Lymphoma is cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These cells are in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body.

Where does lymphoma usually show up?

In lymphoma, cancer cells are found in the lymphatic system, which is comprised of the bone marrow, lymph nodes, spleen, stomach, intestines and skin. Because lymph tissues are present in many parts of the body, lymphoma can start almost anywhere.

What were your first signs of lymphoma?

Signs and symptoms of lymphoma may include:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits or groin.
• Persistent fatigue.
• Fever.
• Night sweats.
• Shortness of breath.
• Unexplained weight loss.
• Itchy skin.

Where does lymphoma spread to first?

NHL usually starts in an area of lymph nodes. When it spreads to an organ or tissue outside of the lymph nodes, it is called extranodal spread.

What does a lymphoma lump feel like?

A lymphoma lump will tend to be painless and feel rubbery when touched. Swollen lymph nodes caused by other conditions like the flu can make your lymph nodes swell and feel tender when touched. A lymphoma lump also tends to be movable under the skin versus hard and unmovable.

Non Hodgkin's lymphoma | Spot it Early | Cancer Research UK

What can be mistaken for lymphoma?

Conditions that non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is commonly misdiagnosed as include:

• Influenza.
• Hodgkin's lymphoma.
• Cat scratch fever.
• HIV.
• Infections.
• Mononucleosis.

What are B symptoms of lymphoma?

What are B-cell lymphoma symptoms?

• Fever.
• Drenching night sweats.
• Unintentional loss of more than 10% of body weight over 6 months.
• Painless swelling in one or more lymph node(s).
• Persistent fatigue.
• Loss of appetite.
• Cough or chest pain.
• Stomach pain.

Does lymphoma show up in blood work?

Blood tests aren't used to diagnose lymphoma, though. If the doctor suspects that lymphoma might be causing your symptoms, they might recommend a biopsy of a swollen lymph node or other affected area.

Who is most at risk for lymphoma?

Age. Getting older is a strong risk factor for lymphoma overall, with most cases occurring in people in their 60s or older . But some types of lymphoma are more common in younger people.

Can you feel well with lymphoma?

Signs and Symptoms of Hodgkin Lymphoma. You or your child can have (HL) and feel perfectly well. But HL often causes symptoms or changes that should be checked by a doctor.

What is the most common and distinguishing early symptom of lymphoma?

The best way to find lymphoma early is to pay attention to possible signs and symptoms. One of the most common symptoms is enlargement of one or more lymph nodes, causing a lump or bump under the skin which is usually not painful. This is most often on the side of the neck, in the armpit, or in the groin.

What does lymphoma fatigue feel like?

People often describe lymphoma fatigue (or treatment-related fatigue) as feeling: Extremely tired. Weak. Exhausted.

Are lymphoma lumps hard or soft?

The characteristics of lymphoma lumps

Lymphoma lumps have a rubbery feel and are usually painless. While some lymphoma lumps develop within a matter of days, others can take months or even years to become noticeable.

Where do you itch with lymphoma?

Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching. Many individuals experience this itchiness in their hands, lower legs or feet, while others feel it throughout their entire body. Patients often report that the itching tends to worsen while they are lying in bed at night.

What would CBC look like with lymphoma?

Complete blood count (CBC)

White blood cells, which fight infection. A low white blood cell count can occur due to lymphoma or other conditions, like an autoimmune disorder. Lymphoma sometimes shows in the blood as an abnormally high white blood cell count. Platelets, which are cells that clot the blood.

What does blood work look like with lymphoma?

Blood Tests

A low level of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets may indicate that the lymphoma is present in the bone marrow and/or blood. Erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR). This test is done to determine the rate at which the red blood cells settle to the bottom of a tube.

What triggers lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by a change (mutation) in the DNA of a type of white blood cell called lymphocytes, although the exact reason why this happens isn't known. DNA gives cells a basic set of instructions, such as when to grow and reproduce.

What are the odds I have lymphoma?

Overall, the chance that a man will develop NHL in his lifetime is about 1 in 42; for a woman, the risk is about 1 in 52. But each person's risk can be affected by a number of risk factors. NHL can occur at any age. In fact, it is one of the more common cancers among children, teens, and young adults.

Is lymphoma caused by stress?

For men, prolonged exposure to work-related stress has been linked to an increased likelihood of lung, colon, rectal, and stomach cancer and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Can you gain weight with lymphoma?

Weight gain is also extremely common among patients with prostate cancer, as well as lymphoma, multiple myeloma and chronic leukemia.

Does a normal CBC rule out lymphoma?

Normal Ranges for Blood Count Results. The number of each type of cell in the blood is often referred to as the “count.” Many of the treatments used for lymphoma can affect your blood counts, as can lymphoma itself. Usually, blood counts return to normal after cancer treatment is complete.

Will CT scan show lymphoma?

A CT scan might show which lymph nodes are enlarged and may be affected by non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). A CT scan is a test that uses x-rays and a computer to create detailed pictures of the inside of your body.

What is the most common presenting symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is one or more enlarged (swollen) lymph nodes. The enlarged lymph node may be in the neck, upper chest, armpit, abdomen or groin. The swollen lymph node is usually painless.

Does lymphoma make your neck hurt?

The most common symptom of Hodgkin lymphoma is a swelling in the neck, armpit or groin. The swelling is usually painless, although some people find that it aches. The swelling is caused by an excess of affected lymphocytes (white blood cells) collecting in a lymph node (also called lymph glands).

Do lymphoma symptoms come and go?

When dealing with lymphoma, these symptoms may come and go and are sometimes referred to as 'B symptoms. ' These symptoms can include a persistent, chronic fever; unintended weight loss, and excessive sweating, especially at night (night sweats).