The Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women

By Jon Michael David


Symptoms of lymphoma in women are generally the same as for men.

Lymphoma usually grows without showing very many symptoms and it can take some time before you figure out that something is not quite right.

Here is a list of the common symptoms of lymphoma in women and symptoms of lymphoma in men, as well.

One thing to keep in mind is that these lymphoma symptoms can be symptoms of any of a large number of conditions that are generally harmless.

If you feel any of these symptoms, consult with your physician.

1. Swelling of the Lymph Nodes

This is the symptom most commonly associated with lymphoma and may even be the only one experienced.

It's vital to understand that many various things can trigger enlarged lymph nodes and it does not at all indicate that you have lymphoma!

Usually the lymph nodes in the groin, armpit and neck areas will swell up painlessly.

Humans have 500+ lymph nodes in the body which are basically "forts" of immunity.

When they swell, it is often indicative of the body initiating an immune response against some type of microscopic invader.

You might find these swollen nodes while taking a shower or performing your daily cleaning routine.

The symptoms below can potentially indicate a lymphoma, especially if they are accompanied by swelling of the lymph nodes.

2. Losing Weight

Usually, losing weight suddenly will transpire over a several-month period with no ready explanation.

Weight loss can range from a few pounds to up to 20 or so.

3. Running a Fever

Running a fever without any good explanation and that isn't part of a cold or flu is a signal to go see your doctor.

Symptoms of lymphoma can be confused with symptoms of other illnesses and, in fact, a lymphoma that causes fever accompanied by lymph node swelling is frequently mistaken for a flu or something similar.

For those individuals affected with a Hodgkins lymphoma, a characteristic kind of fever name Pel-Ebstein fever can occur.

4. Night Sweating

Excess sweating at night may find you waking up soaked in your own sweat.

5. Itchy Skin

Lymphoma cells can secrete a chemical that causes the skin to itch. This condition is technically called pruritis.

6. Losing Your Appetite

People with lymphoma may lose their appetite, which can result in dropping weight.

7. Fatigue and Listlessness

Lymphoma cells, and cancer cells in general, compete for the body's resources and energy, causing decrease energy levels.

8. Swelling

Depending upon where a lymphoma grows (and it can occur in any organ of the body), it may compress and block off veins, effectively limiting blood supply and causing swelling.

Localized lymphomas manifest in many different types of symptoms.

For example, a brain lymphoma can cause leg pain and a stomach lymphoma can cause stomach pain.

General Symptoms of Lymphoma in Women and General Symptoms of Lymphoma in Men

The most prominent symptom of a lymphoma is the pain-free inflammation of the lymph nodes, also known as lymphadenopathy or adenopathy.

This one symptom taken alone should not be interpreted as lymphoma.

To make that determination, one needs to undergo a battery of tests.

Lymphoma symptoms present themselves in a wide array which depends on the type of lymphoma, where in the body it occurs, lymphoma stages, tumor size, etc.

In the initial stages of a lymphoma, symptoms connected with bone-marrow problems such as anemia (low red blood cell count) are rare, although they often develop later and as a result of the actual treatment.

So called MALT (mucosa associated lymphoid tissue) lymphomas attack any mucosal region of the body. The most common site is the stomach. Alterations in bowel movement and stomach pains may point to a problem.

Those patients whose stomach lymphomas are connected with the H. Pylori bacterium can see a regression of lymphoma in up to 70% of instances where the H. Pylori is eliminated with antibiotics.

How To Report Your Symptoms To A Doctor Effectively:

Try to put the severity of your symptom on a scale of 1-10.

For visible symptoms, describe how long they've been present and whether or not they've undergone any changes since you first noticed them.

Explain when you first experienced your symptoms

How long have you been experiencing this symptom?

Is the symptom constant or does it come and go?

List any medicines or supplements you have been taking since the symptoms appeared.

Do the symptoms change depending upon body positioning, time of day, etc.?

Do certain foods influence the severity of the symptoms?

The more descriptive you are, the more accurate your doctor's information and ability to help you will be. It is your job to give them as much good info as possible so that they can help you figure out your options and decide the best steps to take.




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