healthcare professional may perform tests from the following cancer blood test name list:

1. Complete blood count (CBC)
2. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
3. Serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP)
4. Lactate dehydrogenase (LDH)
5. Liver and kidney function tests

Additionally, the healthcare provider may perform various imaging tests, such as:

1. CT scan
2. MRI
3. PET scan

Knowledge of the early signs and symptoms of Lymphoma is vital to treating the disease and avoiding the stress of health complications. Upon noticing signs of Lymphoma, consult a healthcare professional and book a Lymphoma Cancer Test at Dr Lal PathLabs.

FAQs 

1. What blood test results indicate Lymphoma?

Lymphoma blood test results may indicate Lymphoma signs, such as having an unusually high white blood cell (lymphocyte) count. These Lymphoma tests may also detect inflammation related to Lymphoma, the presence of abnormal M proteins in the blood, and a large amount of cell growth.

2. What are the symptoms of Lymphoma in females?

Symptoms of Lymphoma in females can include fatigue, abdominal or chest pain, unexplained weight loss, fevers, and swelling in one or more parts of the body, including the armpits, neck, abdomen, groin, and chest.

3. How to manage Lymphoma?

Lymphoma can be a difficult disease to deal with, and it is essential to take time for oneself to deal with the disease. Affected individuals should consult with a healthcare provider to find the best treatment plan for themselves as well as any possible side effects. Lifestyle choices such as a proper diet, staying active, and being connected with loved ones can also help deal with the stress of Lymphoma.