Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma (NHL) can start in any part of the body that is composed of lymphatic tissue, including the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other organs of the immune system. The majority of NHL forms in the lymph nodes, which are small oval-shaped organs located throughout the body.
This is often referred to as lymph node lymphoma. When lymphoma starts in the lymph nodes it can spread to other parts of the body, such as the lungs, liver, bone marrow or skin. Other organs may also become involved, such as the stomach, brain, or large intestine.
While it is rare, people can also experience skin lymphoma. NHL can also start in any of the other organs of the immune system that contains lymphatic tissue such as the spleen, thymus or bone marrow.
Depending on where it begins and how it behaves, there are many different types of NHL.
Which lymph nodes usually swell with lymphoma?
Lymphoma can cause lymph node swelling anywhere in the body, but it is most commonly seen in the neck, underarms, and groin. The swellings can be large and feel hard or rubbery. Swollen lymph nodes are a symptom of both Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and it’s possible for them to appear in other areas, such as the abdomen, spleen or chest, as the disease progresses.
Lymphoma can also cause swelling in the liver and spleen and can cause the abdomen to look and feel swollen. In rare cases, lymphoma may also cause swelling in the arms, legs and face.
Although swollen lymph nodes can be signs of other illnesses, it’s important to have your doctor take a look to rule out lymphoma and provide an accurate diagnosis. Possible tests may include a physical exam to look for swollen lymph nodes, as well as imaging tests, such as CT scans, MRI scans and PET scans.
Blood tests, lymph node biopsy and bone marrow biopsy may also be done to provide more information.
Due to the severity of this disease, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as possible if you have swollen lymph nodes, especially if the swelling doesn’t go away or keeps increasing in size.
How do you rule out non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can only be definitively ruled out through a biopsy. During this procedure, a sample of lymph node tissue (or sometimes other tissues or organs) is removed and tested for the presence of cancerous cells.
Other tests may also be performed, such as a bone marrow biopsy or CT scan. Depending on the results of the biopsy, more tests, treatments, or monitoring may be recommended. Additionally, a medical history and a physical exam may be used to help rule out other potential causes of symptoms.
What is the most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
The most common form of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is called diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). It’s a fast-growing cancer that starts in B-cells, which are a type of white blood cell. DLBCL is the most frequent type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, accounting for about 30 percent of lymphoma diagnoses.
It can affect people of any age, but it is most often seen in people over the age of 60. Symptoms of DLBCL include enlarged lymph nodes, swelling in the stomach, chest, or neck, weight loss, night sweats, itchy skin, and fatigue.
Treatmentoptions may include chemotherapy, radiation, and/or stem cell transplantation.
How long can you have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and not know it?
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the body’s lymphatic system. It is typically diagnosed when a person’s lymph nodes become swollen due to an accumulation of abnormal white blood cells.
While non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can sometimes be detected early through the presence of swollen lymph nodes, the signs of this type of cancer can be vague and may only become evident after the cancer has become more advanced.
Therefore, it is possible to have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma for an extended period of time without knowing it. Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s may include: feelings of fatigue, night sweats, loss of appetite, joint pain, fever, weight loss, or abdominal pain.
These may begin slowly and can be mistaken for other illnesses or conditions, making it harder to recognize the disorder. Even if a person knows that something is wrong, they may put off a visit to their doctor, which could delay the diagnosis further.
In some cases, a person with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may go undiagnosed for years, though this is less common. A patient’s individual circumstances, the type of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and how quickly the cancer is progressing will all play a role in how long it may take for a diagnosis to be made.
Ultimately, the quicker a person seeks medical attention and is diagnosed, the better chance treatments will be successful.
What is usually the first symptom of lymphoma?
The most common symptom of lymphoma is an enlarged lymph node, which is most often felt in the neck, armpits, or groin. This can be painless or may cause swelling or discomfort. Other potential first symptoms of lymphoma include persistent, unexplained fatigue, fever, night sweats, weight loss, or an itchy skin rash.
It is important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions and may not necessarily be linked to lymphoma. To properly diagnose lymphoma, it is important to consult with a healthcare professional for tests and a thorough examination.
Will lymphoma show up in blood work?
Yes, lymphoma can show up on bloodwork. Different types of blood tests may be used to determine whether an individual has lymphoma, such as a complete blood count (CBC), metabolic panel, liver function tests, and specialized tests like the lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) level.
A CBC test measures the number of red and white blood cells, as well as platelets, in a sample of blood. This test can indicate that an individual has too many or too few white blood cells, which could indicate that they have lymphoma.
Similarly, a metabolic panel tests the levels of electrolytes, proteins, glucose, and other substances in the blood that can help diagnose and monitor a person’s overall health, while a liver function test can measure levels of substances in the liver to check for any hints of lymphoma.
LDH is an enzyme that is present in the red blood cells, and its levels can be measured in a sample of blood. If the levels are high, this can indicate that the body is dealing with tissue destruction, which can be a sign of lymphoma.
Additionally, specialized tests, such as a PET scan, can be used to detect any abnormal cell activity in the body that could be caused by the presence of lymphoma. Ultimately, the blood tests used to help diagnose lymphoma will depend on the type of lymphoma and symptoms.
