Lymphoma, cancer of the lymph nodes, includes a number of cancer subtypes. In general, lymphomas occur when the cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes, become mutated and begin to divide uncontrollably, leading to tumors. Lymphomas are generally classified as either high- or low-grade, and categorized depending on the specific cell types affected by the cancer. Although lymphoma is a range of diseases, lymphomas lead to a number of common side effects. Understanding the symptoms of lymphoma may help lead to early detection of the disease, and increase the efficacy of treatment.
Lymph Node Swelling
A common symptom of lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are distributed throughout the body, and each lymph node contains a number of lymphocytes, as well as other cells and lymphatic fluid. In lymphoma, there are too many lymphocytes in the body, and the increase in lymphocyte cell numbers leads to swelling of the lymph nodes.
Lymph node swelling is most obvious in the neck, under the armpit, and in the groin area. Lymph nodes within the abdomen or chest may also swell, leading to abdominal or chest pain, loss of appetite or difficulty breathing. Prolonged or painful swelling of the lymph nodes requires medical attention to rule out the possibility of lymphoma.
Night Sweats and Fever
Many lymphomas also lead to chills and night sweats. This is especially true of a specific subclass of lymphomas that target specialized lymphocytes called B-cells, according to the Uniformed Services University of Health Services. The sweating is partially due to a fever, which is caused by the increased number of immune system cells in the body. The presence of increased lymphocytes mimics the response to an infection, the body reacts accordingly, so the patient experiences fevers normally designed to kill infectious agents. Unlike in response to an infection, lymphoma will lead to prolonged and very severe sweating, so patients with these symptoms must seek medical attention to investigate the possibility of lymphoma.
Weight Loss
Lymphomas also lead to weight loss that cannot be explained by changes in diet or activity levels. The weight loss often occurs very rapidly with no apparent cause, and may continue. According to LymphomaInfo.net, weight loss is typical of Hodgkin's lymphoma, a form of lymphoma characterized by the presence of giant cancer cells.
Rapid weight loss alone is not sufficient to diagnose lymphoma, since weight loss can be a symptom of several disorders. Rapid weight loss in combination with night sweats or lymph node swelling requires immediate medical attention.
