There is a group of blood cancers called lymphoma.The term non-Hodgkin lymphoma refers to a variety of lymphomas.If you spot one of the general types of lymphoma, you won't know what type it is.Identifying common symptoms is the first step in getting a medical diagnosis.In order to give a proper diagnosis, your doctor will run a variety of lab tests on you, including a biopsy of one of your lymph nodes.
Step 1: It's a good idea to feel the swelling in your lymph nodes.
The most common symptom of lymphoma is a swollen lysy.A lump that can be seen and felt under the skin is caused by the swelling.There is a lump on the neck, armpit, or groin.The lump associated with lymphoma is usually not painful.Sometimes they are hard to detect.These are usually non-tender.You should be able to move them quickly.
Step 2: Extreme night sweats are something to be aware of.
It could be a symptom of lymphoma if you wake up drenched in sweat.sweats night can be caused by lymphoma, which can cause both you and your bed to sweat.At night, you may have a chill.Night sweats can be caused by a variety of illnesses, so getting night sweats doesn't mean you have lymphoma.
Step 3: Keep a record of weight loss.
Lack of appetite can cause unexplained weight loss.If you've lost interest in eating or have lost weight without any apparent reason over the past 6 months, it could be related to lymphoma.It is easier to tell if you have lost weight when you weigh yourself on a regular basis.
Step 4: You should be on the lookout for pain and swelling in your abdomen.
The problems in the abdomen are caused by an enlarged spleen.It's a common occurrence with some types of lymphoma.Even if you have not eaten, the enlargement of the spleen can give you a feeling of being full.The enlarged organ is pushing on your stomach.
Step 5: It is a good idea to look for itchy or rashy skin.
A red patch of skin can be caused by certain types of lymphoma.These patches may look like sunburns or red bumps that are located below the surface of the skin.This symptom is associated with a group of rare lymphomas that start in the skin.
Step 6: Look for fatigue.
If you have lymphoma, it can make you very tired.If you can't figure out why you're tired all the time, you should see a doctor.
Step 7: There are problems with your respiratory system.
Symptoms of lymphoma include cough, chest pain, and breathlessness.You should be seen by a doctor for an assessment if you have these symptoms in combination with swollen lympians.This can be a life-threatening problem if you are having difficulty breathing.It is possible that an enlarged node is obstructing your breathing.If you need medical treatment, get it right away.
Step 8: Take your temperature.
There is afever that has no explanation.If you don't have a cold or feel warm, then you should take your temperature.You should seek medical care if you have an unexplained high temperature.
Step 9: Determine the symptoms of specific types of lymphoma.
There are a number of symptoms that can occur when lymphoma takes hold in certain parts of the body.These include, but are not limited to: headaches, nausea, and personality changes.
Step 10: Take risks into account.
There are things that increase your chance of getting lymphoma.Keeping an eye out for symptoms and signs of the disease is important if you have a risk factor.Exposure to illnesses that impact the immune system is one of the risk factors for lymphoma.
Step 11: See your doctor.
You should make an appointment to see your doctor if you have swelling or other symptoms related to lymphoma.During the appointment, they will take a medical history from you and discuss your symptoms.They will do a physical examination that includes feeling your lymphatic and other organs.The doctor may feel that the lymph nodes are located in the neck, the undergarment, and the groin.
Step 12: Get the studies done on your body.
Your doctor will likely do a number of studies on your body.You will probably get a chest X-ray, as well as a positron emission tomography.If you have been having trouble breathing, the doctor will be able to look for symptoms with the help of these tests.The mid-chest area is affected by many forms of Hodgkin's disease.
Step 13: A biopsies should be done.
If your doctor suspects that you have an abnormality in your lymphatic system, they will usually have you get a biopsy.A procedure in which a small tissue sample is removed from your lymphatic area and analyzed under a microscope.A hematopathologist will look for abnormal cell development during the analysis of the tissue sample.A hematopathologist diagnoses diseases of the blood in particular.They will look at the type of abnormal development that is happening to distinguish between types of lymphoma.
Step 14: Get staging testing done.
Your doctor will order more testing once you have a preliminary diagnosis.Your doctor will be able to better understand your disease with a combination of blood and bone marrow testing.This will allow the doctor to come up with a treatment plan for you.Any organs that may also be affected will be scanned.If cancer cells are present in the blood, and how well organs are functioning, you will need to have your blood tested.If the lymphoma has spread to the bone marrow, it will be tested.Depending on the type of lymphoma and where it is located, this testing may not be required for all patients.
Step 15: Specific types of lymphoma can be tested.
If you have been diagnosed with a specific type of lymphoma, your doctor may want to run some specialized tests.If you have a mass in your testicles, you should have it scanned.A colonoscopy is a test you may need.If mantle cell lymphoma is suspected, this is done.If your doctor suspects you have MALT lymphoma, they may inspect your entire GI tract.If your doctor suspects that you have a type of lymphoma connected to your central nervous system, then a spinal tap may be required.
Step 16: You can get a second opinion.
It can be hard to diagnose a disease.It can be confused with other types of lymphoma.It's a good idea to get a second opinion when facing a diagnosis.If you want a second opinion, talk to your doctor.They might be able to suggest who you could get the second opinion from.Try to get a second opinion from a hematopathologist.
Step 17: Begin treatment.
If you are diagnosed with a type of lymphoma, you should begin treatment as soon as possible.The progression of many types of lymphoma can be slowed with swift and thorough treatment.The effectiveness of treatment for different types of lymphoma varies as well.It is one of the most curable forms of cancer.Chemo, radiation, stem cell transplantation, and clinical drug therapy will be included in the treatment.Depending on the location of the disease, medication and radiation therapy can be used.The remission rate for non-Hodgkin lymphoma is not as high as it is for Hodgkin Lymphoma.Discuss your outlook with your doctor if there are types of non-Hodgkin that can be cured.