Symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type of lymphoma and the stage of the disease. However, some common symptoms of lymphoma include:
If you have any of these symptoms, it is important to see your doctor right away.
Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are two distinct types of cancers affecting the lymphatic system. Certain symptoms often indicate the presence of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, these include characteristics related to the lymph nodes and additional indications that may vary from person to person. Recognising these signs is crucial for early detection and prompt medical intervention.
On the other hand, Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma presents a broader spectrum of symptoms than Hodgkin’s lymphoma. While certain similarities exist between the two, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms encompass a wider range that may involve different body areas.
The following blog discusses the various symptoms of lymphoma in females and males. Continue reading to learn the signs and symptoms you should look out for.
Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the two types of lymphoma that develop in the lymphatic system.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma, also known as Hodgkin’s disease, differs from non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (large, atypical cells found in the lymph nodes).
B-cells and T-cells are two types of white blood cells that play crucial roles in the immune system.
They are essential components of the adaptive immune system, working together to defend the body against pathogens, such as viruses and bacteria.
The risk for developing Hodgkin’s lymphoma is highest between the ages of 20s and 30s. Since these younger patients are usually otherwise healthy, their bodies can better handle the disease without showing Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms for longer.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is also common in people over age 55.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma can present with various symptoms, although not everyone with the disease may experience all of them. Common Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms include:
Some people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may experience the B symptoms. Hodgkin’s lymphoma B symptoms are crucial for staging the disease and determining the individual’s outlook. These symptoms include:
Patients with B symptoms may sometimes require more aggressive treatments. Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also be categorised by A symptoms.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma A symptoms refer to the absence of B symptoms, i.e., no fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss.
Sometimes, Hodgkin’s lymphoma can develop in the bone marrow. When it affects bone marrow, Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms may include:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can present with various symptoms, although you must note that the specific symptoms can vary depending on the subtype and stage of the disease. Sometimes, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may not cause symptoms until it grows large. Some common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms include:
Like Hodgkin’s lymphoma, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also have B symptoms. These symptoms help stage the disease. They include:
Apart from the above-mentioned common symptoms of lymphoma, women can experience other symptoms when non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma develops in a reproductive organ. The following are the symptoms of lymphoma in females:
Managing the symptoms of lymphoma involves a multidisciplinary approach that includes lifestyle modifications and supportive care. The following tips and strategies can help manage lymphoma symptoms:
The above symptoms do not always mean you have Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. They can also indicate other health conditions, like infection.However, you should consult about these symptoms to get them checked, especially when you have swollen glands that persist for more than six weeks without a recent infection.
The healthcare provider may physically check your swollen lymph nodes in the underarm, neck, or groin.
They may also check if the liver or spleen is enlarged. If they find abnormalities, they may perform further diagnostic tests to identify the best Hodgkin Non Hodgkin Lymphoma Treatment. These tests include:
Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include similar symptoms like painless swelling of lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, fever, night sweats, abdominal pain and swelling, persistent itching, etc.
However, the specific symptoms experienced may vary depending on the subtype and stage of the lymphoma.
Recognising the symptoms associated with these diseases is important for early detection and appropriate treatment.
HexaHealth, as a comprehensive healthcare platform, can provide valuable assistance in diagnosing and managing Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms.
Through our network of healthcare professionals, we can facilitate timely consultations, diagnostic tests, and appropriate treatment options. Our access to medical expertise can ensure that you receive the necessary support and guidance throughout your healthcare journey. So what are you waiting for? Get in touch with us TODAY!
Common Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms can include:
Other symptoms may include:
However, not everyone may experience these symptoms. Moreover, these symptoms may not always mean having Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
While the specific symptoms can vary depending on the stage and subtype of cancer, common non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms can include:
Different symptoms can be experienced depending on where the lymphoma begins in the body.
Symptoms of lymphoma in females are the same as those in males, such as:
However, they may experience additional symptoms if the lymphoma develops in a reproductive organ. These symptoms include pelvic pain or pressure, pain during sex, and abnormal uterine bleeding.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma B symptoms refer to specific systemic symptoms that can accompany the disease. They include unexplained fever, drenching night sweats, and significant weight loss of more than 10% of body weight within six months before diagnosis.
The presence of B symptoms helps stage the disease and determine the prognosis.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma A symptoms are the absence of B symptoms. People with Hodgkin lymphoma A have no fever, night sweats, or unexplained weight loss.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms of back pain can indicate cancer spreading to the spine. However, it is rare and occurs in less than 5% of patients.
The first and typical symptoms of both Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are:
Other common symptoms are itching and loss of appetite.
Early warning signs of Hodgkin’s lymphoma can include:
If these symptoms persist, medical evaluation is recommended.
The stage-wise, Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms can vary. In the early stages of lymphoma, symptoms may be mild or absent. Usually, the most common early sign of the disease is an enlargement or swelling of one or more lymph nodes, causing a painless lump under the skin.
As cancer progresses, it may cause other symptoms like:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms usually start as:
As the disease progresses, the symptoms experienced may worsen. Towards the last stage, symptoms may include:
In the advanced stage of Hodgkin’s lymphoma, cancer spreads to at least one organ outside the lymphatic system, like the lungs, liver, or bone marrow. This causes symptoms like:
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma symptoms in its advanced stages may include:
Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma share common symptoms, such as:
However, the symptoms might vary depending on the type and stage of lymphoma. In addition, non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may cause symptoms like:
Specific indicators of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include one or more enlarged or swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, upper chest, abdomen, or groin. Other indicators include:
If the symptoms persist, you must seek medical advice.
Specific symptoms that may suggest non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
If these symptoms persist, medical evaluation is recommended.
Common physical signs of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
No unique symptoms may indicate the presence of Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as these symptoms can also indicate other medical conditions.
However, if you experience these symptoms, especially swollen glands that do not go away after six weeks, you should consult your doctor for evaluation.
Last Updated on: 7 July 2023
HexaHealth Care Team brings you medical content covering many important conditions, procedures falling under different medical specialities. The content published is thoroughly reviewed by our panel of qualified doctors for its accuracy and relevance.
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