Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma Signs & Symptoms

Conditions & Diseases: Cancers

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Signs and Symptoms

One of the major symptoms of NHL is the presence of one or more swollen lymph nodes in the neck, collarbone, armpit, or groin region. If NHL spreads to the lymphatic tissues within the abdominal area, this region can become "swollen." This phenomenon occurs because fluid starts to be build up in the abdomen cavity. The swollen node can also press against the intestines causing intestinal blockages. These blockages can be felt as an internal abdominal pressure and even pain.

When NHL affects lymphatic tissues of the thymus (the gland located in front of the heart) it can cause chest pain. If chest cavity lymphatic tissues swell, it can either tend to displace nearby structures, or press on the organs or structures around it like the trachea or superior vena cava - causing discomfort.

Signs of swelling tissue pressing against the trachea are: coughing, fatigue, shortness of breath and other types of respiratory problems. The sign that the swollen node is pressing against the superior vena cava is called the SVC syndrome when the head and arms swell. This syndrome has to be seriously taken into consideration because it can affect the brain and cause death. Trachea related problems and SVC syndrome are not common symptoms of lymphoma.

If it is not discovered and treated in time, cancer progresses and the malignant cells spread beyond the lymphatic system. In this phase, the body is losing the ability to fight against infections and foreign invaders. The patient starts having fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, loss of appetite, recurring infections, red patches on the skin and itching sensations on the legs or feet.

Article by Alina Morrow, MS
Medical Writer,
OmniMedicalSearch.com