Stay Alert: 7 Early Symptoms of Lymphoma
Spotting the Red Flags
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is part of your body’s immune system. It's important to catch signs early so that treatment can begin quickly. To help, there's ADCETRIS, a medication used to treat various types of lymphoma and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
7 Signs of Lymphoma
1. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the most common signs of lymphoma is swollen lymph nodes. These are small, bean-shaped glands that are found in your neck, armpits, or groin. They may feel like lumps and can be painless.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Suddenly losing a lot of weight without trying could be a sign of lymphoma. If you notice a large drop in your weight over a short period, it's best to speak to a doctor.
3. Fever
Having a fever without an obvious reason, like an infection, might be a symptom of lymphoma. This kind of fever can come and go and is often accompanied by chills.
4. Night Sweats
Waking up drenched in sweat, even if the room is cool, can be a sign of lymphoma. Night sweats are common in people with this condition, and they can be severe.
5. Fatigue
Feeling extremely tired all the time, even when you’ve had enough sleep, is another sign of lymphoma. Fatigue from lymphoma doesn’t get better with rest.
6. Itchy Skin
Itching that doesn’t go away and doesn’t seem to have a cause, like an allergy, can sometimes be a sign of lymphoma. The itching may happen all over your body or just in one area.
7. Persistent Cough or Shortness of Breath
If lymphoma affects your chest area, you might have trouble breathing or a persistent cough. This happens because the swollen lymph nodes may press on your lungs or airway.
Treatments for Lymphoma
If you notice any of these symptoms, it's important to see a doctor. They can run tests to see if you have lymphoma. If you do, here are some common treatments:
- Chemotherapy: This is one of the most common treatments for lymphoma. It uses drugs to kill cancer cells or stop them from growing.
- Radiation therapy: High-energy rays are used to target and destroy cancer cells. This treatment may be used if the cancer is in just one area.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment boosts your immune system so it can better fight the cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant: In some cases, doctors may recommend a stem cell transplant to help replace damaged cells after treatment like chemotherapy.
- ADCETRIS: ADCETRIS is a medication used to treat various types of lymphoma and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by targeting and attaching to specific proteins on the surface of cancerous lymphoma cells, delivering a toxic substance that helps to kill the cancer cells and slow down their growth
It’s important to remember that lymphoma can often be treated successfully, especially when caught early. If you’re worried, don’t wait—talk to your doctor!
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