Lymphoma is a broad term for a cancer that begins in the lymphatic system and involves white blood cells of the immune system called lymphocytes. Lymphoma is when a lymphocyte starts multiplying and overtaking healthy cells along with tumors that develop, as for example, in a lymph node. Lymphomas are classified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) or Hodgkin lymphoma (HL). NHL is more common; it occurs more than 5 times more frequently than its HL counterpart does. Indeed, the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society (LLS) estimates that in 2009 in the United States that around 74,490 people will be diagnosed. Approximately 65,980 of these cases will be NHL.
Swollen Nodes
HL and NHL are similar. Specifically, occurrence site, physical characteristics, signs and symptoms are similar; the distinction, however, lies in cellular pathology during microscopic analysis. The signs and symptoms presented will focus on NHL because of its higher incidence and prevalence in contrast to HL.
Often, swollen yet painless lymph nodes throughout the body, such as in the neck, groin or armpit regions, will be the only early sign of significance. Swelling is not restricted to nodes, for example, the spleen often swells in cases of lymphoma.
Fever and Skin
Another symptom that may occur is a high temperature, specifically, persistent fever that remains even though it may come and go over a period of time, especially when it has been ruled out as associated with an infection. Fever and node swelling early on may be diagnosed inaccurately as an infection because both symptoms typically are associated with signs of an infection. Night sweats also may be experienced with patients reporting waking up drenched with sweat for no known reason.
Another sign or symptom that may be experienced is excessive itchy skin. If skin lymphomas exist, their appearance is usually red or purple with bumps beneath the skin that itch extremely.
Other
Other general signs that may be experienced include weight loss over several months for no known reason as well as feeling weak and fatigued.
