Lymphoma, or lymph node cancer, is cancer of the lymphatic system, and is classified as either Non-Hodgkin's or Hodgkin lymphoma depending on the specific cells affected. The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society states that there will be over 600,000 people living with lymphoma in 2010. Some forms of lymphoma are very curable while others are more difficult to treat. It is important to be familiar with symptoms of lymphoma in order to seek medical treatment quickly if symptoms occur.
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The lymphatic system functions to help the body eliminate wastes, bacteria and viruses. According to Lymphomation.org, lymph fluid circulates throughout the body carrying lymphocytes, which protect the body from infection. All cells have a cell life cycle that allows them to live as long as they are useful and to die at the appropriate time. When cells become cancerous, such as lymphoma cells, they do not follow the appropriate cell life cycle, resulting in overproduction. When too many lymphoma cells are circulating in the lymph system, eventually they collect in the lymph nodes causing lymph node enlargement, or swelling. Swollen lymph nodes are often the first symptom of lymphoma and may be located in the neck, groin or armpit. The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but some risk factors include infection with certain viruses such as HIV, mononucleosis, Epstein-Barr virus and hepatitis C, frequent exposure to pesticides and weed killers, use of immunosuppressant drugs and increasing age. Sometimes patients with no risk factors develop the disease.
Fever and Night Sweats
The two main categories of lymphoma are Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Fever and night sweats are common symptoms in both types. Fever occurs for no known reason and night sweats occur during sleep. The night sweats are described as drenching, and often require changing clothes and sheets. Other symptoms common to both types of lymphoma include fatigue, loss of appetite and weight loss. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society, Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the more common and actually represents many different types of lymphomas, depending on the exact type of cell affected. Some of the Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are indolent, or slow-growing, while others are aggressive, or fast-growing. Lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy, but the exact type of treatment depends on the type of lymphocyte cells affected.
Cough and Shortness of Breath
The Leukemia and Lymphoma Society states that Hodgkin lymphoma is often diagnosed in young adults between 20 and 30 years old and older adults over age 60. Hodgkin lymphoma is very curable and as many as 75 percent of cases are completely cured. Two additional symptoms reported in Hodgkin lymphoma are itchy skin and cough with shortness of breath. Sometimes this cough may be accompanied by chest pain. It is important to see a doctor quickly if any of these symptoms develop because if a diagnosis of lymphoma is made, patients may want to start treatment immediately.
