Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that attacks the immune system of the body. It weakens lymphocytes that are present in lymph nodes, bone marrow, and spleen. The survival rate is high in this type of cancer. Here are some signs and symptoms of lymphoma.
Swollen nodes
This is the most apparent sign of lymphoma. If you see a swollen lump in your armpit, neck, or genital area, it may indicate something wrong. These are also known as swollen lymph nodes. They may be painless. However, we do need to keep in mind that not all lymphomas can cause lumps, and not all lumps are a sign of cancer. They may be due to another condition.
Abdominal issues
If the lymphoma starts developing in the abdomen, there are certain signs that you can see. You might get swelling or abdominal pain. if the node forms in your spleen, they can enlarge it and cause fluid to build up. This spleen may press against the stomach, and you may experience a decrease in appetite. These signs can also cause nausea, pain, and vomiting.
Chest symptom
The thymus is a gland present in the chest, and if lumps start forming there, it may put pressure on the trachea, which can cause respiratory problems, coughing, and chest pain. The vein responsible for carrying blood to the heart from the head can also be affected if the lymph nodes inside the chest are swollen. This is a life-threatening symptom as it causes pain in the chest and arms and problems in breathing.
Brain symptoms
Lymphoma can also form in the brain, they are known as primary brain lymphoma. This kind of cancer can show signs of persistent headaches, inability to think correctly, weakness in the body, changes in the personality, and sometimes it can also lead to seizures.
Skin symptoms
Lymphoma that develop on the skin can be visible to the naked eye or can be felt. These signs can manifest as little papules or patches on the skin. They can be red or purple in color and itch. These spots may be varied and appear on multiple parts of the skin. Some rare cases also experience fever, weight loss, uncontrollable sweating, and itchiness.
Common symptoms
Some symptoms of lymphoma can also be misjudged for a different condition. They are:
- Coughing
- Sweating
- Tiredness
- Fever
- Pain in the bones
- Itching
- Rashes
- Abdominal pain
- Weight loss
- Difficulty breathing
These signs and symptoms of lymphoma are easily ignored as they are common to various other conditions. If you feel like you are at risk for lymphoma and experience these symptoms for a long period of time, you should immediately consult a doctor.