Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system---a part of the body's defensive immune system. In the human body, the lymphatic system acts to filter out pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria, from your bloodstream.
Swollen Lymph Glands
The initial symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is swelling of the lymph nodes throughout your body. When this occurs, you can notice that the lymph nodes within your neck, groin or underneath your arms appear enlarged or puffy. Such symptoms are typically painless but will persist until you receive treatment.
Chest Pain
The lymph nodes within your chest can become swollen, which can lead to chest pain in some patients. If these enlarged nodes push into your airways, you can also experience difficulty breathing, wheezing or cough, warns the Merck Manual Home Edition, an online medical encyclopedia for caregivers and patients. Sensations of chest pain should be immediately reported to your doctor, as such symptoms may be indicative of alternate medical problems.
Abdominal Pain
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause the lymph nodes within your abdominal area to become swollen, leading to irritation within the surrounding organs. If this occurs, you can experience mild abdominal pain, decreased appetite, constipation or weight loss.
Flu-like Symptoms
If you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, you can experience flu-like symptoms. These symptoms can include fever, night sweats, chills, fatigue or body pain. Such symptoms can contribute to a general feeling of illness (malaise) and may interfere with your ability to stay alert and focused throughout the day. Patients who experience persistent fever symptoms may have a more advanced stage of this disease.
Recurrent Infections
This type of cancer can decrease the number of immune cells that are present in your body. Low levels of red blood cells, white blood cells or platelets within your blood make it harder for your body to fight off infection. Due to this, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma patients often experience recurrent infections. General symptoms of infection include fatigue, fever and body aches.
Anemia
Patients with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can develop low levels of red blood cells, which can cause anemia. Symptoms of anemia include excessive fatigue, pale skin, headache, dizziness or difficulty breathing. Children with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may develop anemia as one of the first symptoms of this condition.
