9 warning signs of lymphoma

9 warning signs of lymphoma

Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system. It arises when either of the two types of lymphocytes (T cells or B cells) begin to multiply uncontrollably. There are two main categories of lymphoma: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Identifying the type is crucial for devising a suitable treatment plan. The following are a few common warning signs of the condition.

Swollen lymph nodes
Lymph nodes are a critical part of the lymphatic system, located in various body parts, including the neck, groin, armpit, and spleen. They filter lymph fluid to eliminate harmful substances and fight off infections. Lymphoma leads to an abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes, which, in turn, causes one’s lymph nodes to enlarge and swell. As a result, one may notice swelling in the spleen, neck, armpits, or groin, which does not go away. The swelling is usually painless but can be painful in some cases.

Itchy skin
Persistent and unusual skin itching can also be a warning sign of lymphoma. One may experience itching all over the body or near affected lymph nodes. Persistent and unexplained itching in the hands, legs, or feet could point toward lymphoma. The itchiness results from the release of certain chemicals called cytokines. This symptom can sometimes progress to a burning sensation and even cause a rash. Persistent itchiness can also be a sign of skin lymphoma.

Unexplained fever
Unexplained fever can be an early sign of several health disorders, including lymphoma. Individuals with this condition develop a fever because of the cancerous cells in their bodies. These cells affect the lymphatic system, triggering an immune response that increases body temperature. Monitoring recurrent and unexplained fevers and getting them examined by an expert is crucial in detecting underlying health issues like lymphoma.

Night sweats
Night sweats could either result from the fever caused by lymphoma or the body’s response to the chemicals released by the condition. Those experiencing frequent night sweats should consult a doctor for a thorough evaluation and not ignore this symptom at any cost. The expert can determine the cause of the sweats and recommend a suitable solution.

Chronic fatigue
Persistent fatigue could be a symptom of lymphoma. The condition can boost the production of lymphocytes, which can interfere with the production of red blood cells, resulting in anemia. Anemia causes one to feel constantly tired as their body struggles with decreased oxygen-carrying capacity.

Easy bruising and bleeding
Lymphoma prevents the body from making enough platelets—blood cells essential for clotting. As a result, a person’s platelet levels drop, which leads to easy bruising and bleeding. One may experience bruising and bleeding in various forms, including nosebleeds, increased menstrual bleeding, and prolonged bleeding from minor cuts or injuries.

Loss of appetite
If lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in the abdomen or the lymphatic tissue in the liver or spleen, it can result in a loss of appetite. One may experience a feeling of fullness even after eating a small portion of food. If lymphoma affects the spleen, it might also cause bloating, another reason for appetite loss. Bloating can also occur if lymphoma affects the liver, leading to fluid buildup in the abdomen. If one notices persistent bloating, they should talk to a healthcare professional to understand and address the underlying causes as soon as possible.

Digestive and abdominal discomfort
When lymphoma affects the stomach, it can cause the organ’s lining to swell, causing abdominal pain or nausea. If the condition affects the bowels, one might experience diarrhea or constipation. Individuals should notice these symptoms early and visit a healthcare expert for an evaluation. Doing so helps in getting the right diagnosis and treatment for managing lymphoma in the digestive system organs and improving one’s quality of life in the long term.

Coughing and shortness of breath
If lymphoma affects the thymus gland (located in the chest), it can cause respiratory issues. Swelling of the thymus may lead to coughing, chest pain, or pressure on the chest. In this case, one may also experience symptoms like persistent coughing, shortness of breath, loud breathing, and pain or pressure behind the breastbone. However, the severity of these symptoms may vary from person to person.

It is important to note that the signs mentioned here are commonly experienced in lymphoma cases. However, their presence does not always mean one has the disease. Drawing conclusions based solely on these indicators can be misleading. These signs only serve as cues for one’s vigilance. If someone notices these signs, they must consult a doctor promptly. A thorough examination by a health professional can help accurately diagnose or rule out lymphoma, ensuring the best course of action for one’s health.

If someone has a family history of cancer, they must communicate this information to the doctor during consultations. Open communication with healthcare providers is essential for effective examination and treatment. It is also advisable for patients to ask doctors to explain the details of the results thoroughly and not hesitate to express any doubts or concerns they may have. Effective communication ensures professionals have comprehensive information for accurate assessments.

