Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer. Lymphoma is a condition that happens when lymphocytes grow and multiply uncontrollably and cause swelling of the lymph nodes.
We have about 600 lymph nodes connected by a network of lymph vessels. Aggregation of lymph nodes can be seen in the neck, chest, pelvis, armpit, abdomen, and groin. These bean-shaped glands generate immune cells and filter impurities from the lymphatic system and bloodstream. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is liable to develop anywhere in the body where there are lymph nodes. This disease may also affect organs like lungs, stomach, and liver.
The common symptoms of Non–Hodgkin lymphoma include;
- Chest pain
- Chills
- Fatigue
- Frequent infections
- Loss of appetite
- Lower back pain
- Shortening of breath/cough
- Swollen Abdomen
- Swollen lymph nodes
- Weight loss
Swollen Lymph Nodes
The most common signs of NHL are pains and swelling in the lymph nodes, which are small glands located throughout the body, particularly in the neck, underarm or groin. These symptoms can sometimes be neglected because swollen lymph nodes are common and are sometimes part of the immune system’s response to infection.
Chest Pain, Shortening of Cough/Breathing
Lymphoma can compress the trachea if it occurs in the thymus or the chest. When it presses on the trachea, patients may experience coughing, difficulty in breathing, or chest pain. The superior vena cava (SVC), journeys beside the thymus and chest’s lymph nodes. Lymphomas in this area may push the SVC, which may make the blood to accumulate in the blood vessels. This can be seen as a cyanosed and swollen leg, and this can extend to the head, arms, and upper chest. It can also cause trouble breathing and may cause unconsciousness if it affects the brain. This is called SVC syndrome. This can be life-threatening and must be treated immediately.
Fatigue
Fatigue and lack of energy and interest can be symptoms of lymphoma. However, don’t assume every time you are fatigued, it is non-lymphoma. You may have just been having inadequate rest. Therefore, if you are always tired, talk to your doctor about it. It is estimated that almost everyone with cancer will experience fatigue. It is considered as the most common symptom of lymphoma. 
Fever and Chills
Fever is a multi-systemic sign, as it may have happened in response to infections. Sometimes, it may also be due to advanced NHL. Chills often accompany such fever.
Night Sweat
Intense night sweats associated with NHL can make you wake up to soaked bed sheets. Excessive sweating can be a sign that one is infected with Tuberculosis. This could sometimes be normal due to physical activities.
Weight Loss
Sudden unexpected weight loss of 10 percent or more for six months may be a sign of NHL. It could be pointing to neoplastic issues apart from Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Besides, cancer cells burn up the body’s energy resources because the cells multiply rapidly. This is why weight loss is common in people fighting cancer. Since lymphomas also proliferate weight loss is connected to the condition. If you discover that your clothes no longer fit, and people are noticing your reduction in size, make an appointment with a doctor promptly.
Lower Backache
There are rare cases where lymphoma affects the back, and if it is capable of exerting pressure on the spinal cord, it can be challenging for proper functioning. However, some other things can also make one backache apart from lymphoma. Contact your doctor about persistent pain anywhere.
Swollen Abdomen
The abdomen is an area where any additional tissue will immediately be visible. Lymphomas can be situated in the abdominal region and can cause distension and/or pain. This could also be from the spleen or liver increasing in size, but it can also be as a result of the accumulation of large amounts of fluid.
Loss of Appetite
An enlarged spleen might push on the stomach, and this can cause loss of appetite and a sensation of a full stomach after a small meal.
Rashes and Itchy Skin
Lymphomas come with itchy rashes on the skin sometimes. These rashes often come as red or purple bumps under the skin. The most typical sites of these rashes are the skin folds. These rashes spread simultaneously with the lymphoma.
More than 30 percent of people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma will experience itching. It’s less common in those with non – Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Itching may occur without rashes. Cytokines are secreted against the cancer cells, and this contributes to the itchiness of the skin. Report any rash that persists for more than two weeks to a doctor.
Frequent Infections
Having lymphoma may indicate that your immune system doesn’t function normally. Our immunity is chiefly heralded by the white blood cells as they fight infections. However, in lymphoma, those white blood cells become abnormal, making the body deficient in combatting infections. This can make the body pick up infections more easily. The infection could be more severe or last longer than normal. See a doctor if you notice you are not getting better after minor infection.
Symptoms of non- Hodgkin lymphoma is generally divided into 2, namely A and B. These letters are used to denote the stage of the disease. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma Type B symptoms show that the patient is experiencing the following symptoms;
- Drenching Night Sweats
- Fever
- Unexplained Weight Loss
In the absence of these symptoms, then the patient has non- Hodgkin lymphoma Type A, and that means that the Lymphoma has not advanced yet.
NHL can present with different signs and symptoms, depending on the type of lymphoma and its location in the body. Sometimes, none of these symptoms may not appear until the lymphoma becomes massive. The above symptoms on their own don’t mean you have lymphoma. Other conditions may cause these symptoms. Still, if you develop any of the symptoms, make sure you see a doctor.
