{"id":3196,"date":"2019-01-24T04:22:48","date_gmt":"2019-01-24T04:22:48","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/?p=3196"},"modified":"2021-03-23T20:36:48","modified_gmt":"2021-03-23T20:36:48","slug":"8-most-common-lymphoma-symptoms","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/simplyhealth.today\/8-most-common-lymphoma-symptoms\/","title":{"rendered":"14 Most Common Lymphoma Symptoms"},"content":{"rendered":"\n
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Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes. It is the most common type of blood cancer in the United States. This type of cancer interferes with the development of healthy white blood cells and produces cancerous cells in their place. White blood cells are responsible for fighting off germs and infections, and those who experience melanoma may have a higher incidence of infection and illness and lowered immunity. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

There are four phases of lymphoma, and symptoms vary according to what phase the patient is in. Some people will experience many symptoms of the disease whereas others may feel a few of them. Swollen lymph nodes, however, are present in all types of lymphoma. Night sweats and itching are also characteristic of lymphoma. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, the treatment, including chemotherapy and radiation also carries side effects. The following is a list of common symptoms of lymphoma and why they occur. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
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The main symptom of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes<\/a>. This can happen early on and is one of the first signs. Often, these swollen lymph nodes are mistaken for something else, such as an internal infection. The main areas of swelling include the underarm, above the collarbone, the groin and the neck. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lymph nodes, which release white blood cells, can swell when they are functioning properly or when they are malfunctioning. If they swell because of an infection, they are producing more white blood cells. However, they can also grow larger because of the growth of cancerous cells. In the case of an infection, the swelling goes down in a couple of weeks. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Swollen nodes caused by lymphoma are rubbery, tend to move when pressed and are painless. If you have swollen lymph nodes that do not go down in 3 weeks, it is essential to see a doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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2. Swelling Limbs
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Swollen limbs, or edema<\/a>, occurs when there is an excess of fluid under the skin. The buildup occurs outside of the circulatory system, and in the case of lymphoma, usually is seen in the limbs, although the swelling can also be in the hands, arms, and abdomen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer can be a cause of this swelling and at times it can be a side effect of cancer treatments, such as chemotherapy. People who are suffering from edema may feel that their clothes are too tight and that the skin is being pulled. In the case of lymphoma, the limbs swell because the lymph nodes are also swollen. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

