7. Enlarged tonsils: If you have persistent swollen tonsils that are not linked to another recently diagnosed illness, call you physician for an examination. This could be another sign of lymphoma.

8. Unexplained weight loss: If you’ve recently lost weight and don’t know why, it could be cause for concern. Lymphoma patients commonly complain of this symptom, and it could be linked to the cancer.

9. Headache: This is an extremely common complaint among many healthy people, but headaches that are severe, sudden, unexpected or persistent should be viewed as a potential symptom of lymphoma or another serious illness.
10. Chills: This symptom may go hand-in-hand with fever, but this is not always the case. If you’ve been feeling exceptionally cold or have experienced recurrent and persistent periods of “the chills,” consult your doctor.

Lymphoma can be a very treatable form of cancer with survival rates that vary based on the stage of the cancer and other health factors. Forms of treatment include chemotherapy, immunological therapies, radiation, stem cell transplants and, in some cases, surgery.

Don’t waste time worrying about whether your symptoms are serious enough to warrant a doctor’s visit. If you believe you’re experiencing any of the signs listed above, contact your doctor for an examination and explain your concerns. Your doctor can evaluate review your symptoms and order any necessary diagnostic tests.

Biopsies, blood tests and chest x-rays may help identify swollen lymph nodes, white blood cell counts or other indicators that cancer may be present in the immune system. Take the time to follow up on all tests and directions from your doctor as you work together to reach a diagnosis and determine a treatment plan. It may save your life!