Symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma usually include swollen waters, fever, weight loss, night sweating and easy tiredness. However, there may be other symptoms, depending on where the cancer is developing. These symptoms may also be known as B symptoms and are more common in lymphomas that develop very quickly.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of solid tumor in the immune system responsible for the body's defenses that has a greater chance of cure when it is an aggressive tumor and metastases are rare, which increases the chances of cure of this type cancer. Its treatment can be done with radiotherapy, chemotherapy and use of monoclonal drugs, under the indication of the oncologist. Understand what this lymphoma is and how it is classified.
Main symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Virtually all people who develop this type of cancer have:
- Swollen and sore tongues, such as small lumps on the neck, behind the ears, armpits, groin; Fever, easy tiredness and little energy to perform daily activities; 10% weight loss in 6 months without diet or exercise physical, nocturnal Sur to the point of waking up with wet clothes even during winter.
Other symptoms that may indicate non-Hodgkin's lymphoma located in certain regions of the body are:
| Lymphoma in the abdomen | Lymphoma in the chest | Lymphoma in the brain |
| Swollen and sensitive belly | Frequent cough | Headache |
| Feeling of a full stomach after eating little food | Difficulty breathing | Difficulty thinking or speaking |
| Abdominal pain | Chest pain or feeling of pressure | Weakness and excessive tiredness |
| Nausea and vomiting | Swelling in the face or arms | Double vision |
When non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects the bone marrow it can also impair the production of healthy blood cells, leading to the appearance of severe and frequent infections or easy bleeding and bruising. In this case, there may be anemia and decreased platelets.
However, in most cases initially lymphoma does not cause any type of symptom, it is only identified in more advanced stages when it causes swelling of the tongue or is identified in tests performed for any other reason. Therefore, it is recommended to go to the doctor whenever symptoms appear that do not disappear after a few days or weeks.
Confirmation of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
The diagnosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be made by observing the symptoms and assessing the patient's history, however, it is also necessary to do tests such as:
- Complete blood count; X-ray; Computed tomography or magnetic resonance imaging of the whole body; Biopsy; Lumbar puncture to check if the cerebrospinal fluid was affected and if there are signs of central nervous system involvement.
These tests are used to confirm the existence of the disease and to identify the type of tumor and its type and stage, which is essential for the choice of treatment. See how Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is treated.
Some situations that can favor the development of lymphoma are autoimmune diseases such as Sjogren's Syndrome, celiac disease, rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, HIV infection 1, exposure to radiation or use of medications such as phenytoin or dioxin. However, it is not always possible to discover the cause of the development of this tumor.