If your swelling is severe, your doctor may prescribe a diuretic in addition to other medications you are taking. To relieve the pressure, you may want to raise it when you are sitting or lying down. Also, cut down on salt to combat swelling. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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3. Pain and Tingling Sensations
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People who suffer from lymphoma <\/a>may experience pain or tingling sensations in various regions of the body, including the hands and the feet. This can be one of the earliest signs of the disease, but it can also be a sign of other complaints, such as a B12 deficiency, diabetes or excessive alcohol consumption. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Pain and a tingling feeling can happen during cancer because the growth of a tumor may press against nerve cells which may react unpredictably as a result. This tingling and aching are referred to as neuropathy. In addition, neuropathy can be the result of chemotherapy or radiation during cancer treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Neuropathy affects melanoma patients differently or may not happen at all. It can vary from a subtle tingling to sharp pain or the feeling of slight electric shocks. You can reduce the symptoms by taking more B Vitamins, particularly B12 and folic acid.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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4. Fever and Chills
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Those who suffer from lymphoma may feel as if their thermostat is out of whack. There may be fever during the day and particularly the night followed by chills. Fever is often accompanied by infection, but can also be the result of tumor growth. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Lymphoma in particular can cause fevers that come and go followed by chills. Night sweats are also characteristic of lymphoma. In some cases, these can be severe and can lead to the sheets becoming drenched. Doctors are still not sure what it is about lymphoma in particular that leads to a rising in body temperature and symptoms such as fever <\/a>and night sweats. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Those who suffer from this symptom can benefit from cold compresses and extra blankets when you experience the chills. Keep an ice pack and blankets by the bed when you experience fluctuations in temperature. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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5. Loss of Appetite
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As with many other types of cancer, lymphoma is characterized by a loss of appetite. The growth of cancerous cells may develop around the gastrointestinal tract, put pressure on the stomach and digestive system <\/a>and decrease the desire to eat. In addition, cancerous cells release specific proteins that can cause a lack of appetite. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation can further reduce the desire to eat. Loss of appetite can be a problem for cancer patients who need to eat to keep up their strength when they are fighting the disease. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Taking vitamins is also important, especially B vitamins if you are having problems with neuropathy as the result of lymphoma. Eating small meals frequently may be a solution to try to force yourself to eat large meals. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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6. Fatigue<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Many types of cancer can be accompanied by fatigue<\/a>. The growth of cancer cells can zap your energy and consume much of your body\u2019s resources. In addition, the body\u2019s fighting cancer can also require a lot of energy. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Cancer treatment such as chemotherapy and radiation can also make you feel excessively tired. Lymphoma, in particular, can create exhaustion. Night sweats, which are a common symptom of lymphoma, may deprive you of proper sleep so you may feel quite tired throughout the day. In addition, those who suffer from lymphoma have a higher likelihood of developing anemia as the number of blood cells is affected by the illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Since fatigue is almost inevitable when battling lymphoma, it is important to get enough rest when you need it. If you have a demanding work and family schedule, see if you can find more assistance while you are undergoing cancer treatment. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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7. Sudden Weight Loss
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Weight loss is a symptom of most types of cancer<\/a>, including lymphoma. This happens because the cancer cells produce proteins that change the way the body metabolizes food. Pounds may be shed quickly, and if you lose more than 5% of your body weight over a period of 6 months, it is important to see your doctor. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Weight loss occurs in lymphoma because the growth of cancer cells can take up a lot of energy and nutrients. If the disease is spreading rapidly, weight loss can be dramatic. If weight loss is happening too dramatically, you may want to eat a diet that contains a lot of fats and proteins. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

Eat small meals that are high in calories to keep your weight up and make sure you get sufficient nutrients. If your appetite keeps you from consuming a full meal in one sitting, consume small snacks frequently to keep from losing too much weight. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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8. Itching
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Itching<\/a> is a common symptom of lymphoma. It affects one in every ten people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma and every third person with Hodgkin lymphoma. Although itching is most often caused by skin conditions, if a person is already diagnosed with lymphoma, itching may be a part of the illness. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The areas of discomfort can be around the lymph nodes that are swelling as a result of the cancer. This itching is caused by the body\u2019s release of chemicals while it is fighting the disease. In addition to itching, there can be a burning sensation. This can be more difficult to deal with in the summertime. <\/p>\n\n\n\n

In addition, night sweats can complicate itching. If you are finding that severe itching is interfering with your mood and ability to function, your doctor may prescribe you antihistamines or steroid cream. Try to prevent scratching the area to avoid scarring and further irritation. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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9. Swelling in the Abdomen
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People who are living with lymphoma may notice a swelling in the abdomen. This inflammation<\/a> affects the lymph nodes in the stomach, as well as those found in liver or spleen tissue. In some cases, patients may develop lymphoma that occurs outside of the lymphatic system, also known as \u2018extranodal lymphoma.\u2019
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Abdominal swelling varies depending on which tissues or organs are affected by cancer cells. Where the liver is concerned, you\u2019ll notice swelling on the right side of your abdomen. In some cases involving the liver, the growth of cancer may be so aggressive that it starts to turn your skin and the whites of your eyes yellow. Patients noticing these symptoms are experiencing a condition known as, \u201cjaundice,\u201d and should seek immediate medical treatment to reverse the situation.
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If the lymphoma affects the spleen, you\u2019ll notice swelling on the left side of the abdomen behind the ribcage. Lymphoma may also cause swelling in the stomach lining, also known as, \u201cgastritis.\u201d<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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10. Pain or Pressure in the Chest
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When lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in the chest or thymus, it may result in additional pressure placed on the windpipe, producing a cough <\/a>or chest pain. Many lymphoma undiagnosed patients often mistake this symptom for cardiovascular issues. However, the condition has nothing to do with the normal function of the heart and lungs, and everything to do with the superior vena cava, (SVC.) <\/p>\n\n\n\n

