Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that severely harms the immune system. Lymphocytes, which are the white blood cells of the immune system, do the function of protecting the body against germs and infections. Lymphocytes turn into cancer cells, or lymphoma when non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma manifests.
So what are the signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma to look out for? Sometimes, symptoms don’t manifest until cancer grows larger. While all the symptoms listed below do not necessarily indicate you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it is important to consult a doctor as soon as you suspect you have them.
Some common signs and symptoms include
- Enlarged lymph nodes near underarm, groin, and neck
- Weight loss without trying
- Swollen abdomen
- Fatigue
- Chills and night sweats
- Feeling full despite eating only a small amount
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath
- Persistent coughing
- Frequent infections
- Easy bruising or bleeding
Swollen lymph nodes
Swollen lymph nodes are the most common early signs of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. When there are lumps on the skin in the underarms, sides of the neck, groin, and above the collarbone, it is best to show them to your doctor. These lumps are usually not painful. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can cause enlarged lymph nodes, but that can also be the result of many other infections. When formed as a reaction to infections, the lymph nodes become tender to the touch.
Abdominal swelling and associated symptoms
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the abdominal area causes nausea and vomiting. Swelling in the abdomen can be because of enlarged lymph nodes growing there. This could also be due to the enlarging of organs in the abdomen region, such as the spleen or liver. This happens when there are a lot of fluids in the area. An enlarged spleen may press on the stomach, causing the individual to feel full very easily, even when they consume a small meal.
Skin
Lymphoma in the skin is accompanied by itchiness and red and purple lumps. This is not a very common form of lymphoma.
Brain
When a person has non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma of the brain, they experience a variety of symptoms, including double vision, speech difficulties, and headaches, changes in personality, seizures, and facial numbness. This type of lymphoma is called primary brain lymphomas.
Chest
When non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes in the chest or the thymus, it will cause breathing difficulties as it may press on the windpipe. Coughing and pain and pressure in the chest are also common symptoms.
Superior vena cava syndrome, or SVC syndrome, occurs when blood backs up in the superior vena cava vein. This vein carries blood back to the heart from the head and arms. Lymphoma in the area pushes on the SVC, causing swelling and bluish-red color in the head, arms and chest regions. The patient may also have trouble breathing and may lose consciousness. This is life-threatening fallout of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma in the chest and needs to be treated at once.
Other symptoms that may indicate non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include frequent fevers with no infection and nighttime sweats over several days and even weeks.