How do I check myself for lymphoma?
The first step in checking yourself for lymphoma is to pay close attention to any changes or unusual symptoms you may be experiencing. These can include but are not limited to: persistent fatigue, unexplained weight loss, night sweats, persistent fevers and chills, persistent swollen lymph nodes along the sides of your neck, armpits or groin, and persistent coughing, chest pain or difficulty breathing.
If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, you should contact your healthcare provider to get further evaluation and testing. Your medical provider may refer you to a specialist for further diagnostic procedures such as a physical exam and lab testing, imaging studies, and possibly a biopsy if they believe it is necessary.
If lymphoma is present, further testing and imaging may be needed to confirm the diagnosis and determine the type and stage of the lymphoma. If a biopsy or other imaging studies reveal lymphoma, your healthcare provider will talk with you about the next steps you need to take and provide you with information about treatment options.
When should you suspect lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a form of cancer that can affect the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is important to know when to suspect lymphoma so that a proper diagnosis can be made and treatment can begin as soon as possible.
There are certain signs and symptoms that may be warning signs of lymphoma, including swollen lymph nodes (particularly those in the neck, armpits, or groin), unexpected enlarged spleen, skin rash, unexplained weight loss, and/or frequent night sweats.
If an individual experiences any of these symptoms, they should contact their doctor and discuss any potential concern they may have.
Additionally, individuals with a weakened immune system or a family history of lymphoma may be more at risk for the condition and should be on the lookout for any signs or symptoms, even if they appear to be minor.
Oftentimes, a doctor may order additional tests to check for the presence of lymphoma, such as CT scan, MRI, and/or PET scans. A primary care physician may also conduct a physical exam with a focus on the lymph nodes in order to look for any swelling or tenderness that could indicate the presence of lymphoma.
It is important to keep in mind that there are many other treatable medical conditions that may lead to similar symptoms as those associated with lymphoma and it is always best to speak to a doctor to rule out or diagnose the presence of any condition.
Catching and treating lymphoma in its earliest stages is key to increasing the chances of a favorable outcome.
When are you most likely to get lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, however certain factors can increase an individual’s risk of getting the disease. Most cases of lymphoma are non-Hodgkin lymphomas, which can occur at any age, but are most common in people over the age of 60.
As people age, their immune system becomes less effective, which makes them more susceptible to developing lymphoma.
Certain medical conditions, such as HIV/AIDS, can also increase the risk of lymphoma. Additionally, having certain dietary deficiencies or being exposed to toxic substances over time can also contribute to an individual’s risk of developing the disease.
Having a blood disorder or undergoing treatments such as chemotherapy or radiation may increase the risk of lymphoma as well. Individuals who have a family history of the disease, or who have had organ transplants, are at a higher risk of developing lymphoma as well.
It is important to note that having any of the above factors does not necessarily mean that an individual will develop lymphoma. Additionally, many people who are diagnosed with lymphoma don’t have any known risk factors.
Can lymphoma come on suddenly?
Yes, lymphoma can come on suddenly. Depending on the type and severity of the lymphoma, it can present with symptoms that can come on quickly and appear more serious than other types of cancer. Some signs and symptoms of lymphoma can include: swelling/lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin, persistent fatigue, shortness of breath, recurrent fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, and itching.
If an individual experiences one or more of these symptoms it is important to see a medical professional right away as they may be indications of a more serious underlying medical condition. In some cases, lymphoma can be identified quickly and various treatments may be pursued.
An accurate diagnosis is key to receiving the most appropriate treatment that can lead to better outcomes for the patient.
How do I know if a lump is lymphoma?
It is difficult to determine if a lump is lymphoma without a medical professional’s opinion. However, if you find a lump in your neck, armpit, or groin area that feels rubbery, you should consider having it checked out by a doctor.
Other signs of lymphoma include persistent neck, groin, or armpit pain, swelling in multiple lymph nodes on both sides of the body, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and itching. It is important to note that some of the symptoms of lymphoma can also be signs for other illnesses, so it is important to not self-diagnose and to seek medical attention.
If your physician believes the lump may be lymphoma, you may need additional tests, such as an imaging test, tissue biopsy, or lab tests, to determine if it is indeed a lymphoma.
What does a Hodgkin lump feel like?
A Hodgkin lump typically feels like a small, firm or hard lump that is typically painless, although some may experience tenderness. The lump may also feel like a swollen gland and be found in the neck, armpit, or abdomen, although it can be found anywhere in the body.
Other symptoms to look out for include fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, and itching. If you find a lump that you think might be Hodgkin, it’s important to see a doctor to determine your diagnosis and get the proper treatment.
Which symptoms is most commonly an early indication of Stage 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
The most common symptom of Stage 1 Hodgkin’s lymphoma is enlarged lymph nodes, usually located in the neck, under the arms, or in the chest. Other commonly reported early symptoms include persistent fatigue, weight loss, fevers, night sweats, chest pain, persistent cough, and difficulty breathing.
Less common symptoms may include abdomen enlargement, itching, discomfort in the lymph nodes, and anemia. It’s important to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other illnesses besides Hodgkin’s lymphoma, so it’s essential to visit a doctor to receive a proper diagnosis if you are experiencing any of these symptoms.