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.

References:

http://www.nlm.nih.gov/medlineplus/lymphoma.html

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/basics/definition/con-20035937

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/hodgkins-lymphoma/basics/definition/con-20030667

http://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/non-hodgkins-lymphoma/basics/definition/con-20027792