Guide To The Symptoms Of Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the body's lymphatic system, which has a vital role in the fight against germs. The system is made up of several organs, including bone marrow, thymus gland, spleen, and lymph nodes. It is also possible for lymphoma to have an impact on other major organs in the body. There are several kinds of lymphoma, which are sorted into two subtypes: Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's.

Thankfully, there are options for lymphoma treatment. Most of the time, patients will undergo a variety of traditional cancer treatments. Examples include radiation, chemotherapy, and immunotherapy for cancer. Bone marrow transplants for lymphoma are also an option. Of course, the best treatment for lymphoma varies based on the specific type and the condition's severity. Patients must also understand their symptoms before deciding on a treatment plan with their doctor.

Chronic Fatigue

Chronic fatigue is a major symptom in patients who have had lymphoma for a long time. The symptom is frequently reported in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. While it is less commonly seen in the other subtype, it has been reported in some studies. Fatigue tends to affect both groups differently, and fatigue levels can change over time. In one study, ninety-nine percent of Hodgkin's lymphoma and ninety-seven percent of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients indicated that they had persistent fatigue after infection. When post-remission patients had health complications, they were more likely to report fatigue.

With non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients, the level of fatigue tended to be steady until they reached around seventy years old. At that point, they became more fatigued over time. The fatigue levels continued increasing with age in Hodgkin's lymphoma patients. Researchers are working to identify the reasons for the fatigue, since survivors seem to experience it regardless of their external health and treatment. Several other factors can also cause chronic fatigue. It may be misdiagnosed as chronic fatigue syndrome before the lymphoma diagnosis.

Itchy Skin

Itchy skin can be another symptom of lymphoma. Constant itching and skin irritation can point to cancer. However, it is more common for it to indicate an allergic reaction or skin sensitivity. Because of this, many doctors do not recognize the true underlying cause for a significant period. In one case, a patient could not get rid of their rash with normal anti-allergy measures, so they took prescribed steroids. While that helped with the visible irritation, there was still an ongoing itch. This, combined with night sweats and fatigue, led to the cancer diagnosis.

An itch by itself is usually not a sign of lymphoma, but it can be. The itching is not always severe, though many individuals do experience uncontrollable sensations. In some cases, it may feel like a burning or stinging sensation. Approximately one out of every three Hodgkin's lymphoma patients deals with itching. In contrast, one out of every ten non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients experiences itching. Patients are most likely to feel it in their lower legs, patches of lymphoma on the skin, and areas close to their lymph nodes. However, some individuals experience it in their entire body.