Table of contents:
- Recognize the characteristics and symptoms of lymph node cancer
- 1. Swelling of the lymph nodes
- 2. Fatigue that doesn't go away
- 3. Fever and night sweats
- 4. Weight loss without a specific reason
- 5. Itchy skin
- 6. Cough and shortness of breath
- 7. Feelings like full in the stomach
- 8. Dizziness, headaches, seizures and other symptoms
Every human being has a lymphatic system or lymph that is spread throughout the body and plays a role in the immune system or immunity. When the lymphocytes (white blood cells) in it develop abnormally, this condition can become lymph cancer or lymphoma which is dangerous to health. What are the characteristics and symptoms of lymphoma or lymphoma that may occur?
Recognize the characteristics and symptoms of lymph node cancer
Lymphoma or lymphoma has dozens of types or types, which are grouped into two broad categories, namely Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Each type of lymphoma can cause different symptoms or characteristics. In fact, some types of lymphoma may not cause characteristics in the sufferer, especially in stage 1 or early lymphoma.
However, in general, the symptoms and characteristics of lymph node cancer that may occur are as follows:
1. Swelling of the lymph nodes
Lymphoma or lymph cancer is a type of blood cancer that develops in the lymphatic system. This lymphatic system is spread throughout the body which includes lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, and thymus gland.
When lymphoma occurs, abnormal lymphocytes develop and accumulate in the lymph nodes. This can then cause swelling in the lymph nodes, especially in the neck area, under the armpits, or in the groin.
These swollen lymph nodes are generally round in shape, feel soft, can move when touched, and are generally painless. However, some patients complain of pain in the lumps, especially after consuming alcohol.
However, keep in mind, swelling in the lymph nodes is not always a sign of lymph cancer. This condition can also be a symptom of other infections, such as flu, skin infections, or from taking certain drugs.
Swollen lymph nodes due to a mild infection will generally return to normal in 2-3 weeks. However, if the swelling you are experiencing does not get better until after that time or it gets bigger, you should immediately consult a doctor.
2. Fatigue that doesn't go away
You may feel tired after a day of activities. In this condition, rest and sleep are usually enough to restore your energy.
However, if your fatigue continues and doesn't go away, you should immediately go to the doctor. This is not always a sign or symptom of lymph node cancer, but it doesn't hurt to find out the cause of the condition.
3. Fever and night sweats
Fever can occur because of an infection in your body. However, fever can arise due to lymph cancer or lymphoma. The reason is, lymphoma cells can produce certain chemicals that increase your body temperature.
Reporting from Lymphoma Action, lymphoma can cause an increase in body temperature of up to 38 ° C. Usually, fever as a sign of lymph node cancer will come and go continuously.
This fever can also cause your body to sweat at night while sleeping. The sweat you let out can be severe enough to soak the clothes you wear and your bed sheets.
4. Weight loss without a specific reason
Other symptoms and signs of lymph node cancer, namely weight loss that occurs quickly, in the short term, even though you are not on a diet. This generally occurs in aggressive types of lymphoma, or with cancer cells that develop rapidly.
This condition can occur because lymphoma or cancer cells will use up energy sources in your body. In addition, your body will use a lot of energy to get rid of cancer cells.
Generally, people with lymphoma will lose more than 10 percent of their total body weight, within 6 months. Therefore, you should contact your doctor immediately if this happens to you.
5. Itchy skin
Itchy skin can occur due to several things, such as allergies or certain skin conditions, such as eczema or psoriasis. However, itchy skin can be a sign of lymph node cancer.
This generally occurs in 1 in 3 people with Hodgkin's lymphoma and 1 in 10 with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The area of the skin that feels itchy is generally around the lymph nodes affected by cancer cells, on the lower legs, or all over the body.
This can occur due to chemicals released by the immune system in reaction to cancer cells. This substance irritates the nerves in your skin causing it to feel itchy.
6. Cough and shortness of breath
Cough, shortness of breath, even pain in the chest can appear as symptoms of lymph cancer or lymphoma due to swollen lymph nodes in the chest area. The swollen lymph nodes press against the airways, lungs, or blood vessels, causing these symptoms.
This symptom generally occurs in patients with Hodgkin's lymphoma and some non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (especially in cancer cells that develop rapidly).
7. Feelings like full in the stomach
Lymphoma can also develop in lymph nodes in the stomach or the lymphatic system in the liver or spleen. This condition can cause swelling of the spleen and you may also feel pain in the ribs on the left side, bloating, or feel full even if you only eat a little food.
Your stomach can also feel full or bloated if the lymphoma has affected your liver and made your stomach swell. Other lymph node cancer symptoms or symptoms can also occur if your lymphoma affects the stomach, such as stomach pain, diarrhea, vomiting, or constipation.
8. Dizziness, headaches, seizures and other symptoms
Apart from the characteristics and signs above, there are several other symptoms of lymphoma that may occur, although they are very rare. These symptoms include seizures, dizziness, headache, or weakness in your legs and arms. This condition generally occurs when your lymphoma has started or has spread to the brain or nervous system.
You may also feel pain in certain parts of your body, depending on where your lymphoma is developing or spreading. When lymphoma affects the bone (rare), it can cause pain in the affected bone.
The symptoms above are indeed similar to the characteristics of common diseases. Thus, this condition may be difficult to detect.
However, you should immediately see a doctor if you feel any changes or symptoms that persist and do not go away. If the cancer is found in its early stages, the chances of being cured of this disease are quite high.
