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What are common symptoms of lymphoma?

Carole475 asked...

What are common symptoms of lymphoma and how would you describe this kind of cancer?

Expert Answer

Bonnie Bajorek Daneker is author and creator of the The Compassionate Caregiver's Series, which includes "The Compassionate Caregiver's Guide to Caring for Someone with Cancer," "The Journey of Grief," "Handbook on Hospice and Palliative Care," and other titles on cancer diagnosis and end of life. She speaks regularly at cancer research and support functions, including PANCAN and Cancer Survivor's Network. She is a former member of the Executive Committee of the CSN at St. Joseph's Hospital of Atlanta and the Georgia Chapter of the Lymphoma Research Foundation.

Lymphoma is a disease of the lymphocytes, white blood cells that are part of the body’s immune system. When the cells become malignant, not only do they change or stop their normal function to defend the body, but they multiply uncontrollably and create additional problems.

There are many types of lymphomas, usually categorized as Hodgkin’s Disease or Non-Hodgkin’s Disease. Because lymphoma is a cancer of the blood and lymphatic system, it may not have many external signs. Common symptoms include night sweats, lack of energy, fever, difficulty sleeping, weight loss, swelling or mass of the lymph nodes (most usually seen under arms, in groin area, or on the neck). A person may also feel increased size of an abdominal organ, such as a liver or spleen. The Lymphoma Research Foundation is a wonderful resource at www.lymphoma.org.