Lymphoma: Symptoms

Symptoms

Lymphoma causes lymph nodes to swell. Cancerous lymph nodes are unusually swollen and may be detectable at the surface of the body. However, swollen lymph nodes may result from other causes, including infections, and do not serve as a reliable indication of cancer. Other generalized symptoms caused by lymphoma include:⁽¹⁾

• unexplained weight loss;
• fever;
• extreme (drenching) night sweats; and
• severe "itchiness."

Specific types of lymphoma manifest themselves through different symptoms. Persons with lymphoma of the stomach or abdominal nodes may experience painful cramping, nausea, loss of appetite and constipation due to blockage of the large intestine by swollen lymph nodes. Lymphoma of the skin may be easily seen and felt. The lesions frequently appear as reddish purple nodules directly under the skin and are often itchy.⁽¹⁾

1. Learn About Lymphoma, Non-Hodgkin's type. American Cancer Society. Accessed October 2010. [http://www.cancer.org/cancer/non-hodgkinlymphoma/index]