The term lymphoma refers to a group of cancers of the lymphatic system. They generally fall into two categories, Hodgkin's lymphomas and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, although the second classification encompasses various lymphoid cell cancers. Since both types share a part of the symptomatological kit, it is not initially possible to know which type of lymphoma could develop even if we are able to identify some clues. This pathology can be detected precisely by identifying the most common symptoms and obtaining a medical diagnosis. To be correct, your doctor will need to order a series of laboratory tests and tests, including imaging tests and a biopsy of the affected lymph nodes.
Steps
Part 1 of 2: Determine Lymphoma Symptoms
Step 1. Notice if the lymph nodes are swollen
The most common symptom that patients can identify is swollen lymph nodes. It generally manifests itself through a visible and perceptible bump to the touch. It can be located on the neck, armpits or groin areas.
- Bumps associated with lymphomas are usually not painful, so it's not easy to notice.
- Most of the time they are solid and painless. You should be able to move them easily under the pressure of your fingertips.
Step 2. Watch out for severe night sweats
If you wake up in a sweat bath, it could be a symptom of lymphoma. This type of cancer can cause night sweats that make you dripping and wet all over the bed.
- You may also get chills at night.
- Night sweats can be caused by a variety of diseases, so sweating while you sleep doesn't necessarily mean you have lymphoma.
Step 3. Notice if you lose weight unintentionally
Lymphomas can result in unexplained weight loss, also aggravated by a lack of appetite. If you no longer have an interest in food in the past 6 months or have lost weight for no particular reason, it could be due to lymphoma.
If you are in the habit of weighing yourself regularly, you will have less difficulty knowing if you have lost weight unintentionally
Step 4. Watch out for bloating and abdominal pain
Abdominal problems are caused by an enlarged spleen or liver. It is a recurring phenomenon when suffering from certain types of lymphoma.
Enlarged spleen or liver can also promote a feeling of satiety, even when you haven't eaten. It is due to the organ which, increasing in size, presses on the stomach
Step 5. Consider itching or rashes
Some types of lymphoma can cause red, irritating spots to form. They resemble sunburn or appear in the form of red bumps located under the surface of the epidermis.
These rashes are often associated with a group of rare lymphomas that begin to affect the skin
Step 6. Notice if you feel tired
Lymphomas can promote the onset of unexplained fatigue. If you always feel exhausted without knowing why, you should see your doctor to find out the cause.
Step 7. Pay attention to respiratory problems
Coughing, wheezing, and chest pain are all symptoms of lymphomas. If they accompany lymph node enlargement, you should see a doctor for an evaluation.
If you have breathing difficulties, be aware that they can become dangerous. If associated with lymphoma, an enlarged lymph node may be blocking the airways. Seek medical help right away
Step 8. Measure the temperature
One of the symptoms of lymphomas (Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin) is the inexplicable increase in body temperature. If you are hot and have no other symptoms of normal ailment (such as a cold), you should take your temperature. If you have a fever of unknown origin, you should see your doctor to determine the cause.
Step 9. Assess the symptoms of some types of lymphoma
There are several symptoms that occur when a lymphoma affects a specific part of the body. Some include:
- Pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol.
- Headache.
- Convulsions.
- Nausea.
- He retched.
- Mental alterations.
- Difficulty concentrating.
Step 10. Consider your risk factors
Certain factors increase the likelihood of lymphoma development. If you are in a condition statistically associated with this pathology, you need to monitor the possible manifestation of symptoms and signs. Risk factors linked to lymphomas include:
- Inheritance.
- Exposure to diseases that affect the immune system, including HIV or AIDS, hepatitis C, and Epstein-Barr virus.
Part 2 of 2: Getting a Medical Diagnosis
Step 1. See your doctor
If you have swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms associated with this condition, you should talk to your doctor. During the visit he will ask you what your clinical history has been and what your symptoms are characterized by. He will also perform a physical exam which will consist of palpating the lymph node stations and commonly affected organs, such as the spleen and liver.
The lymph nodes that the doctor can feel by touch are located in the neck, armpits and groin areas
Step 2. Undergo imaging tests
Your doctor will prescribe some imaging tests that will allow him to evaluate the condition of the lymph nodes. You will likely need to do an X-ray and CT scan of the chest, as well as a PET (positron emission tomography) scan.
- These tests will help clear up symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes in the chest area if you have trouble breathing.
- It is very important to investigate the chest with imaging tests because many forms of Hodgkin's disease affect this area of the body.
Step 3. Get a biopsy
If your doctor suspects an abnormality in the lymphatic system, they will recommend a biopsy. It is a procedure that consists in taking a small sample of tissue belonging to the affected lymph node, which will then be analyzed under a microscope.
The haematologist (a physician experienced in diagnosing blood diseases) will examine the sample looking for abnormal cell development and, if he finds it, will determine the type of lymphoma from which it originated
Step 4. Perform the necessary tests to establish the stage of the disease
Once you have a preliminary diagnosis of lymphoma, your doctor will prescribe further tests. By evaluating the imaging tests, blood tests, and bone marrow biopsy, you will be able to better understand the stage and severity of the lymphoma. At this point you can work out a suitable therapy for your case.
- Imaging tests are done on enlarged lymph nodes and any organs that may be affected.
- The blood tests will measure different blood parameters (white and red blood cells, hematocrit and hemoglobin levels), detect the presence of cancer cells in the blood and check the functioning of the organs.
- Bone marrow biopsy is done to check if the lymphoma has spread to this site as well. Not all lymphoma patients need to do it, but it is prescribed depending on the type of lymphoma and the area it has affected.
Step 5. Undergo more specific tests
If you have been diagnosed with a certain type of lymphoma, your doctor may order special tests. For example, if a mass has been found in the testicles, an imaging test should be done in that area.
- Another test you may need is a colonoscopy. It is recommended if mantle cell lymphoma is suspected.
- If MALT lymphoma (cancer originating from mucosal-associated lymphoid tissue) is suspected, the entire gastrointestinal system may be examined.
- If doctors suspect central nervous system-related lymphoma, a spinal tap (a surgical procedure used to extract fluid that flows into the medullary canal) may be required.
Step 6. Get a second opinion
It is not easy to diagnose Hodgkin's lymphoma. In particular, it can be confused with other types of lymphoma. For this reason it is preferable to seek a second opinion after receiving this diagnosis.
- Openly tell your doctor that you want to get a second opinion. It will understand your choice and may even suggest who to contact.
- Try to see a hematologist if you have the opportunity.
Step 7. Start the treatment
Whatever type of lymphoma you are diagnosed with, you should start treating yourself as soon as possible. It is possible to heal certain neoplastic lesions and slow down their progression, if we intervene promptly. However, treatment varies depending on the lymphoma and also in terms of effectiveness.
- Hodgkin's lymphomas are cancers that can be cured. Treatment includes a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy, stem cell transplantation, and drug therapy in the hospital.
- Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas includes both medications and radiation therapy, depending on the affected site. Overall, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas do not have the same remission rate as Hodgkin's. However, it is possible to recover from some cancers belonging to the non-Hodgkin's lymphoma group, so consult your doctor to learn about the treatment options available to you.
