These Symptoms May Be a Warning Sign of Lymphoma

Lymphocytes in our lymph nodes and bone marrow are one of the body's most important defense mechanisms and undoubtedly a crucial part of our immune system. However, while our lymph nodes protect our bodies against disease, in some cases they can develop into cancer. Cancers that develop in the lymphatic system are called 'lymphoma'. Lymphoma is not actually limited to the lymph nodes alone; it can appear in many organs of the body. Because there is a widespread belief in society that lymphoma cannot be treated, even hearing the word is enough to frighten people. Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner at Acıbadem Maslak Hospital emphasizes that, contrary to common belief, with the exception of some rare subtypes, lymphoma is today among treatable diseases. "Therefore, when a lymphoma diagnosis is made, one should not immediately lose hope. It is important to recognize the symptoms of lymphoma and to consult a physician without delay when these complaints occur," he said.

5 Important Symptoms

Lymphoma can present with many symptoms. Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner lists the 5 most important symptoms of this disease as follows:

• Enlargement of lymph nodes: The initial complaint in lymphoma is usually the discovery of a painless swelling. Swelling in the lymph nodes without infection, occurring anywhere in the body, particularly in the neck, armpits, and groin, can indicate a lymph node tumor. These swellings are usually superficial and painless.

• Unintentional and rapid weight loss: Weight loss of 10% or more of total body weight within the last 6 months without any apparent cause is also among the important indicators of lymphoma.

• Night sweats: Sweating at night during summer, especially in hot weather, is a normal condition. However, sweating so profusely every night that you need to change underwear and even bed sheets despite cool ambient temperature can be a sign of lymphoma.

• High fever: One should be alert to lymphoma when fever exceeds 38 degrees Celsius without infection or other causes. In lymphoma, fever exhibits a fluctuating pattern; for example, it may be at normal levels for a few days, then rise for a few days, then return to normal again. The cycle continues in this manner. However, the fever cycle may not always follow this pattern.

• Weakness and fatigue: Unexplained weakness and fatigue can also be symptoms of lymphoma.

The Disease Has Different Types

When we hear the word lymphoma, we think of a single type of cancer. Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner points out that lymphoma actually has many varieties and each of them can behave almost like a different disease, continuing as follows: "Lymphoma is first divided into 2 main groups: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is further divided into 3 main groups based on progression: rapidly growing, intermediate-growing, or very slowly growing. Therefore, while some types of lymphoma follow an aggressive course and require treatment to begin immediately, some lymphomas progress very slowly and may require only years of monitoring without the need for drug therapy."

Cause Often Cannot Be Determined

Although lymph tumors most commonly develop in the neck, armpits, and groin, the cause of the vast majority of lymph tumors, which can occur anywhere blood circulates, cannot be determined. Age is an important risk factor. While most commonly seen in people over 60 years of age, it can develop at any age. Some lymphoma subtypes can also develop in younger people.

Treatment Is Possible

Hematology Specialist Prof. Dr. Mustafa Çetiner notes that chemotherapy still plays a fundamental role in lymphoma treatment and provides the following information: "In addition to this, there are drugs that recognize lymphoma cells by markers they carry and selectively bind to and destroy those cells. Treatment with these drugs is called 'immunotherapy'. Thirdly, there are newer treatments that disrupt intracellular signaling and prevent cell growth in this way. The majority of these treatments consist of oral medications. This group of drugs is called 'targeted therapy'. In addition to these 3 main groups, radiotherapy is also an important weapon in our arsenal and plays a significant role in treating the disease. Especially with advances in radiotherapy methods, this treatment option has become more widely used today."