How to Recognize Signs of Lymphoma Cancer
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system, which is a part of your body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes (small glands), the spleen, thymus and bone marrow. Lymphoma happens when certain white blood cells, called lymphocytes, grow and multiply in an uncontrolled way.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. While each type has different characteristics, they often share many of the same symptoms. Recognizing these signs early can help with timely diagnosis and treatment.
Here are the most common signs of lymphoma cancer, explained in simple terms:
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the most noticeable and common symptoms of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are found all over your body, including your neck, underarms and groin. In people with lymphoma, these nodes can become enlarged due to the buildup of abnormal lymphocytes.
Swollen lymph nodes may feel like painless lumps under the skin. They may grow over time and are usually not tender to the touch. In some cases, people may notice swelling in just one area, while others might have multiple swollen nodes.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Losing weight without trying — especially more than 10% of your body weight over six months — can be a warning sign. This kind of weight loss is not related to diet or exercise. It can happen because lymphoma cells are using up the body’s energy or causing changes in how your body processes nutrients.
3. Fever
A persistent or recurring fever that isn’t caused by an obvious infection (like the flu or a cold) can be a sign of lymphoma. These fevers are often low-grade, but they can come and go without any clear pattern. The body may be reacting to the presence of cancer cells by raising its temperature in an effort to fight them off.
4. Night Sweats
Another common symptom of lymphoma is drenching night sweats. These are not just light sweating, they're heavy enough that you might need to change your clothes or bedsheets during the night. Night sweats can occur even if the room is cool or you haven’t been active.
5. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired or weak all the time — even after rest — is called fatigue. This type of fatigue is different from normal tiredness. It can affect your daily activities and doesn’t go away easily. Fatigue in lymphoma can be caused by the cancer itself, anemia (low red blood cell count) or the body’s immune response.
6. Itchy Skin
Some people with lymphoma experience itchy skin, also known as pruritus. This itching can be mild or severe and may affect the whole body or just certain areas. It’s believed to be caused by chemicals released by the immune system in response to the cancer.
7. Pain or Fullness in the Chest or Abdomen
Lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues can grow inside the chest or abdomen. When they enlarge, they may press on nearby organs, leading to feelings of fullness, pressure or even pain. Some people feel bloated or notice they get full quickly when eating, especially if the spleen or liver is swollen.
Swelling in the chest area can also cause coughing, shortness of breath or chest discomfort, particularly if lymph nodes are pressing on the lungs or airways.
8. Easy Bruising or Bleeding
In some cases, lymphoma affects the bone marrow, which is where blood cells are made. This can lead to low platelet counts, which are important for blood clotting. As a result, people may bruise more easily, have frequent nosebleeds, or notice bleeding gums.
9. Increased Infections
Since lymphoma affects the immune system, it can make it harder for the body to fight off infections. People may get frequent or long-lasting infections such as colds, sinus infections or respiratory illnesses.
When to See a Doctor
Many of the symptoms listed above can also be caused by other, less serious conditions. For example, swollen lymph nodes often occur during common infections. However, if symptoms persist for more than a couple of weeks, get worse over time or don’t have an obvious cause, it’s a good idea to see a healthcare provider.
Early detection of lymphoma can make a big difference in treatment and recovery. Your doctor can perform blood tests, imaging scans or even a biopsy (a small sample of tissue) to help find the cause of your symptoms.