subject: Know More About Symptoms Of Lymphoma [print this page] What is Lymphoma? What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a classification of cancer that starts in immune system cells called lymphocytes. Like other cancers, lymphoma occurs when lymphocytes are in a state of uncontrolled cell expansion and developed.
Lymphocytes are white blood cells that move throughout the body in a fluid called lymph. They are carried by a network of vessels that make up the lymphatic system, part of the immune system. The lymphatic system - whose job it is to fight infections or anything else that threatens the body, is also comprised of lymph nodes that exist throughout the body to filter the lymph that flows through them. The lymph nodes swell and tenderize when a large number of microbial organisms gather inside of them, indicating local infection.
There are two primary types of lymphocytes: B cells and T cells. Both are designed to identify and destroy infections and abnormal cells. B cells manufacture proteins that move throughout the body, attaching themselves to infectious organisms and abnormal cells and alerting the immune system that the pathogen needs to be destroyed. T cells actually kill the pathogens directly and serve a function in maintaining the immune system from over or under - activity.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
1. Painless lumps in your neck, armpits or groin
This is the most general symptom and often the only one. These are inflamed lymph nodes. Most people first notice these lumps while bathing or changing, or they may be first felt by your partner. All of the other reactions that are given below should be present along with these enlargednodes to be specific as a warning for lymphoma. Only an enlargement of nodes may not be specific for lymphoma.
2. Weight loss
Weight loss generally occurs rapidly over a period of a few months for no obvious reason. Often an individual can lose ten to fifteen pounds over a couple of months.
3. Fever
Fever that is continuous or occurs irregularly over a period of time and doesn't seem related to a chest or urinary infection should be a cause for you to consult a doctor. Fever that is related to node swellings occurs generally with infections and many lymphomas are frequently mistaken as infections at the early stage.
4. Excessive sweating at night
This strange situation may be quite bothersome. You may wake up at night drenched in sweat without any apparent reason.
5. Itchiness all over your body
Another strange situation that is related to the secretion of some particular chemicals from the lymphoma cells.
6. Loss of appetite
As lymphomas spread within your body and grow in size, many persons feel a considerable loss in their appetite. Weight loss of more than 10% can be a matter of concern as it is a poor prognostic factor for lymphomas.
7. A feeling of weakness
As cancer cells are forever growing, they use up more of the body's nutrients, leaving the body with less. This makes you feel weaker.
As lymphomas can take place in any organ, may give rise to some abnormal symptoms as well, however, these are some of the regular symptoms.
