A Lymphoma doctor has detailed six common blood cancer symptoms that he wants people to stop ignoring immediately.
Every year, 13,600 people in the UK will be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, while 2,200 others will learn they’ve got Hodgkin lymphoma, according to official statistics published by Cancer Research UK.
Because blood cancer incidence rates are projected to continue its rise in the UK, it’s never been more important to learn about the disease and spot key symptoms that may help you get a life-saving diagnosis.
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is classified as a type of blood cancer and is caused when a type of white blood cell, called lymphocytes, grows out of control, as per Lymphoma Action.
Lymphoma, the fifth most common type of cancer in the UK, affects the body’s lymphatic system and can develop at any age. However, it’s more likely to affect men aged between 60 and 80.
Advert
Cleveland Clinic outlined that while there are two types of the disease—Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma—there are more than 70 known subtypes, which can either be fast growing (aggressive) or indolent (slow growing).
According to Tim Woodman, Medical Director for Policy and Cancer Services at Bupa UK, there are a slew of common symptoms that indicate the cancer is present in your body.
He detailed six while in conversation with Huff Post UK yesterday (September 2).
Feeling itchy
If your whole body goes into itchy spasms (pruritus), then it could be a sign that your body is fighting cancer.
MD Anderson Cancer Centre said itching is a sign of several types of blood cancers. However, Blood Cancer UK has stated that it could be caused by the treatment you’re already having.
Swelling without pain
Woodman has demanded that anyone who experiences any part of their body swelling up without feeling any pain should book in to see their GP immediately.
While this can happen anywhere on your body, it’s more likely to take place where your lymph nodes are located.
Your lymph nodes cluster in various parts of the body, but are most commonly felt in the head and neck, armpits, groin, and back of the knees, as per the Cleveland Clinic.
Sweating heavily when you sleep
Perspiring at night is normal, but sweating buckets is a clear warning sign that something is not quite right, according to the professional.
If you’re experiencing heavy sweating that soaks your clothes or bedding, then it could be a clear sign that you’re suffering from lymphoma.
High temperatures
Woodman has said that regular temperature spikes are potentially something to take note of.
“Experiencing occasional high temperatures for no real reason is worth speaking to a professional about,” he advised.
Some types of Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma cause night sweats and high temperatures that come and go with no obvious cause, according to Cancer Research UK.
Debilitating fatigue
Everyone feels tired sometimes. But if you’re suffering from serious fatigue, then it could be an early sign of everything from lymphoma to anaemia, chronic infections like mononucleosis, or even early-stage heart disease, as per Huff Post.
Lymphoma Action has said that cancer-caused fatigue can impact your memory, concentration levels, and cause you to feel low and irritable.
Moreover, you may feel as if you can no longer do all the activities you usually would and that your relationships are rather strained.
Dropping weight without trying
40 percent of cancer patients experience unexplained weight loss, according to Stamford Health.
If you’ve dropped weight without exercising or eating in a calorie deficit, then you should check in with your medical practitioner as soon as possible.
Other early signs of illness include nausea, a severe lack of appetite, and difficulty chewing or swallowing, Healthline detailed.
Topics: Health, Women's Health, Advice, UK News, Cancer
Ella Scott