Signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many different signs and symptoms, depending on where it is in the body. In some cases it might not cause any symptoms until it grows quite large. Common signs and symptoms include:
- Enlarged lymph nodes
- Swollen abdomen (belly)
- Feeling full after only a small amount of food
- Chest pain or pressure
- Shortness of breath or cough
- Fever
- Weight loss
- Night sweats
- Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
- Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
- Swollen lymph nodes
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause lymph nodes to become enlarged. When this occurs in lymph nodes close to the surface of the body (such as on the sides of the neck, in the groin or underarm areas, or above the collar bone), they may be seen or felt as lumps under the skin. These are often found by the patient, a family member, or a health care professional. Although enlarged lymph nodes are a common symptom of lymphoma, they are much more often caused by infections.
Signs and symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma
- Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphoma (cancer of the lymphatic system).
- The most common symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin.
- Some of those affected have other symptoms like fever, night sweats, fatigue, itching, or weakness.
- Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among teens and adults aged 15 to 35 years and adults aged 55 years and older.
- Risk factors may include a weakened immune system, HIV or EBV infection, and a family history of the disease.
- Hodgkin's lymphoma is diagnosed when abnormal tissue is detected by a pathologist after a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node.
- The abnormal cells in Hodgkin's lymphoma are called Reed-Sternberg cells.
- Staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma refers to the extent of spread of the abnormal cells within the body.
- Imaging studies such as CT scanning, MRI, or PET scanning may be done to determine the stage of Hodgkin's lymphoma.
- Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma depends on the symptoms, stage and location of disease, as well as the age and health of the patient.
- Treatment of Hodgkin's lymphoma usually includes radiation therapy or chemotherapy.
Source: American Cancer Society