(Information stated below are extracted from Leukemia Foundation)
Symptoms & Signs
There are no screening tests for lymphoma and it is usually not evident in the blood. This complex group of related but biologically discrete diseases has a range of non-specific symptoms, but most commonly presents as lymphadenopathy or a lump, sometimes accompanied by systemic symptoms such as fever or night sweats. Possible presenting symptoms are diverse, can be bizarre, and some patients don’t experience any symptoms.
Why would you suspect someone has lymphoma?
If a person does not have a lump but does have a combination of constitutional symptoms – unexplained fever, night sweats, weight loss and malaise* – then this is an obvious group of symptoms to suspect lymphoma, although there may be other causes.
Key Questions To Ask A Person You Suspect May Have Lymphoma
- Have you noticed your glands are swollen or you have a lump in your neck, under your arms, in your groin or anywhere else in your body?
- Have you experienced any swelling in your legs or other parts of your body?
- Have you felt any pain or bloating in your stomach area or intestinal tract, and
when eating, do you feel full sooner than normal? - Have you been losing weight without trying?
- Do you have a cough, feel any unusual shortness of breath or have any pain in your chest area?
- Have you been experiencing headaches, had any difficulty breathing or had problems with your vision?
- Have you felt any back pain or weakness in an arm or leg, or any numbness?
- Are you experiencing regular fevers or are you sweating at night while sleeping?
If you suspect your friend, family member or yourself to have lymphoma, please consult a haematologist or medical oncologist with expertise in lymphoma immediately.
* feeling of lethargy, discomfort or bodily weakness
