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Lymphoma Cancer Symptoms

Lymphoma cancer attacks the cells of the lymphatic system in the body, which are housed in the immune system. This type of cancer occurs when normal cells in the lymphatic system transform to abnormal cells and start multiplying rapidly. When a person is diagnosed with this type of cancer, it is essential to get treatment immediately to prevent the cancer from progressing. If you or someone you know thinks that they might have lymphoma cancer, read on to find out more about its symptoms.

  1. Types

    • There are two main types of lymphoma cancers, Hodgkins and Non-Hodgkins. Hodgkins Disease distinguishes itself from other non-Hodgkins lympoma cancers because of the presence of the Reed-Sternberg cell, according to the National Cancer Institute. Those who have Hodgkin's disease tend to experience swelling the lymph nodes of the neck, underarms and groin that is painless, fevers that continue to recur, sudden weight loss, itchy skin and night sweats.

    Significance

    • In Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma, those affected also generally experience "painless swelling in the lymph nodes of the neck, underarm, or groin," as well as red, itchy skin, reoccuring fevers, weight loss, fatigue and night sweats. Some people who have Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma also experience symptoms of nausea, abdominal pain and vomiting.

    Expert Insight

    • Anyone who experiences swelling in the areas mentioned above should seek medical attention immediately. While swelling in these areas may not be lymphoma cancer, early detection of most forms of lymphomatic cancers are key in order to treat or cure the disease. In addition, if the swelling in these areas is accompanied by itching, weight loss, fatigue or a sudden decrease in energy, chills, fever or nightsweats, visit the doctor as soon as possible.

    Considerations

    • While there is no known cause of lymphomatic cancers, there are factors that increase the risk that a person will get it. In Non-Hodgkins disease, this includes old age and people who have Hepatitis B, Hepatitis C, autoimmune disease, and those people who have been exposed to toxic chemicals over a long period of time. For Hodgkins Disease, people between 15 and 34 as well as people over the age of 55 are at risk, as well as people who have a family history of Hodgkin's Disease and people who have or have had the Epstein-Barr Virus.

    Prevention/Solution

    • Hodgkin's Disease can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy. However, treatment is complicated and differs from person to person. Non-Hodgkin's Disease can be cured if it is diagnosed early, and is generally treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy as well.

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