Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Symptoms
There are many types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. All types of lymphoma begin in cells of the lymphatic system. Normally, cells grow and divide to form new cells as the body needs them. When cells grow old, they die, and new cells take their place. Sometimes this process goes wrong. New cells form when the body does not need them, and old cells do not die when they should. These extra cells can form a mass of tissue called a growth or tumor.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma begins when a lymphocyte, a B cell or T cell, becomes abnormal. Usually, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma starts in a B cell in a lymph node. The abnormal cell divides to make copies of itself. The new cells divide again and again, making more and more abnormal cells. The abnormal cells are cancer cells. They do not die when they should. They do not protect the body from infections or other diseases. Also, the cancer cells can spread to nearly any other part of the body.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may include:
- Swollen, painless lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin
- Unexplained weight loss
- Fever
- Soaking night sweats
- Coughing, trouble breathing, or chest pain
- Weakness and tiredness that don't go away
- Pain, swelling, or a feeling of fullness in the abdomen
Emergency symptoms may include:
- Involuntary loss of urine or stool
- Sudden onset of unexplained high fever that lasts for more than 48 hours
- Mental confusion, drowsiness
- Numbness or loss of strength in your arms and legs
Most often, these symptoms are not due to cancer. Infections or other health problems may also cause these symptoms.
Anyone with symptoms that do not go away within 2 weeks should see a doctor so that problems can be diagnosed and treated.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma Symptoms to N
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