Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that affects lymphocytes, also called white blood cells. There are a range of types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, that are generally classified as either aggressive or slow-growing. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is also classified according to which white blood cell type is affected: Some forms affect B-cells, while others affect T-cells. This type of lymphoma leads to an enlargement of the lymph nodes, tissues around the body that contain white blood cells. Enlargement of lymph nodes, as well as other effects of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, lead to the development of harmful side effects throughout the body.
Torso Discomfort and Pain
A number of lymph nodes are found in the abdomen. As non-Hodgkin's lymphoma develops, lymph nodes deep within the abdomen enlarge and put pressure on the surrounding organs. This leads to a number of painful effects: pressure on the colon can lead to constipation and intestinal blockages, pressure on the stomach may cause loss of appetite and stomach pains, and pressure on surrounding nerves can lead to general abdominal and lower back pain.
According to Penn State University, abdominal sonograms can detect enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, and the size of the lymph nodes can indicate the severity of the lymphoma.
Anemia
Lymphocytes are created by stem cells within the bone marrow. The stem cells continually divide, and the stem cells turn into a range of types of blood cells, including red and white blood cells and platelets. Normally there is a regulated balance of the number of each cell type that is made, to address the needs of the body. In lymphoma, there are too many white blood cells, tipping the balance of cells created, which can lead to a decrease in red blood cells and platelets.
Low numbers of red blood cells within the body leads to a condition called anemia, according to Cedars-Sinai. Anemia is characterized by light-headedness and fatigue, so a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patient will often feel tired and sluggish. Cancer treatments designed to restore the proper function of bone marrow will treat anemia associated with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Difficulty Breathing
Part of a functional lymphatic system is the circulation of lymph fluid, a clear saline solution that circulates throughout the body. During non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the lymphatic system is damaged due to the growth of the tumor, and lymph fluid can seep into neighboring organs. The University of Maryland Medical Center reports that when lymph nodes in the chest become damaged, lymph fluid can seep into the lungs, causing difficulty breathing. Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may also experience persistent coughing due to a buildup of fluid in the lungs.
