My first signs of Hodgkin’s lymphoma were an itchy neck and feeling very tired and exhausted. I started to experience a burning sensation in my neck and I thought it was odd, so I went to the doctor to get checked out.
After a few tests, the doctor found a mass in my neck, which indicated Hodgkin’s lymphoma. The diagnosis was confirmed after lab tests and further exams. Since then, I have noticed other symptoms such as having night sweats, fever, enlarged lymph nodes in my neck and armpits, and weight loss.
I have also experienced shortness of breath and coughing. I have managed to manage these symptoms through treatments and medication. Even though it has been a difficult experience, I am thankful I caught it early and am managing it well.
What is the most common early symptom of lymphoma?
The most common early symptom of lymphoma is usually painless and swollen lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes occur when the lymphatic system, which helps rid the body of toxins, is overworked due to the number of cells that are dividing and growing abnormally.
Most often, swollen lymph nodes occur in the neck, armpits, or groin. Additionally, people may experience fatigue, fever, or unintentional weight loss. It is important to note that not everyone experiences all the same symptoms, and that some people may experience no signs of lymphoma at all.
If any of these symptoms do occur, it is important to follow up with a healthcare professional right away as these symptoms could be caused by something other than lymphoma.
Where does lymphoma usually begin?
Lymphoma usually begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system and is made of a network of organs, vessels, and nodes. This system contains white blood cells or lymphocytes, which are an important part of the immune system and help the body fight infection and disease.
Lymphocytes can mutate to become cancerous and cause lymphoma. Lymphoid tissue is found in many parts of the body, including the bone marrow, spleen, thymus, adenoids, tonsils, and lymph nodes (a type of organ often found inside the chest, abdomen and other parts of the body).
Lymphoma can begin in any part of the body where lymphoid tissue is present, but most commonly begins in the lymph nodes or in the bone marrow.
Do you feel sick with lymphoma?
It is possible to feel sick when you have lymphoma, although the specific symptoms you experience will depend on a number of factors, including the type and stage of lymphoma, your age, and other underlying health conditions you may have.
Common symptoms of lymphoma can include fatigue, fevers, chills, night sweats, loss of appetite, weight loss, itching, and pain or swelling in the lymph nodes. You may also experience breathlessness, coughing, or chest pain if the lymphoma is in your lungs or chest.
If you are feeling sick with lymphoma, it is important to seek medical advice promptly to ensure you get the best treatment and care.
How long can you have lymphoma without noticing?
The length of time someone can have lymphoma without noticing any symptoms varies from person to person. In some cases, people may not experience any symptoms until the lymphoma has advanced to a more advanced stage.
As a result, some people may have lymphoma for years without realizing it. The most common symptom of lymphoma is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes, but often in later stages of the disease, people may experience weight loss, fever, night sweats, lack of energy, and persistent infections.
If you have any persistent or unusual symptoms that don’t go away, be sure to talk with your doctor to determine the cause.
What are the warning signs of lymphoma?
The warning signs of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer, but there are some common signs to look out for. They include:
• Unexplained weight loss
• Swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, armpit, groin, or abdomen
• Fever, night sweats, or unexplained chills
• Fatigue or loss of energy
• Itchy skin
• Unexplained pain in the chest, belly, or joints
• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Cough, excessive sweating, and chronic infections like bronchitis and sinusitis
• Abdominal pain or bloating
• Loss of appetite or nausea
• Difficulty swallowing
• Skin rash
If you notice any of these symptoms, it’s important to see your healthcare provider so that they can properly evaluate the situation. While these symptoms can be indicative of lymphoma, they can also be caused by other conditions, so it’s important to get a confirmed diagnosis to begin the appropriate treatment.
Will lymphoma show up in blood work?
Yes, lymphoma can show up in blood work. Depending on the type and stage of lymphoma, signs of the disease can be detected through a blood test. The most common blood tests used to diagnose lymphoma are a complete blood count (CBC), a blood chemistry panel, and a examination of the lymphoma cells under a microscope.
A CBC is used to look for signs of infection and abnormalities in the blood cells such as an increase in white blood cells, which is an indicator of lymphoma. A blood chemistry panel is run to detect any changes in the levels of minerals, proteins, and enzymes, which may provide more information about the type and extent of the lymphoma.
Finally, examining lymphoma cells under a microscope can be used to evaluate the size, shape, and number of lymphoma cells present in the bloodstream.
How do you know if you caught lymphoma early?
One way to know if you caught lymphoma early is to look for signs and symptoms of lymphoma in your body. These signs and symptoms may include unexplained weight loss, night sweats, loss of appetite, fatigue, fever, abdominal pain or swelling, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin, chest pain, difficulty breathing, and itchiness.
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to talk to your doctor, as they can help determine if you may have lymphoma and order tests to make a diagnosis. Tests used to diagnose lymphoma can include blood tests, imaging tests, biopsies, and a bone marrow test.
If it is determined that you have lymphoma, an early diagnosis can be very beneficial in achieving a successful outcome. When lymphoma is diagnosed and treated early, it can provide an opportunity to identify and treat other potential causes, and it may result in a more successful treatment plan with fewer long-term complications.
Your doctor will recommend a treatment plan based on your diagnosis, the type and stage of lymphoma you have, and your overall health. Treatments can range from surveillance (monitoring of your condition to make sure it doesn’t change or worsen), to chemotherapy, radiation therapy, targeted therapy, or a stem cell or bone marrow transplant.
Can you have Hodgkin’s lymphoma for years?
Yes, it is possible to have Hodgkin’s lymphoma for years. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a form of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, and it can range from mild to aggressive depending on the individual case.
