Below, you’ll find must-know information about non-hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a serious form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system. It typically begins in the lymph nodes, but can also affect other lymphatic tissue such as the spleen, bone marrow, and the gut.
It is a diverse group of blood cancers that includes many subtypes, which can behave and respond to treatment differently.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be life-threatening if left untreated. However, the prognosis for it can vary widely depending on the specific subtype of the disease and the stage at which it is diagnosed.
Some subtypes of the disease are considered indolent (slow-growing) and may not require immediate treatment, while others are considered aggressive and can progress quickly.
The survival rates vary depending on the subtype of the disease and other factors such as the patient’s age and overall health.
The exact cause of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is not well understood but several risk factors have been identified that may increase a person’s risk of developing the disease. One of the factors is age, with most cases occurring in people over 60.
Other factors include gender, immune system disorders, exposure to certain chemicals, family history, and certain infections.
Research is ongoing to better understand the underlying causes of the disease. Unfortunately, in some cases, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be a silent disease. This means that it can develop without showing symptoms.
Nonetheless, there are symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Knowing these symptoms can lead to early diagnosis and treatment that can greatly improve the chances of a favorable outcome.
Below are non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms worth knowing about.
12. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes. These can be felt as lumps in the neck, armpit, or groin.
Lymph nodes are small, bean-shaped structures located throughout the body that are part of the immune system. They filter out harmful substances and help to fight infection. Cancerous cells can cause them to swell. As the cancerous cells grow and multiply, they can cause the lymph nodes to become larger and more noticeable.
11. Fatigue
One possible cause of fatigue in non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the presence of cancer cells in the body. The cancerous cells can use up a lot of energy, leaving the person feeling tired and weak.
Additionally, the body’s immune system may also be working harder to fight the cancerous cells, which can also contribute to feelings of fatigue.
10. Weight Loss
One possible cause of weight loss in NHL is the presence of cancerous cells in the body. These cells can use up a lot of energy and nutrients, which can lead to weight loss.
Inflammation of the gut due to the lymphoma cells can also cause weight loss. This is because lymphoma cells can affect the digestive system, causing abdominal pain, diarrhea, and malabsorption of nutrients. Furthermore, psychological factors such as stress, anxiety, and depression can also contribute to weight loss.
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