Lymphoma Symptoms

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in the lymph system cells (lymphocytes) [1]. These cells of the immune system fight infections. These cells are in the following parts of your body:

  • Lymph nodes
  • Thymus
  • Spleen
  • Bone marrow, etc.

In lymphoma, lymphocytes can change and grow fast.

Types of Lymphoma

There are two types of lymphoma:

  • Hodgkin
  • Non-Hodgkin (this is the most common one)

Both types of this cancer involve different types of lymphocyte cells.

Hodgkin lymphoma is one that affects the lymphatic system [2]. The lymphatic system is the germ-fighting system of your body's immune system. Here's what happens in this type of lymphoma:

  • Your white blood cells (lymphocytes) grow uncontrollably
  • As a result, your lymph nodes swell
  • There are growths in your entire body

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma also causes the formation of malignant cancer cells in your lymph system. This type of lymphoma can be very aggressive. But there is a primary difference between the two types.

The type of lymphocyte that cancer affects differs. In Hodgkin lymphoma, there are Reed Sternberg lymphocytes. A physician can identify them through a microscope. But these cells are not present in non-Hodgkin lymphoma [3].

Reed Sternberg cells have multiple nuclei and are large in size. Like most cancer cells, they also multiply uncontrollably. They gather in your lymph nodes, and their buildup can lead to tumor growth. These cells can hinder your body's ability to fight off infection.

How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?

There are many tests and exams to diagnose lymphoma [4]. They help doctors understand the following:

  • The type of lymphoma
  • How much has it grown?
  • The treatments it will respond to

Understanding the type of lymphoma you may have is important. Only then can a doctor decide what treatment is right for you. The following are the most common diagnosis tools:

  • Blood tests
  • Physical examination
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • Bone marrow biopsy
  • Imaging tests

Blood tests are extremely crucial to diagnose this disease. They can show what types of cells you have. Sometimes, there could be abnormal levels of normal cells. Other times, they may be lymphoma cells. Pathologists can perform these tests in the following ways:

  • By examining a drop of blood under a microscope
  • Through erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) – This test measures how much inflammation there is in the body.
  • By conducting a Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • Through lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) - This test spots a protein that the damaged cells release.

Additional blood tests can also show the functioning of the kidneys and liver. This helps doctors determine if cancer has spread to other parts of the body.

A typical physical exam involves the doctor asking about the following:

  • Your symptoms
  • The duration of the symptoms
  • Possible external factors that may have contributed to the onset
  • Family history
  • History of smoking

They may also inquire about any medical conditions you may have. It helps them determine whether you can tolerate treatments.

Another method is lymph node biopsy. This is when professionals test your lymph nodes by removing a part of them. The procedure is simple since lymph nodes are close to the skin surface.

Bone marrow biopsies are also useful for examining lymphoma cells. This biopsy checks the cells in the bone marrow. A specialist takes a small sample through a thin needle and examines it for lymphoma.

Last but not least, imaging tests determine how much cancer has spread. These tests include:

  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)
  • X-rays
  • Positron emission tomography (PET)
  • Computed tomography (CT)

Lymphoma Staging

Lymphoma has the following stages [5]:

Stage I

This means that lymphoma is only present in one lymph node area. It could also mean that the cancer is present in only one organ, one part outside the lymph system.

Stage II

Lymphoma is stage 2 if:

  • It is present in two or more lymph node areas

Or

  • The cancer is locally extending from one lymph node area to an organ close by

Stage III

Lymphoma is stage 3 if:

  • It is present in lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm

Or

  • It is present in lymph nodes in the spleen and above the diaphragm

Stage IV

Lymphoma is stage 4 if:

  • It has spread to an organ outside the lymph system

Is Lymphoma Hereditary?

Some people are at a higher risk for some types of cancers. This is because of DNA mutations. If there is a family history of the following, it may increase your risk of lymphoma:

  • Chronic lymphocytic leukemia (CLL)
  • Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)
  • Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)

But NHL gene changes aren't always genetic. They may occur during life. So, it isn't hereditary. But your chances of developing it are high if there's a family history. Some mutations can put people at high risk. But risks are not the same as causes.

