Signs & Symptoms of Lymphoma Cancer

Lymphoma is a type of cancer which often begins in the lymphocyte cells which are located in the immune system of an individual. The lymphocytes are a form of white blood corpuscles (WBCs) that play a significant role in protecting the body against various foreign disease and infection-causing agents. Hence the conversion of these cells into an aggressive and virulent form often leads to various health risks and hazards in individuals. Lymphoma commonly originates in the lymph nodes present in the lymphatic system of a person's body, although it can spread to various other parts or organs of the body through the blood stream. Numerous symptoms and signs are often associated with lymphoma; some of the most common signs are discussed at length below.

Formation of Painless Lumps

• Development of lumps or swellings near the neck and groin as well as the armpits is one of the most widespread sign which is frequently associated with individuals suffering from lymphoma. Despite the fact that these lumps are mostly found in the above mentioned regions, they can spread to other parts of the body as well where the lymph nodes are located such as the abdomen and tonsillar region and lower limbs. Such lumps or swellings are often painless and are developed due to the uncontrolled cell division of the cells present in the lymph nodes.

Loss of Appetite

• Loss of appetite is another common symptom often associated with lymphoma. Due to the spreading of the cancerous cells throughout the body, individuals frequently lose their appetite, which ultimately causes weight loss. An article published on a health Website About.com states that a weight loss of over 10 percent is often found to be a cause of great worry in lymphoma patients.

Fever

• Fever is another common sign frequently associated with lymphoma. Lymphoma patients often experience a continuous or intermittent fever. The fever usually re-occurs in around two to three days and causes a lot of discomfort. The likely cause of fever is the infections caused to the cells of lymph nodes due to the irregular and abnormal functioning of the lymphocytes.

Breathlessness

• In certain severe cases of lymphoma, individuals experience a feeling of breathlessness. In rare cases the cancerous and virulent cells near the chest and neck region after spreading to other parts of the body, block the blood vessels and airflow passages, hence resulting in a feeling of shortness of breath and difficulty in breathing.

Other Common Signs Associated with Lymphoma

• Numerous other common signs such as chills, fatigue, excessive sweating, especially at nights are often associated with individuals suffering from lymphoma.