Lymph node cancer, or lymphoma, is cancer that develops in the nodes that store and carry white blood cells and various wastes of within the body. Lymph node cancers include non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, Hodgkin's lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The common element in these types of cancer is the uncontrolled reproduction of abnormal cells within the lymph nodes. The symptoms and signs of lymph node treatment should be recognized as soon as possible, because early diagnosis and treatment drastically improves the patient's prognosis.
Swelling of the Lymph Node
The common sign that drives patients to consult their doctors is a painless swelling in the neck, armpits, abdomen or groin, states Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. The masses that appear are swollen lymph nodes in these areas. The lymph nodes have been enlarged by the rapid replication of cells within the nodes. The painless quality of the swelling is important to differentiate lymph node swelling caused by lymph node cancer and swelling caused by inflammation or infection of the nodes.
Fatigue
Fatigue has been linked to lymph node cancer, reports the New York Times Health Guide. Patients will exhibit a general sense of tiredness and may be unable to perform daily activities that were once easily accomplished. This sign may be subtle and may take the patient a long time to notice it. The fatigue can be caused by the cancer monopolizing much of the energy the body needs. The cancer needs the energy in order to power the uncontrolled reproduction of the cancerous cells within the lymph node.
Fever
Patients suffering from lymph node cancer often develop a fever, according to the University of Maryland Medical Center. The fever is often low-grade and may not severely inconvenience the patient. Most importantly, the cause of the fever is unexplained by any other reason, such as a bacterial or viral infection. The lymph cancer causes a release of chemicals that increases the patient's core body temperature. Chills, muscle pain and night sweats may accompany the fever.
Gastrointestinal Signs
Lymph node cancer can cause many gastrointestinal symptoms, states Cedars-Sinai Medical Center. Signs of the cancer can include loss of weight, loss of appetite, nausea, vomiting, indigestion and pain in the abdomen. These symptoms are usually found in the later stages of the disease and worsen as the cancer progresses. Patients may need medications to control these symptoms.
