A Cancer can cause almost any sign or symptom, depending on the location and size of the tumor, a well as its effects on organs or tissues. Cancer that has spread, or metastasized, may cause symptoms in other parts of the body. As it grows, it can also push on nearby organs, blood vessels and nerves, causing some signs and symptoms of disease. Even small tumors, in critical parts of the body such as the brain, can also be cause symptoms.
Recognizing symptoms
The Symptoms can sometimes not present themselves until cancer has grown quite large; for example, in the pancreas. Once the cancer in the pancreas grows large enough to press on nearby nerves or organs,The symptoms can present. Other cancers in the pancreas may grow around the bile duct and prevent the flow of bile, causing yellowing (jaundice) of the eyes and skin. The cancer is usually in an advanced stage by the time these symptoms present, signaling the growth and spread of the cancer beyond the pancreas,A symptom is defined as the signal of disease, illness, injury or a problem in
Cancer can also cause signs and symptoms, including fever, fatigue or weight loss. These symptoms may be caused by cancer cells using the body’s energy supply or releasing substances that change the way the body makes energy from food. Cancer can also cause the immune system to react in ways to produce these symptoms.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a cancer that occurs in the lymphatic system, which plays an important role in combating disease.
The lymphatic system includes the lymph nodes, the spleen, the thymus gland and bone marrow. Lymphoma can occur in any of these parts of the body, as well as other areas.
Types of lymphoma
Although there are many types of lymphoma, the two most common types are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Both of these types of lymphoma originate in white blood cells called lymphocytes. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The symptoms of Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- lymph node swelling in the areas of the neck, armpits or groin, without pain;
- fever or chills;
- night sweats;
- unexplained weight loss;
- decrease in appetite; and
- skin itching.
The symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include:
- fatigue;
- fever;
- swelling or pain in the abdominal area;
- painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin;
- chest pain, difficulty breathing and chronic coughing;
- night sweats; and
- unexplained weight loss.
Although it is not known exactly why people develop Hodgkin’s or non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, those who are older or have weakened immune systems are at elevated risk.
Some people with non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma will not need treatment right away. In cases in which the cancer is slow-moving, a physician may opt to monitor your condition regularly until treatment is needed.
Treatment
Treatment for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may include chemotherapy, radiation, stem cell transplant and other medications. Treatment for Hodgkin’s lymphoma usually will involve chemotherapy, radiation or stem cell transplantation.
Hodgkin’s lymphoma vs. non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Formerly known as Hodgkin’s disease, Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. Cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and may spread to other parts of the body, making it difficult for the body to fight infection.
It is among the two most common types of lymphatic system cancers. The other is non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
Sometimes called non-Hodgkin lymphoma, it also develops in the lymphatic system. However, in cases of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, tumors develop from lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell.
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is the more common cancer of the two.
Substances released in the bloodstream by cancer may cause symptoms not typically linked with cancer. For example, pancreatic cancers can cause blood clots in leg veins; some lung cancers produce hormone-like substances that raise blood calcium levels, affecting the nerves and muscles and resulting in weakness and dizziness.
General signs and symptoms of cancer include:
- Unexplained weight loss.
- Fever.
- Fatigue.
- Pain.
- Skin changes.
- Symptoms of specific cancers include:
- Change in bowel habits or bladder function (colon, bladder or prostate cancers).
- Sores that do not heal (skin or oral cancers).
- White patches inside the mouth or white spots on the tongue (leukoplakia; sometimes leading to oral cancer).
- Unusual bleeding or discharge (lung, gastrointestinal, gynecologic or urologic cancers).
- Thickening or lump in the breast or other parts of the body (breast, testicular, lymph node or soft tissue cancers).
- Indigestion or trouble swallowing (gastrointestinal cancers).
- Recent change in a wart or mole; any new skin change (skin cancers).
- Nagging cough or hoarseness (voice box, thyroid or lung cancers).
Other general symptoms of cancer can include:
- Persistent indigestion or discomfort after eating
- Persistent, unexplained muscle or joint pain
- Persistent, unexplained fevers or night sweats
- Unexplained bleeding or bruising.
If persistent symptoms are causing concern, make an appointment with a doctor.
There are many other, less common symptoms of cancer. It is always best to speak with your physician regarding any new symptoms or signs, as they may or may not be related to cancer.
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