Signs & Symptoms Associated with Lymphoma

Although lymphoma can be a silent killer, doctors and even patients can diagnose it, if they know what signs to look out for. There may not be any noticeable symptoms during the earlier stages, and it’s also not uncommon for them to resemble the symptoms of much less serious illnesses.

(Did you know that they are conducting investigative clinical trials on lymphoma all over the country?)

What this means is that the symptoms most commonly associated with lymphoma are not specific to the disease. For this reason, we strongly recommend that you talk to your doctor if you experience any of the following symptoms.

Common Symptoms Associate with Lymphoma

If some form of lymphoma develops, then an individual may experience any of the following signs and symptoms:

• Swollen lymph nodes
• Pain in the chest
• Unexplained weight loss
• Night sweats
• Frequent fevers
• Extreme lack of energy or chronic fatigue
• Low back pain
• Rashes and lesions
• Lymph nodes reacting negatively after consuming alcohol

Attacking the Lymph Nodes

Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, abdomen, chest and skin may begin to swell. More often than not, these symptoms are produced by sinus infections or even the flu. However, persistently swollen lymph nodes is something that needs to be looked into. You may want consider talking to an oncologist if the nodes in the armpits or abdomen begin to swell.

(Swollen lymph nodes are usually pretty sensitive to the touch, but non-Hodgkins lymphoma may cause nodes to swell and become firm.)

The lymphatic system is also put under excess stress when someone consumes alcohol. This system is an integral part of the human body’s cleansing capabilities, along with the kidneys and the liver. The lymphatic system is severely damaged through the development of lymphoma, which translates to a substantially weaker tolerance towards the effects of alcohol. Drinking can produce pain and leave the nodes feeling fairly sore.

You Got the Cat Scratch Fever!

You may know the classic Nugent song by the same name, but what do you know about cat scratch fever as an actual disease? We’re gonna discuss it here because the symptoms it produces can closely resemble the symptoms of lymphoma. Cat scratch disease (also known as Bartonellosis) is caused by a specific form of bacteria which transferred through direct contact with a feline carrier. Lymph node infections are common with the cat scratch disease.

Keeping Yourself Healthy

If you or a loved one were to experience one or more of these characteristic symptoms, there is no need to grow too concerned right off the bat. Make sure to schedule a meeting with your doctor, and they’ll be able to guide you based on the results.

Fortunately, most cases of lymphoma can be diagnosed during a routine medical exam. Actually its not uncommon for symptoms to physically manifest as a result of pregnancy. It should be no surprise that we recommend scheduling time for routine exams throughout the course of the year. That coupled with being personally more vigilant and knowledgeable will significantly increase the odds of identifying an issue early on.