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

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms
health

Eczema – 3 methods to manage its symptoms

Eczema has many different stages and types. Unfortunately, about 10.1 percent of people in the country have some or the other form of this condition. Such a disease is a combination of conditions that make the skin irritated or inflamed. With proper treatment, one can manage symptoms. Red, dry, cracked, and leathery skin are the common eczema signs. Here are three useful methods that help deal with eczema and manage its symptoms: Getting the right treatment options Here are some treatments associated with eczema. Dupixent Dupixent is prescribed for children six or older and adults; for those who cannot control symptoms with other treatment measures, alternate treatments are not recommended. This monoclonal antibody works on a targeted area in the immune system. Dupixent comes in pre-filled single-dose pens and syringes, given as a subcutaneous injection. One can find this treatment option in two strengths: 300-mg/2-mL and 200 mg/1.14-mL solutions. Cibinqo This once-daily oral treatment helps manage symptoms for adults who have not seen relief with prevailing treatment options. Cibinqo is an FDA-approved treatment for adults with moderate to severe atopic dermatitis. Doses that can be taken are either 100 or 200 mg. Alternately, a 50 mg dosage is for patients with moderate renal impairment. Upadacitinib and Eucrisa Upadacitinib is a JAK1 inhibitor and helps adolescents and adults with severe or moderate eczema. However, this FDA-approved treatment can cause side effects like fever, cough, nausea, and upper respiratory tract infections. Typically, one starts with 15 mg, but the doctor may advise a 30 mg dose if that does not work. Eucrisa is also a treatment option for eczema. It is for skin-only treatment, so do not get it in contact with sensitive areas and rinse with water in case of contact. Foods to eat and avoid Eczema needs to be managed with a disciplined nutritional regime.
5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep
health

5 mistakes to avoid before bed for better sleep

Have you ever woken up feeling tired and lethargic despite sleeping for seven to eight hours at night? It could be due to poor sleep quality. Disturbed sleep influences the rest of your day: how you think, your performance at work, and other tasks. The causes of poor sleep are many, including a faulty mattress, distractions in your room, or a heavy dinner. Avoiding the following mistakes before bed can help you sleep better: Staring at a screen Using gadgets close to bedtime is probably the most common mistake in the digital age. The blue light emitted from screens affects the production of a specific hormone responsible for inducing sleep and regulating the circadian rhythm. Apart from the blue light emission, the television or mobile phone sound can be a distraction that keeps you awake. High noise levels create lots of mental stimulation and disturbance, preventing the brain from shutting down. Hence, it is advisable to avoid using phones, televisions, and laptops for at least an hour before bed. Exercising Exercise is among the best solutions for good health, but you must do it at the right time. Physical activity late in the evening or at night hampers sleep patterns by increasing stress and raising body temperature. The only exercise recommended before bedtime is light stretching and simple yoga. These help relieve muscle tension and relax the body and mind, preparing them to drift asleep. You can perform intense exercises in the morning or earlier in the evening. If you have some spare time before sleeping, use it for sitting down and reflecting on the happenings of the day instead of exercising. It will help you fall asleep faster. Making poor food choices A meal with lots of refined carbs and sugar is unsuitable for dinner as it can keep you awake at night.
Migraine – Ways to manage the condition
health

Migraine – Ways to manage the condition

Migraine headaches are a devitalizing experience. It completely saps the person of energy and prevents them from being productive during these episodes. There is usually a build-up to a migraine attack which is different for every individual. The phase before the actual migraine attack is known as the aura, and people may report seeing flashes of light or experiencing a tingling sensation. Below are some options for treating migraine headaches: Treatment options Nurtec Nurtec is a treatment option that helps relieve some symptoms of migraines. It reduces the severity of headaches and sensitivity to light. Nurtec is usually taken on alternate days to prevent migraines and other pain associated with the condition. Ubrelvy Ubrelvy, a fast pain-relief, is a treatment option that blocks calcitonin gene-related peptide (CGRP) in the body. CGRP is associated with migraine attacks, and suppressing it goes a long way in treating the condition. Excedrin This pain reliever does not just treat migraine headaches but also pain in other parts of the body. Excedrin provides fast pain relief to the patient. Qulipta Qulipta is a treatment option that helps prevent migraines over a more extended period. However, medical professionals do not recommend this treatment option to people suffering from kidney or liver problems. Qulipta works by blocking the CGRP protein. Foods to help manage migraine headaches Certain foods are part of the preventive treatment for migraines. While a preventative treatment may not completely stop migraine headaches, it will help reduce the severity and occurrence of these attacks. Bananas Bananas are rich in magnesium. According to some studies, magnesium is deficient in migraine sufferers, and the mineral stops the chemicals that cause pain. Watermelons Watermelons contain around 92% water, and it is a great way to stay hydrated. Dehydration often triggers headaches in general, which could lead to migraine attacks.