Lymphoma is an incredibly serious and life-threatening type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system – part of our immune system which helps the human body fight infection. Early detection and identification of Lymphoma symptoms are crucial to increase the chances of successful treatment.
That’s why it’s important to become familiar with the signs, so you can seek medical advice if any or a combination of these develop.
1. Unexplained weight loss – It’s not uncommon for people living busy lives to experience unexplained weight loss. However, if this has been happening over a period longer than 6 months without explanation, then it could be one of many potential signs associated with Lymphoma.
Rapid and unintentional weight loss of more than 10% of body weight over 6 months is believed to be an early warning sign of Lymphoma and should not be ignored.
2. Fever – A fever is one of the main telltale signs of Lymphoma, and can be a symptom for both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphomas. If persistent fever becomes an issue, then medical attention should always be sought.
3. Swollen lymph nodes – One of the most common symptoms associated with Lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes, which appear as lumps in different areas of your body like the neck or groin. If they are larger than 1 inch across and don’t go away after two weeks it could be worth getting checked out by a doctor.
4. Fatigue – Feeling fatigued more often than you used to is another potential sign of Lymphoma. It’s important to note that everyone experiences fatigue from time to time, especially with modern lifestyles, so it’s about recognizing whether this feeling has been persistent for more than 6 weeks.
5. Sweating – Unusually excessive sweating can be a warning sign of Lymphoma, and should also be noted if it occurs during nighttime or when the temperature isn’t particularly high. If it happens more frequently than normal, seek medical advice.
6. Shortness of breath – Experiencing breathing difficulties without an obvious cause could be another symptom associated with Lymphoma and should not be taken lightly. It’s important to see a doctor as soon as possible if you are frequently feeling out of breath.
7. Coughing – If persistent coughing is present, then this could be an indication of Lymphoma and should not be ignored. This symptom can happen even when there isn’t a cold or other respiratory infection present.
8. Chest pain – Experiencing chest pain that hasn’t been caused by physical exercise could also be linked to Lymphoma and should always be reported to your doctor for further investigation.
9. Abdominal Pain – If abdominal pain occurs with no obvious cause then it’s worth noting down as a potential sign of Lymphoma in addition to seeking medical advice from your GP or hospital department if necessary.
10. Appetite loss – If appetite loss occurs for a sustained period and is not associated with changes in diet or lifestyle, then it should be reported to medical professionals as soon as possible.
11. Bone Pain – Unexplained bone pain without any injury that could account for the pain can also be one of the signs of Lymphoma.
12. Night sweats – Even if a fever isn’t present, having night sweats can still be an indication of Lymphoma and should not be ignored or overlooked—especially if this has been recurring over several weeks or months.
13. Skin rash – A rash on the skin may appear seemingly out-of-the-blue and could be a potential sign of Lymphoma.
14. Itching – Unusual itching that isn’t related to any known allergies or skin conditions should always be noted down as it may be a symptom of Lymphoma.
15. Stomach pain – Experiencing stomach pain without an obvious cause is something that should not be ignored, and medical advice should be sought if it persists over several weeks or months.
16. Swelling in the abdomen – If swelling occurs around the abdomen area, it could indicate the presence of Lymphoma and requires further investigation for accurate diagnosis.
17. Blood clots – Unexplained blood clots can also be a potential symptom of Lymphoma and should be reported to a health professional as soon as possible.
Lymphoma is a very serious condition that requires immediate medical attention once symptoms are identified. If any of the above signs or symptoms are experienced, it’s important to speak with your doctor immediately for further investigation and diagnosis. Early detection is key when it comes to understanding the severity and treating lymphomas, so please don’t delay in speaking to someone if you have any concerns about your health.
Being aware of the signs of Lymphoma and watching out for the warning signs can be essential in getting an early diagnosis. Knowing what to look out for can ultimately save lives, so please don’t ignore any unusual symptoms or changes that you may experience. If you believe that you are experiencing signs of Lymphoma then it is advised to contact a medical professional straight away. With early detection and knowledgeable healthcare, Lymphomas can often be treated successfully.
We hope this has been informative and helpful in understanding the importance of being aware of potential signs associated with this condition. Stay safe and remember to seek advice from a medical professional if anything does not feel right.
GIPHY App Key not set. Please check settings