Lymphoma Symptoms

Lymphoma symptoms may not always be apparent. But, if you experience the following persistently, consult a doctor immediately.

What Are the Symptoms of Lymphoma?

Common symptoms include [6]:

  • Weight loss
  • Unexplained fever
  • Swollen abdomen
  • Loss of appetite
  • Swelling of lymph glands, such as in the armpits or neck
  • Chest pain, cough, or breathing problems

What Are Some Signs of Lymphoma?

Some signs of lymphoma include:

  • Tiredness
  • Itching or rash
  • Frequent infections
  • Abnormal sweating at night
  • Bleeding or bruising easily

Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women vs. Symptoms of Lymphoma in Men*

Both men and women experience similar symptoms sometimes. Swollen lymph nodes are a common symptom.

When there’s an infection, the lymph nodes grow large and fight it. Then they get to their normal size again. With lymphoma, they may become larger but not as painful when fighting the infection.

Low-grade fever can also be a symptom. Night sweats, fatigue, and weight loss are also common symptoms. But women experience the following if NHL is present in a reproductive organ:

  • Pain while having sex
  • Pelvic pain or pressure
  • Unusual uterine bleeding

Risk Factors for Lymphoma

The risk factors for lymphoma include [7]:

  • Gender (the risk is higher in men)
  • Age
  • Ethnicity and race (in the US, white Americans are at a greater risk than African Americans)
  • Autoimmune diseases
  • Radiation exposure
  • Exposure to drugs and chemicals
  • Weak immune system
  • Family history
  • Being overweight

Lymphoma Prevention

There is no standard way to prevent lymphoma. You cannot change risk factors. But there are some ways you can lower the risk. Limit your chances of certain infections and keep your immune system healthy [8].

For example, HIV can increase the risk of NHL. So, avoid unprotected sex or intravenous drug use. Some lymphomas are a result of treating other cancers. They can emerge due to chemo or radiation therapy. Some also emerge due to the use of immune-suppressing drugs.

Obesity can also increase the risk of NHL. So, it’s important to maintain a healthy weight and follow the right eating pattern. But, there needs to be more research to confirm the link between lymphoma and obesity.

Lymphoma Prognosis and Treatment

Lymphomas are highly curable. Their treatment depends on their type and intensity. But with timely intervention, you can cure them easily. In some cases, lymphoma can be indolent. In such cases, the doctor may not treat it because the prognosis is good in the long run.

Lymphoma Survival Rate

People with NHL have a 5-year survival rate of 74%. But the survival rates depend on various factors such as:

  • The type of lymphoma
  • The stage of lymphoma

Lymphoma Treatment Options

Here are some ways to treat lymphoma [9].

Radiation

This therapy involves using high-energy rays to kill lymphoma cells. Some patients receive it through a large machine. This machine targets areas with cancer, such as:

  • Armpits
  • Neck, etc.

It may take place regularly for weeks. Common side effects are:

  • Hair loss
  • Tender skin
  • Fatigue

Chemotherapy

Traditionally, this therapy uses three or more drugs to treat the disease. Your doctor either injects them or administers them through tubes. Some of these are also available as pills. After evaluating your condition, the doctor will decide on a schedule. They may recommend chemotherapy every two to three weeks. But there are certain side effects. Some of them are:

  • Nausea
  • Poor appetite
  • Hair loss
  • Diarrhea
  • Fatigue

Biological Therapy

This therapy improves your body’s defenses. The drug rituximab inactivates cancer cells by attaching itself to their molecules. Common side effects are:

  • Lightheadedness
  • Itching
  • Chills
  • Fever

Cellular Therapies And Transplant

Stem cell or bone marrow transplants provide patients with healthy stem cells. These cells grow into different parts of the blood. Healthcare professionals take stem cells from the patient’s marrow before radiation or chemotherapy.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the patient’s own immune cells. It aims to make them stronger so they can attack cancer cells. First, doctors remove them from the patient’s blood. Then, they modify them in a lab. Following this, they infuse them into the patient’s body.

Conclusion

Takeaway

Recognizing signs earlier can significantly improve the prognosis of lymphoma. The earlier the diagnosis, the better the treatment course. While early-stage lymphoma isn't deadly, late-stage lymphoma can cause complications.

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