The main 'red flag' signs and symptoms of lymphoma cancer have been named by doctors, and they can show up before a person is even diagnosed with the condition.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which is diagnosed in around 13,000 people in the UK every year, affects the lymphatic system which is a collection of glands and vessels situated throughout the body.
A third of cases occur in those over the age of 75 and people are more likely to be diagnosed as they get older, but it can show up in any age group.
Birmingham Live reports that the most common symptom of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a painless swelling in a lymph node, usually in the neck, armpit or groin, according to the NHS.
But doctors have also named five other more general symptoms people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma can have.
Symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
Aside from the lymph node swelling, some other symptoms of the cancer that can show up before diagnosis are:
- A high temperature
- Feelings of breathlessness
- Night sweats
- Unintentional weight loss
- Persistent itching of the skin all over the body
The NHS advises people to see a GP if they have any of the symptoms above, particularly if you have swollen glands that do not go away after six weeks.
What causes non-Hodgkin lymphoma?
According to the NHS, it's thought that non-Hodgkin lymphoma is caused by a change in the DNA of the white blood cells lymphocytes - although it's not known exactly what causes this.
The abnormal lymphocytes usually begin to multiply in one or more lymph nodes in a particular area of the body, such as your neck, armpit or groin.
Over time, it's possible for the abnormal lymphocytes to spread into other parts of your body, such as your:
- bone marrow
- spleen
- liver
- skin
- lungs
- stomach
- brain
How is non-Hodgkins lymphoma treated?
The condition is often treated with chemotherapy or radiotherapy, but some patients might not need treatment right away.
If the cancer is identified when it's small enough, it may be removed with a biopsy and no further treatment is needed.
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