Lymphoma is cancer in your lymphatic system, and this constitutes your body’s germ-fighting mechanism. The lymphatic system has lymph nodes, thymus gland, spleen, and bone marrow. So, lymphoma can impact all these areas and even spread to other body organs. There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s. The doctor will diagnose the type after seeing your signs and symptoms of lymphoma and then decide on the best treatment plan for you.
As per the types of lymphoma, here are the major signs and symptoms.
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
The most common sign is a lump in one’s neck, or in the groin or arm, that resembles an enlarged node. This is typically painless but pain may happen after consuming alcohol. This lump gets bigger with time or there may be new lumps surfacing near it or in other body parts. Most enlarged nodes, however, in children are due to infections, and these do hurt when touched. When the enlargement is due to infection the node should ideally return to its original size once the infection is over.
People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may have symptoms like
- Fever, drenching sweats at night
- Unwanted and unexplained weight loss
- A feeling of tiredness
- Itching skin
- Breathing trouble
- Cough
- Chest pain
- Appetite loss
Having any of these symptoms does not completely suggest you have lymphoma. Many of these apparent signs and symptoms of lymphoma can appear because of other conditions like an infection. But it is advisable to reach out to a doctor just to be sure.
Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
This type may have a different set of signs and symptoms and this depends on the kind of lymphoma and its location in your body. At times, there may not be any visible symptoms until the node is quite enlarged. Again, many of these symptoms noted below happen due to other infections. So, having any of these does not mean you have Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Weight loss
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Swollen belly
- Chills
- Feeling too full after having eaten only some food
- Feeling of tiredness
- Chest pain
- Cough and shortness of breath
- Frequent and severe infections
- Easy bleeding and bruising
Some have symptoms like fever, swollen lymph nodes, weight loss without any effort at it, and drenching night sweats.
The following body parts are affected by lymphoma:
- Abdomen
When lymphomas occur in the belly it causes pain and swelling from enlarged lymph nodes or the liver or spleen and sometimes because of fluid build-up. When in the stomach, it can cause nausea, vomiting, and pain. - Chest
In this case, it presses on the windpipe and causes coughing, chest pains, shortness of breath, etc. - Brain: Here, lymphomas can cause headaches, weakness in different body parts, trouble thinking, seizures, and personality changes. There are types that can spread even to the spinal cord and brain causing problems like facial numbness, double vision, and trouble in speech.
- Skin: Lymphomas on your kin can be felt or seen; they are usually itchy, red, and look like bumps under one’s skin.
Symptoms of lymphoma may be quite similar to symptoms of viral diseases like the common cold. But they will continue for a much longer time. On the other hand, some people with lymphoma may not show any visible signs or symptoms. When there are swellings in the groin, neck, armpit, or abdominal regions, these are usually painless but may turn painful when they start to press bones or organs.
