Lymphoma is a term that conjures concern, uneasiness and fear among the masses. Unless you’ve personally encountered this disease, it may seem foreign and foreboding -- or confusing and complicated.

Will I survive if I’m diagnosed with lymphoma? What are the symptoms? How do I get tested, and what are the treatment options? What steps can I take to ensure early intervention?

These are common questions everyone asks when facing a possible lymphoma diagnosis. Maybe you’ve found a lump or swelling in the area of one of your lymph nodes and all signs point to lymphoma based on you Google searches. Your family doctor should always be your first stop, especially when you suspect the worst.

And for many, the notion of having lymphoma is the worst.  

What is lymphoma?

When cancer cells (or tumors) form in the lymph system, an important part of the immune system, the disease is called lymphoma. It’s a type of cancer that affects the white blood cells known as lymphocytes. Cancerous cells damage these important immunity cells, causing health complications.

There are two types of lymphoma -- Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma: This type of cancer strikes the body with an abnormal B-lymphocyte called Reed-Sternberg cells. This cancer is rare and affects only about three people per 100,000 in the population, according to the United States National Cancer Institute.
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: This cancer affects the B-cells and T-cells in the immune system and is more frequently diagnosed than Hodgkin’s. The United States National Cancer Institute reports nearly 20 cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma per 100,000 people.

The causes of lymphoma are still unknown, although certain factors such as age, sex, genetic predisposition, autoimmune diseases, exposure to some toxins or chemicals, or HIV can increase the likelihood that someone will be diagnosed with this type of cancer.

10 Signs of Lymphoma

Some symptoms are commonly associated with lymphoma, and as with most cancers, early detection can improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. If you suffer from any of the following symptoms, consult your physician for further evaluation and testing.

1. Lymph node swelling: This is often the first and most unique sign of this cancer, and a swollen lymph node may be identified in the neck, armpit or groin area. Other tissues or organs such as the spleen can swell due to lymphoma. The existence of an enlarged lymph node may cause other complications or symptoms such as pain in the abdomen (swollen spleen), feeling of fullness or lack of appetite (stomach), or pain or numbness due to a compressed nerve.
2. Night sweats: This is a common cancer symptom. Although other more benign conditions may cause night sweats, it is definitely a red flag.

3. Recurrent fever: Again, this is a symptom that can be linked to many health concerns and may not be associated with cancer in many cases. However, if you have an unexplained fever that continues to come back, consult with your physician.

4. Unexplained itching: Lymphoma can cause an unidentifiable itching of the skin in the lower extremities or all over the body with no accompanying rash. This is an unusual symptom that should be checked by a doctor.

5. Coughing or trouble breathing: A persistent cough or feeling of breathlessness that may or may not be accompanied by chest pain can be another symptom of lymphoma.

6. Fatigue: This is another symptom that may be linked to other conditions, but overall general fatigue that won’t go away can be a sign of lymphoma. Ask your doctor for advice on what could be causing your fatigue and be sure to list any other symptoms that may bother you.
   

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!