Signs of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a formed cancer cell in a person's lymphatic system that grows randomly. The lymph system includes the spleen, the thymus, tonsils and clusters of lymph nodes in the underarm, groin, neck and abdomen.

Facts

• The lymph system is far-reaching in the body; lymphoma can start in numerous positions within it and spread to almost any organ or tissue. When the lymphatic system works hard to filter harmful substances from the body, lymph nodes or glands swell. According to the American Cancer Society, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the sixth most frequent cancer.

Skin

• Lymph nodes close to the skin, such as in the neck, the groin, underarm areas or above the collarbone, can be affected by non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphomas may be felt or seen as lumps under the skin.

Abdomen

• A swollen and tender abdomen is a possible sign of lymphomas in the abdomen due to a tumor or large collection of fluid. Swelling near the intestines causes passage of feces to become blocked, which may lead to abdominal pain, nausea or vomiting and decreased appetite.

Brain

• Primary brain lymphomas are lymphomas of the brain. They can cause trouble thinking, personality changes, headache, weakness of certain parts of the body and sometimes seizures.

Chest

• Lymphomas in the thymus, or lymph nodes in the chest, may press on the nearby trachea (windpipe) and cause coughing or trouble breathing.

Treatment

• Treatment options include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, immunotherapy, stem cell transplant and radioimmunotherapy.