Home - health - 9 Warning Signs Of Lymphoma
9 warning signs of lymphoma

9 warning signs of lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system. It arises when either of the two types of lymphocytes (T cells or B cells) begin to multiply uncontrollably. There are two main categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Identifying the type is crucial for devising a suitable treatment plan. The following are a few common warning signs of the condition.

Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are a critical part of the lymphatic system, located in various body parts, including the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen. They filter lymph fluid to eliminate harmful substances and fight off infections. Lymphoma leads to an abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes, which, in turn, causes one’s lymph nodes to enlarge and swell. As a result, one may notice swelling in the spleen, neck, armpits, or groin, which does not go away. The swelling is usually painless but can be painful in some cases.

Itchy skin
Persistent and unusual skin itching can also be a warning sign of lymphoma. One may experience itching all over the body or near affected lymph nodes. Persistent and unexplained itching in the hands, legs, or feet could point toward lymphoma. The itchiness results from the release of certain chemicals called cytokines. This symptom can sometimes progress to a burning sensation and even cause a rash. Persistent itchiness can also be a sign of skin lymphoma.

Unexplained fever
Unexplained fever can be an early sign of several health disorders, including lymphoma. Individuals with this condition develop a fever because of the cancerous cells in their bodies. These cells affect the lymphatic system, triggering an immune response that increases body temperature. Monitoring recurrent and unexplained fevers and getting them examined by an expert is crucial in detecting underlying health issues like lymphoma.

Night sweats
Night sweats could either result from the fever caused by lymphoma or the body’s response to the chemicals released by the condition. Those experiencing frequent night sweats should consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and not ignore this symptom at any cost. The expert can determine the cause of the sweats and recommend a suitable solution.

Chronic fatigue
Persistent fatigue could be a symptom of lymphoma. The condition can boost the production of lymphocytes, which can interfere with the production of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Anemia causes one to feel constantly tired as their body struggles with decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.

Easy bruising and bleeding
Lymphoma prevents the body from making enough platelets—blood cells essential for clotting. As a result, a person’s platelet levels drop, which leads to easy bruising and bleeding. One may experience bruising and bleeding in various forms, including nosebleeds, increased menstrual bleeding, and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries.

Loss of appetite
If lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in the abdomen or the lymphatic tissue in the liver or spleen, it can result in a loss of appetite. One may experience a feeling of fullness even after eating a small portion of food. If lymphoma affects the spleen, it might also cause bloating, another reason for appetite loss. Bloating can also occur if lymphoma affects the liver, leading to fluid buildup in the abdomen. If one notices persistent bloating, they should talk to a healthcare professional to understand and address the underlying causes as soon as possible.

Digestive and abdominal discomfort
When lymphoma affects the stomach, it can cause the organ’s lining to swell, causing abdominal pain or nausea. If the condition affects the bowels, one might experience diarrhea or constipation. Individuals should notice these symptoms early and visit a healthcare expert for an evaluation. Doing so helps in getting the right diagnosis and treatment for managing lymphoma in the digestive system organs and improving one’s quality of life in the long term.

Coughing and shortness of breath
If lymphoma affects the thymus gland (located in the chest), it can cause respiratory issues. Swelling of the thymus may lead to coughing, chest pain, or pressure on the chest. In this case, one may also experience symptoms like persistent coughing, shortness of breath, loud breathing, and pain or pressure behind the breastbone. However, the severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person.

It is important to note that the signs mentioned here are commonly experienced in lymphoma cases. However, their presence does not always mean one has the disease. Drawing conclusions based solely on these indicators can be misleading. These signs only serve as cues for one’s vigilance. If someone notices these signs, they must consult a doctor promptly. A thorough examination by a health professional can help accurately diagnose or rule out lymphoma, ensuring the best course of action for one’s health.

If someone has a family history of cancer, they must communicate this information to the doctor during consultations. Open communication with healthcare providers is essential for effective examination and treatment. It is also advisable for patients to ask doctors to explain the details of the results thoroughly and not hesitate to express any doubts or concerns they may have. Effective communication ensures professionals have comprehensive information for accurate assessments.