In some cases, it can take years for Hodgkin’s lymphoma to develop to a point where it is detectable. When it is detected, the disease can usually be effectively treated with a combination of chemotherapy and radiation.
However, the length of treatment, and the prognosis, often depend on the individual case. In some cases, a person could live with Hodgkin’s lymphoma for years without major issues, while in others treatment may be more aggressive and may involve multiple treatments.
In general, early detection and treatment are best in order to get a positive outcome.
How long can Non Hodgkin’s lymphoma go untreated?
The length of time that non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can go untreated varies widely and depends on many factors, including type and stage of the disease, overall health of the patient, and the aggressiveness of the tumor.
Some forms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma may not require any treatment, while others may need to be treated promptly to prevent the disease from getting worse or spreading. If left untreated, some types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be extremely fatal.
Generally speaking, the longer the disease is left untreated, the less likely it is that treatment will be successful and the more severe the symptoms will be. Therefore, it is important to seek medical attention as soon as any symptoms of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma are present.
Can lymphoma go undetected too long?
Yes, lymphoma can go undetected for too long. Lymphoma is a type of cancer that can be difficult to diagnose because it often presents itself with symptoms that are similar to other illnesses. Symptoms such as persistent fever, fatigue, night sweats and often vague abdominal pain can be difficult to identify as those of lymphoma and can easily be attributed to a number of other illnesses.
As a result, lymphoma can often go undetected for weeks, months, or even years before it is detected by medical professionals.
If a person notices persistent symptoms that could potentially be related to lymphoma, it is important to seek professional medical evaluation. To aid in the diagnosis of lymphoma, a doctor may request that certain tests or scans be performed.
These tests may include blood tests, a computed tomography (CT) scan, a positron emission tomography (PET) scan, or a biopsy. If a patient does receive a lymphoma diagnosis, it is important to begin treatment at the earliest possible stage as this can greatly improve the chances of successful treatment.
Can you live 10 years with lymphoma?
Whether or not someone can live 10 years with lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the cancer. Some types can be treated with chemotherapy and radiation, and others may require surgery as well. Generally, the earlier the cancer is diagnosed and treatment begun, the better the survival rate.
On average, about 60% of people with lymphoma will survive five years after diagnosis, although this varies greatly depending on the type of lymphoma. For example, those with Hodgkin lymphoma, a type of slow-growing cancer, have a five-year survival rate of 88%, while people with certain other types of lymphoma, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, may only have a 50% five-year survival rate.
When it comes to surviving 10 years with lymphoma, the prognosis is highly dependent on the type and stage of the cancer, as well as how the person responds to treatment. It is difficult to predict how long someone may live after being diagnosed with lymphoma, but many people do survive the disease.
By understanding their specific type of lymphoma and seeking prompt treatment, those diagnosed can work towards improving their chances of long-term survival.
How did you find out you had Hodgkins lymphoma?
I found out I had Hodgkins lymphoma after I started to experience symptoms that could not be explained by any other health condition or illness. I had a persistent cough that had lasted for over two weeks, and I was also having night sweats and feeling really tired all the time.
I visited my doctor to get checked out and they ordered diagnostic tests to determine what the cause of my symptoms was. The results of the tests showed that I had Hodgkins lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymph nodes and entails the abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
After receiving the results, my doctor informed me that the next step would be to undergo further examinations in order to determine the extent of the disease. After completing the tests and examinations, I was able to confirm the diagnosis of Hodgkins lymphoma and eventually started treatment.
What labs are abnormal with Hodgkin’s lymphoma?
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system, which is a system of nodes and vessels that helps fight infections. When someone has Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it causes abnormal cells to spread throughout the lymphatic system and other nearby organs such as the spleen and liver.
To diagnose and monitor Hodgkin’s lymphoma, doctors typically perform lab tests to look for cancer cells and to measure certain substances that are associated with the cancer.
Some of the more common labs that are monitored for Hodgkin’s lymphoma are the white blood cell count, red blood cell count, lymphocytes, hemoglobin, and platelets. The white blood cell count (WBC) helps to monitor the body’s response to infection, while the red blood cell count (RBC) helps to track levels of hemoglobin and oxygen, which are essential for cellular functioning.
Lymphocytes measure the presence of lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, and an increase can be an indication of cancer. Hemoglobin helps to measure red blood cell production, and platelets measure the number of platelets, which helps to track the risk of bleeding.
If these lab tests come back abnormal, then a doctor will typically order additional tests to confirm a diagnosis and assess the disease progression, such as a computed tomography (CT) scan, positron emission tomography (PET) scan, and/or bone marrow biopsy.
These tests provide detailed images of the body, helping to identify the presence of cancer and its likely location, as well as to evaluate the spread of the disease.
Can your blood work be normal and still have lymphoma?
Yes, it is possible for a person’s blood work to be normal and still have lymphoma. This can occur because the lymphoma cells may not be actively dividing and, as a result, not releasing abnormal proteins or other markers into the bloodstream.
As a result, a person can have lymphoma and their blood work may be completely normal.
It is important to note, however, that not all types of lymphoma can remain undetectable in blood tests. Some types of lymphoma produce proteins or markers that can be detected in blood tests, even in the early stages of the disease.
In these cases, an abnormal blood test may be an indication of lymphoma.
Because of this, it is important for anyone who is experiencing any of the symptoms of lymphoma to contact their doctor and receive a thorough medical evaluation. While abnormal blood tests may mean that someone has lymphoma, other conditions could be causing the symptoms and a diagnosis cannot be made definitively without further tests.
