The lymphatic system is a connected circuit of lymph passages and lymph nodes that perform several functions. These ducts collect extra fluid from the body and return it to the circulatory system. This system also plays an important role in the immune system. Immune cells develop in the lymph system and use it to travel the body, looking for infections and other invasions to fight.
Like all tissues and systems of the body, the lymphatic system can develop cancer. This cancer is called lymphoma. Lymphoma is often treatable, especially when caught early. This makes it very important for people to know the symptoms of lymphoma so they can get prompt medical care. There are several different kinds of this disease. However, most people with the disease will notice one or more of the following signs of lymphoma.
1. Enlarged Lymph Nodes
There are lymph nodes throughout the body. However, the neck, armpits and groin all have more lymph nodes than most other areas. In addition, these nodes are very close to the surface of the skin, which means that problems with lymph nodes will be noticed first in these areas. Lymph nodes sometimes swell due to infection, but this swelling is painful and/or red. In general, the swollen lymph nodes associated with lymphoma will be hard and painless. In advanced cases, they may also be “fixed”, which means that they cannot be moved around and instead stay firmly in place.
Many people do not realize that they have a swollen lymph node. Instead, they will notice one or more small lumps in their neck, armpit, or groin. The lump will not hurt when they examine and prod it. It may be either easy to move or very difficult to move. Although it may not seem concerning, it is a sign of cancer in the lymph node. This is from cancerous cells in the lymph node growing quickly and filling the node until it is tight and enlarged. If you or a loved one have noticed this, it is important to go to a doctor immediately.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Cancer cells use more energy and calories than other cells because of their uncontrolled growth. As the cancer grows, the caloric needs can be immense. This results in weight loss, as most people cannot eat enough to keep up with the demand. In general, unintentionally losing more than ten pounds in six months without cause is reason to see a medical professional. This is not just a sign of lymphoma, but a sign of many different kinds of cancer. The weight loss in lymphoma can be particularly dramatic because patients also suffer a loss of appetite as a result of the disease.
3. Night Sweats
There are many medical conditions that can cause night sweats, such as menopause. The sweating seen with lymphoma can be especially dramatic. People with lymphoma often will sweat enough to completely soak their pajamas and bed linens. They also may feel incredibly cold when they have these night sweats. They often have to drink large amounts of water to make up for the fluid lost in these night sweat episodes.
Doctors are not sure exactly why people with lymphoma get these dramatic episodes of sweating. Some believe that fevers, another one of the symptoms of lymphoma, contribute to these sweats. However, fever alone should not cause this much sweating. This common symptom is not well understood, but it is very common.
4. Fever
When your immune system is activated, such as when you are ill, you often get a fever. Because lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system that partially controls the immune system, it often presents with a fever as well. People with lymphoma may notice that they almost always have a low grade fever. They also may get high fevers on occasion. People may not realize they have a fever but instead feel the effects of a fever, such as chills, flushing, and body aches. This is due to cancerous immune cells growing out of control and causing an immune reaction.
5. Shortness of Breath
There are many lymph nodes in the chest cavity surrounding the lungs. As these lymph nodes swell from the growth of cancerous cells, they can press on the lungs, keeping them from inflating completely. This leads to a constant feeling of breathlessness. In addition, the irritation from these enlarged lymph nodes can cause fluid to accumulate in the area, which is called a pleural effusion. This will further make it difficult to take a deep breath. Last, lymphoma can cause anemia, which often presents as fatigue and shortness of breath. These factors altogether can cause shortness of breath and at times even a cough.
6. Fatigue
Fatigue can be due to many different disorders. In most cases, this is not due to a serious illness. However, it can be a symptom of lymphoma. This is due to several different factors. First, cancer uses a great deal of energy, which can make people tire more easily. Second, lymphoma causes fevers and other symptoms of immune reactions, which also makes people feel fatigued. There may be other factors that contribute to fatigue as well. Regardless of the cause, this is one of the most common signs of lymphoma.
7. Loss of Appetite
Lymphoma usually develops in the lymph nodes. However, it can occur in other tissues of the body as well. Lymphoma can cause large and fast-growing tumors in the abdomen, as well as a swollen spleen or liver. In some cases, lymphoma can even develop in the cells that make up the lining of the stomach. Any of these factors can cause loss of appetite, nausea, and other digestive problems. Over time, this can even lead to dramatic weight loss. Although many people lose their appetite temporarily due to stress or other factors, any long term loss of appetite should be reported to a physician immediately.