Latest Articles

5 smart ways of using tablet computers
Tablets

5 smart ways of using tablet computers

You see tablet computers everywhere. More and more people are now moving toward tablets in offices, coffee shops, homes, and even schools. This is because they offer more power and uses than a smartphone and better portability than a desktop or even a laptop. Tablets have many more uses than simply checking your emails or browsing social media. Here are some interesting ways to find more uses for your tablet computer: Second screen Some people like to work on two screens at a time due to the demand of their work. This also enhances productivity and cuts down on time. It is easy to mirror your Android to another Android or even a computer. To use your tablet as an extended display, you need to install an application on your computer and connect the tablet to it using a USB cable or Wi-Fi. Some of the best app options to do this include Spacedesk, Google Remote Desktop, iDisplay, Duet Display, etc. As a remote to control electronics Tablet computers can be easily used to control your electronics. A tablet is larger than a remote and much easier to find and operate with better features. You can control your PC and television with it. It can also dim your home lights, open your garage door, and operate your smart fridge and washing machine. For instance, if you have a Sony Smart TV, you can use the TV Sideview application for your Apple and Android systems. E-Reader If you are an avid reader and have an old tablet, you don’t need to purchase a new e-reader. Your tablet can easily be used as an e-reader to browse your favorite books, magazines, comic strips, and even news applications. Since tablet screens have more glare, we suggest getting an anti-glare film on the screen.
Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia
health

Ignore these 8 foods when diagnosed with hyperkalemia

Potassium is an essential nutrient that allows your body to function optimally. A meal plan rich in potassium allows proper nerve function and regulates your heartbeat. However, certain conditions such as kidney diseases and consuming food rich in potassium excessively may increase its levels in your bloodstream leading to a condition known as hyperkalemia . Let’s look at foods you should limit to keep your potassium within normal levels. Bananas The first food that comes to mind when people think of potassium sources is bananas. One medium-sized banana contains almost 422 mg of potassium. Though it would take a lot of bananas to cause an overdose of potassium, if you are also eating other foods rich in potassium, it will lead to excessive potassium levels in your blood, which in turn, will trigger hyperkalemia . Tomato Sauce and Paste Raw tomatoes contain a decent amount of potassium. One medium tomato has about 292 mg of potassium. Concentrated forms of tomatoes, such as sauces, salsa, paste, puree, etc., contain even higher amounts of potassium. For instance, a small cup of tomato sauce contains almost 728 mg potassium. So, it is advised to skip tomato sauce and opt for alternatives such as basil or roasted red peppers. Milk If you have been advised a low potassium meal plan, you must avoid milk or at least its consumption needs to be reduced. A cup of whole milk contains around 350 mg of potassium. The lower the amount of fat in milk, the higher the potassium content. While you may have a small serving of milk daily, it should not exceed 300 ml. It means avoiding milk and dairy products such as buttermilk, yogurt, milk-based sweets, ice creams, and other desserts. Oranges and Orange Juice Oranges have a very high potassium content and are best avoided if diagnosed with hyperkalemia .
7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer
Tech

7 mistakes to avoid when buying a new computer

With all the options of computer brands available in the market today, you might think it is effortless to pick up one. However, with so many choices, it can get tricky as buying a computer is a hefty, long-term investment. That’s why you should be aware of some common buying mistakes people would make while purchasing this device. And so, here are a few things to avoid before you invest in a computer : Buying without knowing your needs Never buy a computer just because everyone is buying it or there’s a lot of hype around it. While you may want to prioritize aesthetics and popularity, you need to identify your need for a computer and its software . Make a list of all the features that you would need and get the computer configured accordingly. Unfamiliar with different software programs Not knowing the right software may cost you heavily. Purchasing expensive software with a long list of features may not be the best thing to do if half of these features don’t even apply to your work. Next, know how to install and use the software. You also need to know if the software is protected against bugs with an antivirus program and consider the after-sale service of the software. Not considering different operating systems There are four primary operating systems you should know – Microsoft, Apple, Google, and Linux. While technology has made it easier to switch between these operating systems, you may often find one or more applications not working on alternative systems. So, if you have an expensive software installed, check with your developer if it will be compatible with the OS you plan to get. Not accounting for other computer costs A common mistake made by many while purchasing a computer is not accounting for other costs that are part of the bundle.