Early symptoms of lymphoma

Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
Updated on September 03, 2024
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The early symptoms of lymphoma patients are primarily due to its predilection for lymph nodes, with the majority of cases initially presenting with swollen lymph nodes in the neck or collarbone area. These lymph nodes usually enlarge progressively without pain, which is the most common early clinical symptom. However, some specific types of lymphoma, such as nasal NKT lymphoma, present with localized symptoms like nasal congestion, nosebleeds, or a runny nose. There are also lymphomas originating in the stomach, part of the digestive tract, whose symptoms include upper abdominal pain, nausea, or vomiting. Furthermore, some lymphomas originate in the skin, manifesting as skin nodules. Therefore, depending on the site of occurrence, the symptoms can vary, but the enlargement of superficial lymph nodes remains the primary clinical manifestation in most cases.

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Written by Wu Xia
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Is lymphoma contagious?

Current research has not found lymphoma to have a very clear genetic predisposition or familial clustering. This is entirely different from familial breast cancer and colon cancer. Although there are many causes of lymphoma, and it is likely related to certain bacterial and viral infections, the mechanism of tumor occurrence is very complex. Infection is only one of the external factors, and currently, there is no evidence that lymphoma has tendencies for contagion or outbreaks. Therefore, as a relative of a lymphoma patient, the risk of developing lymphoma is not significantly higher than that of the general population, so there is no need for excessive worry.

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Written by Zhou Zi Hua
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Which department do you go to for lymphoma?

If a lump is found on the neck and lymphoma is suspected, the first step is to consult with the head and neck surgery department. The lymphoma lesion will be surgically removed by the department, and then sent for a pathological examination. If lymphoma is confirmed, the next steps involve treatment by the oncology department, hematology department, or radiation therapy department.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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How to check for lymphoma?

Patients with lymphoma generally present with painless enlargement of superficial lymph nodes as their initial symptom, most commonly in areas such as the neck, above the collarbone, and the groin. For diagnostic purposes, it is best, if possible, to conduct a whole-body PADCT scan as this helps in the staging of lymphoma at the initial visit. A definitive diagnosis requires the complete excisional biopsy of the affected superficial lymph node, followed by a pathological examination. An excisional biopsy is a method for confirming the diagnosis of lymphoma.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Is lymphoma serious?

The severity of lymphoma relates to its specific pathological type and the stage of discovery among other factors. For instance, some highly aggressive lymphomas grow very rapidly, leading to swift disease progression, resulting in a poorer prognosis and more severe conditions. On the other hand, indolent lymphomas progress slowly, with lymph node growth being particularly sluggish, and the disease course can extend to even decades. Thus, conditions of such indolent lymphomas are relatively milder. The stage of lymphoma at the time of discovery also plays a role; early-stage lymphoma, such as stage I or II, is comparatively less severe. In contrast, patients with later stages, such as stage III or IV, experience more severe conditions. Therefore, the type of pathology and the stage at discovery are all significant factors.

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How to rule out lymphoma in children

Lymphoma is a malignant tumor originating from the lymphatic system. The main clinical manifestation is painless lymph node enlargement, which can occur in superficial lymph nodes such as in the neck, armpits, or groin, as well as deeper lymph nodes in the mediastinum or abdominal cavity. In pediatric patients with lymphoma, a significant number also present with abdominal pain, intestinal obstruction, or intussusception, which often indicates intestinal lymphoma. If children exhibit lymph node enlargement or deep lymph node enlargement is discovered through imaging studies, it is necessary to perform a puncture or biopsy and conduct a pathological examination to further confirm whether it is lymphoma.