Lymphoma: Common Symptoms and Diagnosis
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the lymphocytes, which are the immune system’s infection-fighting cells. The cells are located in the thymus, lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, and other body areas. In lymphoma, the growth of the lymphocytes is haywire, which disturbs the body’s normal functioning. Now, let us take a look at the signs and diagnosis of lymphoma. Signs At times, lymphoma might not show any symptoms, especially when the cancer is still in the initial stages. However, symptoms usually start with a swelling in the lymph nodes. An enlarged lymph node can be detected with the help of a physical examination. Initially, they will feel like soft, small nodules beneath the skin. Lymphoma can appear in the chest, neck, armpit, stomach, and groin. There are also some common, unspecific symptoms that often get overlooked, making it harder to detect or diagnose the disease early. Some common signs that one should watch out for are: Cough Bone pain Enlarged spleen Fatigue Fever Pain on alcohol consumption Night sweats Itchy rashes Incomprehensible weight loss Stomach ache Breathlessness Diagnosis There are several procedures and tests that may be used to diagnose lymphoma. These include: Physical examination Initially, the doctor will conduct a physical examination and try to look for any swollen lymph nodes.