Lymphomas are cancers of the blood that occur when the white blood cells, which usually serve in a protective capacity, go awry. Lymphomas are divided into two major types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These may also be called Hodgkin's lymphoma or Hodgkin's disease and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma is the less common of the two major types of these blood cancers. The MD Anderson Cancer Research Center at the University of Texas lists five different subtypes of this cancer. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin, and the Lymphoma Research Foundation states it is composed of more than 60 subtypes. While the treatment for each type of lymphoma may be different, the early symptoms of both major types are essentially the same.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
Lymphomas are cancers of the body's lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymph nodes can be found in several parts of the body, including the armpit, neck and groin. The most common early sign of lymphoma is swelling of these lymph nodes, though they will not usually be painful. According to the Mayo Clinic, Hodgkin lymphoma often starts in those lymph nodes located in the upper part of the body.
While generally painless, lymph nodes may be more painful after you ingest alcohol. Moreover, you might find that you're more sensitive to the effects of alcohol.
Fever or Chills
While fevers and chills are common symptoms of a flu or infection, a persistent fever or chills may be one early sign of lymphoma. Night sweats, and especially soaking night sweats, are another early sign of lymphoma, but could be attributed to other conditions. The National Cancer Institute recommends making an appointment with your physician if you have symptoms that last more than a couple of weeks.
Appetite and Weight Loss
Another early sign of lymphoma is a lack of appetite or weight loss that can't be explained--the Mayo Clinic states that this could be 10 percent or more of your usual body weight. Of course, poor appetite and unexplained weight loss are common to a number of illnesses, so these must be considered in aggregate with other signs and symptoms of lymphoma.
Fatigue
Because lymphoma affects the blood cells, many people with the disease will be anemic, meaning their red blood cells aren't able to carry oxygen to all parts of the body. This frequently leads to a lack of energy, feeling of weakness or persistent fatigue, which are early symptoms of lymphoma. While anemia and chronic fatigue aren't confined to those with cancer, the Lymphoma Research Foundation recommends that "anyone with persistent symptoms be examined by a doctor to make sure lymphoma is not present."
Chest or Abdominal Pain
If the lymph nodes in your chest are affected, you may have chest pain, a chronic cough or difficulty with breathing. Some people also experience pain, swelling or fullness in the abdomen, which may be due to enlargement of the lymph nodes or spleen in that area. According to the M.D. Anderson Cancer Center, having these or another of the symptoms listed above does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. The Center recommends, however, that you discuss any such symptoms with your doctor, "since they may indicate other health problems."
Itching
Unexplained persistent itching is among the group of early symptoms of lymphoma that Cancer Research UK defines as "B symptoms." This means that the itching, along with fever or chills, night sweats, appetite and weight loss, and chest pain are secondary symptoms. The primary symptom of all types of lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes, with these secondary symptoms acting as aids to diagnosis.
Differentiating Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Because the symptoms for all types of lymphoma are so similar, the only way to differentiate them is to look at the affected cells under a microscope. If the abnormal Reed-Sternberg cell is present, the diagnosis is Hodgkin lymphoma; if it's absent, the diagnosis is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ruben A. Mesa, M.D., of the Mayo Clinic, says, "The distinction is important because the treatment for each type can be very different."
