Patients with lymphoma may experience fatigue, loss of appetite, unexplained fever, swelling in lymph nodes located in the neck, armpits, and groin…
Understanding Lymphoma
Lymphoma is characterized by the uncontrolled division of lymphocytes, affecting organs within the lymphatic system and other parts of the body. The disease primarily consists of two main types: non-Hodgkin lymphoma (approximately 90%) and Hodgkin lymphoma.
Lymphoma can occur at any age, with a higher incidence in men compared to women. The average age of diagnosis is reported to be between 50-60 years. Currently, the incidence of lymphoma is on the rise, commonly seen in older adults.
Dr. Tran Ngoc Hai from the Oncology Department at Tam Anh General Hospital in Hanoi states that some typical signs of lymphoma include visible or palpable swollen lymph nodes. Patients may experience unexplained fever, weight loss, night sweats, fatigue, loss of appetite, bleeding, rashes, and itching.
In advanced stages, symptoms may progressively increase in frequency and severity. Patients may develop anemia (pale skin, fatigue, tinnitus…) due to tumor cells infiltrating the bone marrow.
Lymphoma can invade the meninges or central nervous system, leading to headaches, coma, seizures, and cranial nerve disorders. Symptoms such as shortness of breath, wheezing, and rapid breathing may occur due to airway obstruction. Compression of the pericardium can result in chest pain, low blood pressure, and peripheral edema.
Symptoms of Lymphoma
Warning signs may include vomiting, blood in vomit, jaundice, constipation due to gastrointestinal obstruction, or liver failure. Pain in the hips or pelvic area, difficulty urinating, blood in urine due to hydronephrosis, heart failure, arrhythmias, seizures, and muscle cramps can also be associated with lymphoma.
Swollen lymph nodes accompanied by fatigue and unexplained fever are abnormal signs that require examination. (Image: Freepik).
Risk Factors
According to Dr. Hai, lymphoma is more common in individuals over 55 years old. Environmental factors, genetics, and infections are associated with this type of cancer. Certain conditions, such as Helicobacter pylori infection in MALT lymphoma, Epstein-Barr virus, and hepatitis C virus, increase the risk of developing the disease.
Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those infected with HIV, organ transplant recipients, and those with genetic immunodeficiency disorders, are at a higher risk of lymphoma. Other factors include autoimmune diseases (e.g., rheumatoid arthritis, inflammatory bowel disease), exposure to herbicides, and pesticides.
Diagnosis, Treatment, and Prevention
Individuals exhibiting signs of lymphoma should seek examination at a hospital. Physicians will conduct a thorough physical examination, obtain a medical history, and may combine lymph node biopsy, aspiration, bone marrow biopsy (when indicated), ultrasound, computed tomography (CT), and PET/CT scans to diagnose the disease.
Depending on the stage of the disease, tumor characteristics, location, age, and overall health, doctors will establish an appropriate treatment plan. Treatment methods may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biological therapy, immunotherapy, and stem cell transplantation.
Some ways to reduce the risk of lymphoma include maintaining a healthy weight, limiting exposure to chemicals such as benzene found in pesticides, avoiding radiation exposure, and exercising for at least 30 minutes each day. A daily diet should include whole grains, green vegetables, and fruits while limiting harmful fats, red meat, processed foods, and avoiding tobacco and alcohol.
The disease is not contagious from person to person but has a hereditary component. Individuals at high risk should undergo regular health check-ups and cancer screenings for early detection and timely treatment.
