How to Recognize Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma
Early recognition of lymphoma symptoms can lead to a quicker diagnosis and more effective treatment, like using Brukinsa, a targeted therapy option.
5. Common Signs of Lymphoma
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the most recognizable signs of lymphoma is painless swelling of the lymph nodes, typically found in the neck, armpits or groin. The enlargement occurs as lymphocytes multiply excessively. While swollen lymph nodes can also result from common infections, if the swelling persists for weeks without other signs of infection, it’s important to seek medical advice.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden and unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of lymphoma. Patients might notice losing 10% or more of their body weight over a span of six months without dieting or increased physical activity. This is often due to the body’s immune response trying to fight the cancer, or because the cancer is metabolically active and consumes extra energy.
3. Persistent Fatigue
Feeling persistently tired, even after getting adequate rest, is another common symptom. The fatigue from lymphoma can be overwhelming and may interfere with daily activities. This is due to the body's struggle to cope with the cancerous cells and may also result from anemia, a common side effect of lymphoma.
4. Fever
Fevers that recur or persist without an obvious cause, such as an infection, are common in lymphoma patients. The fever can be intermittent and might not be particularly high. This is the body’s way of trying to combat the cancer, but unlike fevers from infections, these don’t go away with usual treatments.
5. Night Sweats
Another classic symptom is excessive sweating during the night. Lymphoma patients often wake up drenched in sweat, even in cool environments. This symptom can occur alongside fever and is often mistaken for symptoms of menopause or other conditions.
5 Uncommon Signs of Lymphoma
1. Itchy Skin
Itchy skin, also known as pruritus, is an unusual but noteworthy symptom of lymphoma. Some people with lymphoma experience intense itching without a rash or other skin changes. This is thought to be due to cytokines, chemicals released by the immune system in response to cancer.
2. Abdominal Pain or Swelling
When lymphoma spreads to the abdomen, it can cause pain, bloating or a feeling of fullness, even after eating small amounts of food. This occurs because of enlarged lymph nodes or swelling of organs like the liver or spleen. The abdominal discomfort may also be accompanied by nausea or changes in bowel habits.
3. Chest Pain or Pressure
In cases where lymphoma affects the chest, symptoms may include chest pain, coughing, shortness of breath or a feeling of pressure. This occurs if lymphoma involves the thymus or nearby lymph nodes, which can press on the trachea or blood vessels.
4. Bone Pain
Although less common, bone pain can be a sign that lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow. This is typically experienced as deep aching pain in the bones and can be associated with anemia or other blood disorders caused by the lymphoma infiltrating the bone marrow.
5. Unusual Bleeding or Bruising
Some people with lymphoma, particularly those in more advanced stages, may experience abnormal bleeding or bruising. This can occur due to low platelet counts (thrombocytopenia), which are critical for blood clotting. Minor injuries may cause excessive bruising or bleeding.
Treatment Options for Lymphoma
Treatment for lymphoma varies based on the type (Hodgkin or non-Hodgkin), stage and the patient’s overall health. Early detection can greatly improve outcomes, and there are several effective treatment options available, including chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapies and immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is one of the most common treatments for lymphoma. It involves the use of powerful drugs to kill cancer cells throughout the body. Chemotherapy can be used alone or in combination with other treatments such as radiation therapy or immunotherapy, depending on the stage and type of lymphoma.
Radiation Therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy rays to target and destroy cancerous cells in specific areas. It’s often used in localized lymphomas or as an adjunct to chemotherapy, especially in early-stage Hodgkin lymphoma.
Targeted Therapy
Targeted therapies work by attacking specific molecules that drive the growth of cancer cells. These therapies tend to have fewer side effects than chemotherapy, as they specifically target cancerous cells while sparing healthy cells. One of the latest advancements in targeted therapy is the use of drugs like Brukinsa (zanubrutinib).
Brukinsa is a Bruton's tyrosine kinase (BTK) inhibitor used to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as mantle cell lymphoma. By inhibiting BTK, Brukinsa interferes with the survival and spread of lymphoma cells, offering a more precise treatment option. It has shown promise for patients with relapsed or refractory lymphoma, and can be used in cases where other treatments have failed.
Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy helps the immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Treatments like checkpoint inhibitors block the proteins that prevent immune cells from attacking the cancer, allowing the body’s own defense system to target and destroy the lymphoma.
Stem Cell Transplant
In aggressive or advanced lymphomas, a stem cell transplant may be considered. This treatment involves replacing diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells, either from the patient (autologous transplant) or a donor (allogeneic transplant), allowing the body to produce healthy blood cells again.
Final Notes
Recognizing both the common and uncommon signs of lymphoma is critical for early detection and successful treatment. If you experience any of these symptoms, especially swollen lymph nodes or unexplained weight loss, consult a healthcare provider for further evaluation. With a range of treatment options, including cutting-edge therapies like Brukinsa, patients have a good chance of managing lymphoma and achieving remission.