Read Also

Know more about exciting & latest articles right here

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Foods to Avoid to Manage Eosinophilic Esophagitis

Eosinophilic Esophagitis, or EoE, is a chronic digestive disease of the esophagus caused by an allergic condition. It is characterized by chest pain, heartburn, and solid food dysphagia. If this disorder is left untreated, it can cause esophageal remodeling and stricture formation. This disorder is also marked by eosinophilic inflammation and impacts the quality of life of the affected person. You can check out various reliable health websites to get information on eosinophilic esophagitis. A patient with EoE must be very careful with his health and meal plans, as research suggests that EoE is linked to food allergies. Therefore, the six most common food items that are responsible for such allergies include: Dairy Cow milk is said to be one of the most common reasons for EoE. Milk protein can trigger too many eosinophils. You should avoid food items made up of milk, buttermilk, lactose, and other related dairy products. You can replace dairy products with coconut hemp, dairy-free yogurts, cashew ice cream, etc. Soy Soy-based food items include tofu, soy butter, soymilk, and miso. Soy cheese, soy nuts, soy milk, etc., should be avoided and can be substituted with refined soybean oil or coconut aminos. Wheat You might think wheat is only found in bread, cereal, or baked goods.
Read More
5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

5 Common Digestive Issues and Their Symptoms

One of the most vital systems in our body is the digestive system. It is responsible for the digestion of food and the distribution of nutrients throughout the body to meet the bodily requirements for energy, development, and cell repair. Issues in the digestive can interfere with the body’s ability to get energy from food. While some gastrointestinal issues can go away with healthy eating habits, other concerns may require treatment.  Irritable bowel syndrome (IBS) IBS is a functional bowel disorder. This means the cluster of varied symptoms categorized as IBS is brought on by changes in the normal functioning of the digestive system. The primary sign is abdominal pain, which can develop before or after a bowel movement, and is a reliable indicator of IBS. Additionally, one may experience both constipation and diarrhea. The form of IBS can be determined depending on whether a person has diarrhea or constipation more frequently or both equally. Other IBS signs and symptoms are incomplete bowel motions, white mucus in the stool, and bloating. Nutrition is important for managing the symptoms of IBS, which includes eating low-fat, high-fiber meals and avoiding common trigger foods when the cause of the condition is unknown. Food poisoning or gastrointestinal infection are common causes.
Read More
8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

8 Common Cleaning Mistakes to Avoid

Most of us make it a goal to keep our house clean and tidy. Cleaning the house may look like a straightforward task, but there are certain aspects that are generally overlooked. Cleaning is a time consuming and tedious activity. And most of us make common cleaning mistakes that do not provide us with the results we expect. So here is a list of cleaning mistakes to avoid for better results and a sparkling clean home. Mixing cleaning chemicals You may think mixing two or more cleaning products will increase the cleaning power. However, this can be very dangerous as it might release toxic fumes. For example, household cleaners like Clorox Pinesol should never be mixed with bleach as they can react together to produce hazardous chlorine gas or even chloroform. Similarly, Pinesol disinfectant should not be mixed with room spray sanitizer as the chemicals could react together to unleash a toxic cloud of gases that can trigger respiratory problems and even cause skin burns. Instead of mixing chemicals, use a single cleaning agent or solution and stick to a reliable brand. Alternatively, you can also enlist the help of a cleaning company, like Servpro Services, which offers a range of affordable home cleaning services. Using feather dusters A feather duster may seem very useful, but all it does is spread the dust from one surface to another.
Read More
11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

11 Potential Warning Signs of Excess Sugar Intake

Processed foods like cakes, cookies, candies, and breakfast cereals contain added sugar, and most people find them delicious and irresistible. However, they have little nutritional value. Eating too many sweets can increase the risk of several health issues. For instance, it can lead to blood sugar spikes and heart disease. When a person eats too much sugar regularly, the body begins to give signs that it is time to cut back on sweet foods. High blood pressure Besides monitoring salt intake, people suffering from high blood pressure should watch their sugar intake because eating too much sugar is also linked to high blood pressure. According to a study, foods high in sugar can reduce nitric oxide in the blood vessels, which can, in turn, impact blood flow and lead to high blood pressure. Mood swings or irritability Feeling moody, irritable, or depressed on and off is a common sign of high sugar intake. Mood swings occur as foods high in sugar affect the neurotransmitters in the brain that regulate mood. Sugary foods also negatively impact gut function, another factor linked to a person’s mood. Low energy or tiredness Binging on sugary snacks wreaks havoc on one’s blood sugar levels. It first causes blood glucose to rise, providing a boost of energy.
Read More