The SVC is the large artery carrying blood from the head and upper arms back to the heart. The SVC passes near the lymph nodes and thymus, and when they\u2019re inflamed, they may cause reductions in blood flow, leading to increases in blood pressure.
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People who are living with this condition sometimes have a blue tinge to their face and lips, due to the lack of oxygen circulating in the head. In some cases, the blue color may also appear on the top of the shoulders and the chest. <\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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11. Anemia
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Anemia <\/a>is a condition where the body does not produce enough hemoglobin. Hemoglobin is a protein in red blood cells that carries oxygen around the body. People with anemia often feel light-headed when rising from the couch, and they struggle with fatigue during the day, even if they get a good night\u2019s sleep. In most cases of anemia, the patient will have low levels of iron in their blood, a critical mineral responsible for the production of hemoglobin.
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However, around one in three people diagnosed with lymphoma experience symptoms of anemia as well. This anemia occurs due to bleeding in the gut, or lymphoma cells in the bone marrow. If lymphoma is in the spleen, it may collect red blood cells and then destroy them before they can circulate.
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If you notice that your face is pale, and you have less energy than usual, speak to your doctor about testing your hemoglobin count. Treating anemia is an easy task, and most physicians recommend including more foods containing iron in your diet.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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12. Coughing and Shortness of Breath
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When lymphoma attacks the lymph nodes in the chest, it places pressure on the windpipe. As a result, patients may notice that they develop shortness of breath after climbing a set of stairs. They may also find that the additional pressure on the windpipe forces them to cough. This cough is typically dry, with no signs of phlegm or mucus, but it’s irritating and persistent.
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Doctors treat the symptoms of coughing and shortness of breath with asthma medications and cough syrup to lubricate the throat <\/a>and reduce the swelling associated with the cough. However, shortness of breath can become a severe problem, reducing the mobility and stamina in patients affected by lymphoma.
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It\u2019s important to note that these symptoms can occur due to other severe adverse health conditions as well. Undiagnosed patients may frequently confuse these symptoms with issues affecting the heart and lungs. It\u2019s vital that you take any chest pain seriously and seek medical advice immediately.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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13. Difficulty Overcoming Infections
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A weakened immune system is one of the lesser-known symptoms of lymphoma. Under normal circumstances, the body produces white blood cells to combat any infection<\/a>. People who are suffering from the effects of lymphoma on their bodies undergo changes to white blood cell production. The body produces cancerous white blood cells that are inefficient at clearing the infection. As a result, people with lymphoma may develop other life-threatening diseases in a weakened immune state.
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With a weakened immune system, the patient is more prone to developing severe complications from an infection, and the body takes longer to heal itself from the effects of the disease. People who notice that they start to get sick more often than usual should visit their doctor for a checkup and diagnosis.
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There are many reasons for weak immune function. However, lymphoma-induced immune distress is a severe adverse health condition that could land you with a serious infection that can become life-threatening if left unmanaged.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

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14. Night Sweats
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Sweating is your body\u2019s natural response to a hot environment. We sweat to cool ourselves down and release heat from the body. Everyone sweats during the day, but if you\u2019re waking up in the middle of the night to sweat-soaked sheets that look like you just jumped into a swimming pool, you may have a severely adverse underlying health issue.
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Medical science is at a loss to pinpoint the exact reasons for night sweats<\/a>. Some experts agree that its due to changes in hormone production as a result of disruption from lymphoma. Other experts think that it may have something to do with your body trying to fight off the cancer cells. In some cases, treatment drugs for lymphoma may result in night sweats as well.
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Doctors treat the condition by checking your blood work to analyze your hormone profile. Any aberrations to your hormone production require treatment using HRT drugs. In some cases, Chemotherapy drugs may also cause night sweats.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\r\n

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