Silent killer!

Often regarded as the “silent killer” it is important to address lymphoma symptoms in adults.

Lymphoma is one of the most common causes of death from cancer in the United States. More than 48,000 new cases of symptoms of lymphoma in women lymphoma are reported each year. Of particualr concern, the warning signs of lymphoma are often so subtle that it may take some time before the discovery that any medical problem exists. To add to the challenge, the disease is somewhat complex and has many derivations. But simply stated, the lymphatic system is part of the bodies’ immune system. To understand the symptoms, it is wise to understand the disease.

Lymphoma (also referred to as Hodgkin’s Disease in this example) is a type of cancer that impacts the cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. These lymphocyte cells are involved in the cleansing of the lymphatic system of the body via a colorless, watery fluid that travels through the lymph system ensuring that white blood cells protect the body against infections and the growth of tumors. Lymph nodes are located along the network of lymph vessels found throughout the body so the cancer can occur in an array of areas.

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. Since lymphomas can occur in any organ, they can create some unusual symptoms as well. A lymphoma in the stomach can cause pain in the abdomen, and a lymphoma in the brain can cause headaches or leg weakness.

Clusters of lymph nodes are found in the underarm, pelvis, neck, abdomen, and groin and lymphoma symptoms in adults are usually painless. Moreover, these lumps are the most common symptom and often the only one. Reportedly, people usually first notice these lumps while bathing or changing, or by a significant other.

Like most cancers, lymphoma is best treated with early detection. lymphoma symptoms in women In most cases, patients consult their doctors if they have painless swelling in the neck, armpits, groin or abdomen. Swelling of the skin or stomach can be a first symptom or a sign appearing later in the disease.

Symptoms include loss of appetite, weight loss, nausea, vomiting, indigestion or pain in the abdomen, afeeling of bloating, itching, bone pain, headaches, constant coughing and abnormal pressure and congestion in the face, neck and upper chest, fatigue and flu-like body aches

Fatigue resulting from anemia night sweats and fever.

A recurring high-grade fever or continuous low-grade fever that occurs intermittently over a period of time and doesn’t seem related to a chest or urinary infection is a good indication to consult a doctor. Fever that is related to node swellings occurs commonly with infections, and many lymphomas are often mistaken for infections at the early stage. Weight loss is usually fairly dramatic and occurs rapidly for no known reason.Often an adult can lose ten to fifteen pounds over a few months. Loss of more than 10 percent is strong indication. Further, as lymphomas spread and grow in size, many individuals experience a considerable loss of appetite, further accelerating weight loss. Excessive sweating at night, offen referred to as night sweats, awaking to being drenched in sweat with no apparent reason. Another unique symptom that can occur is full-body itching. This symptom exists due to the secretion of some special chemicals from the lymphoma cells so that itchy skin (pruritis), includes rashes and lesions.

Energy becomes zapped and there is a feeling of weakness. As cancer cells are always lymphoma symptoms in adults growing, they deplete more of the body’s nutrients, leaving the body with less. This adds to feeling weaker. Breathlessness along with swelling of the face and neck. Rarely, when a lymphoma in the neck or chest grows very large, it may block the flow of some vessels and lead to a swelling of the face and neck along with a feeling of breathlessness. Also noteworthy, if lymph nodes are particularly painful after drinking alchohol, it may be a symptom since the lymphatic system is not doing its job.

If experiencing several of these symptoms, especially as non-Hodgkins lymphoma commonly regarded as the silent killer, it is best to get an immediate medical exam. Only a medical professional can properly diagnose the cause of your symptoms