A cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a common condition that affects the ability of the disease-controlling network that is spread across the parts of the body. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is triggered when there is a development of tumors that stem from the lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a kind of white blood cell that constitute an imperative part of the body’s immune system. The cells effectively control the invasion or spread of harmful organisms in the body.
Lymphoma can be screen tested and this puts individuals at an increased risk of developing non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. People who have low immunity, are affected by the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), or have undertaken treatment for cancer in the past must look out for any symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Here are the 6 symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma that can aid in detecting the condition earlier:
- Enlargement of lymph node:
An initial and most common symptom, the lymph node begin to enlarge as the lymphocytes begin to reproduce inside the node. Typically, the symptom may come to light when the patient notices a lump beneath the skin’s surface. The enlarged lymph nodes may be present in the different parts of the body including the neck, armpit, abdomen, and groin. The tumor may enlarge in size over time while not being accompanied by pain. - Discomfort in the abdomen:
Very often, lymphoma can develop from the lymphoid tissue situated in any of the abdominal organs. The increase in the size of the tumor can lead to a buildup of fluid and this causes swelling and tenderness in the abdomen. As the tumor enlarges, there is an increased pressure on the structures that are surrounding. The individual will feel pain, decreased appetite or nausea every time there is pressure applied on the stomach. - Fever:
Fever is usually experienced by patients afflicted with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The increase in body temperature is not due to an infection or bacteria and does not follow the usual pattern. The fever may increase for a few days and then subside while continuing to occur in the same pattern. Studies are still to prove the cause behind the unusual fever pattern. - A loss in weight:
Cancer of any kind is found to cause sudden or unexplainable loss of weight. Weight loss may also be one of the first few symptoms noticed by patients when affected by non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The loss is triggered by an inability to eat meals, vomiting, pain and abdominal pain. There may also be muscle wasting and weight loss in case the condition has advanced. - Itchy skin:
There may be noticeable changes in the skin health and the development of colored lumps. The skin becomes itchy when the tumor develops on the skin. These kinds of changes are triggered by the type of malignant lymphocyte. - Incessant bleeding:
When the lymphoma is present in the bone marrow, there may be a decrease in the counts of varied blood cells. The low count of white and blood cells puts one at the risk of suffering from infections, weakness, and fatigue. This is followed by incessant bleeding through the nose and gums. Even the slightest bruise can cause immense blood loss. Women may also experience unusually long and heavy periods.
