T-cell lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting lymph node cells called T-cells. These T-cells are used by the immune system to fight infections. T-cell lymphoma is also sometimes called non-Hodgkin's lymphoma to differentiate it from another type of lymph node cancer called Hodgkin's lymphoma. T-cell lymphomas account for less that 15 percent of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. There are several types of T-cell lymphomas that can cause slightly different symptoms.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
T-cells are produced in the lymph nodes, small organs found in many places throughout the body, including the neck, groin and armpit. When T-cell lymphoma develops, T-cells start reproducing out of control and stop dying off when they are supposed to. This over-production of T-cells often causes the lymph nodes to swell, causing a lump to form, explains the National Cancer Institute. The swollen lymph node usually does not cause any pain.
Fever
Because T-cells are part of the immune system, when they become cancerous and start growing out of control during T-cell lymphoma, it can cause a fever. This fever may develop without any other symptoms and for no apparent cause. In some patients, this can result in "soaking night sweats," unexplained episodes of heavy sweating occurring during the night that completely soak the sheets, notes the University of Maryland Medical Center.
Weight Loss and Fatigue
As T-cell lymphoma progresses, it may cause unintended weight loss. This weight loss can occur for no apparent reason, with no change in diet or exercise routines. Patients may also experience persistent fatigue, tiredness and weakness. In some cases of T-cell lymphoma, patients may experience swelling and pain in the abdomen, along with feeling full without eating any food, reports the National Cancer Institute.
Difficulty Breathing
T-cell lymphomas can also occur in the thymus, an organ underneath the breastbone that also produces T-cells. If T-cells start to multiply rapidly in the thymus, it can cause a large tumor under the breast bone, explains the Cancer Society of America. If the tumor grows large enough to press on the windpipe, it can causes severe, chronic coughing and difficulty breathing.
Skin Rashes and Lesions
T-cell lymphomas can also occur on the skin, a condition known as a cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. In these cases, a red, scaly rash may develop, either in isolated patches or all over the body, reports the Standford University Cancer Center. The rash can cause severe itching and peeling of the skin. If the disease progresses, the rashes may harden and turn into tumors or open sores on the skin. These open sores, or ulcers, can easily become infected.
