Can you have lymphoma and not know it

A biopsy to analyze the damaged tissue is usually the next stop. Other tests can include chest, abdomen and pelvis or other computed tomographic CT imaging, a chest x-ray, a positron emission tomography PET scan, spinal fluid exam, and blood tests to evaluate the type, stage and extent of the lymphoma.

Approximately one in every five patients are diagnosed with low grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma in early stages when the disease is localized and the prognosis is encouraging. During the initial phases, the disease is typically limited to one or two groups of lymph nodes and the physician may decide to watch for while.

Radiotherapy, an initial stage option, is designed to slow the cancer growth even more. Treatment aims to control the lymphoma and physician may recommend drug therapies.

Some therapies include a monoclonal antibody called rituximab, either alone or with a single chemotherapy drug like bendamustine or fludarabine; or a combination of drugs like CHOP cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine, and prednisone. In more severe cases, monoclonal antibodies ibritumomab and tositumomab is administered as second-line therapy.

Low Grade Lymphoma Development and Risk Factors Low grade lymphoma, also known as indolent lymphoma , is usually very slow growing and most often incurable, though many patients respond positively to treatment. Low Grade Lymphoma Symptoms and Diagnosis Patients with low grade lymphoma usually experience little to no symptoms. Because many symptoms can be explained by other illnesses, an early diagnosis can be difficult. Fatigue is overwhelming physical, emotional or mental exhaustion for no obvious reason.

It isn't relieved by sleep or rest. Sometimes even simple daily tasks, such as getting dressed, can feel too much. Many conditions can make you feel fatigued, including anaemia low red blood cell count , underactive thyroid, depression and anxiety, chronic fatigue syndrome and glandular fever. If you feel fatigued, it does not necessarily mean that you have lymphoma.

Exactly why lymphoma causes fatigue is not known. It is likely that there are several reasons for it. If you are experiencing fatigue, speak to your doctor. We also have some suggestions that may help you cope with fatigue. For an average person, this means losing around half a stone 7lbs or more.

For example, a person who usually weighs 11 stone 70kg might lose 15lbs 7kg or more. Weight loss can happen in people with lymphoma because cancerous cells use up your energy resources. In addition, your body uses energy trying to get rid of the cancerous cells. Weight loss is more common with lymphomas that grow very quickly and put a sudden demand on your body.

As with many other symptoms, weight loss can happen for a lot of other reasons, such as stress, depression, diseases of the digestive tract, or overactive thyroid. Lymphoma is just one of the possible causes of unexplained weight loss. If you have night sweats, it does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. Night sweats can also be caused by other conditions, such as a viral infection, anxiety, menopause or some medicines.

Night sweats may also be a response to some of the chemicals produced by the lymphoma cells. Lymphoma can cause night sweats that are severe enough to make your nightclothes and bed linen soaking wet. They can happen with any type of lymphoma. Although they are usually called night sweats, they can also sometimes happen during the day. There are things you can do that might help you to cope with night sweats , but do also speak to your medical team for advice.

Contact your doctor if you have night sweats that regularly wake you up or if you also have other symptoms, such as fever or unexplained weight loss. It is not usually serious. Although itching is common in people with lymphoma, having itchy skin does not necessarily mean you have lymphoma. Itching affects around 1 in 3 people with Hodgkin lymphoma and 1 in 10 people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It can affect:. Itching in lymphoma is thought to be due to chemicals released by your immune system, as part of its reaction against the lymphoma cells.

These chemicals irritate the nerves in your skin and make it itch. Itching due to lymphoma can be severe. It may also cause a burning sensation. It is not usually associated with an obvious rash unless you have skin lymphoma. Itching can be very difficult to tolerate, especially in hot weather. It is usually worse at night in bed. If you have a diagnosis of lymphoma and you are struggling to cope with itching, there are some things you could try that might help.

Also speak to your medical team for advice. Contact your GP if you have itching that affects your whole body or lasts for more than 2 weeks. Fever is a rise in your body temperature above the normal level. It is almost always caused by an infection , but there are a few other much less common causes, including lymphoma.

Lymphoma causes fevers because the lymphoma cells produce chemicals that raise your body temperature. They usually come and go. Contact your doctor if you have a fever without an obvious infection that lasts for 2 weeks or more.

Normally, white blood cells fight infections. This can make you pick up infections more easily. Request an Appointment at Mayo Clinic.

Share on: Facebook Twitter. Show references Lymphoma — Hodgkin. Accessed Sept. Lymphoma — Non-Hodgkin. National Cancer Institute. Warner KJ. Allscripts EPSi. Mayo Clinic.

July 2, Hoffman R, et al. Hematology: Basic Principles and Practice. Elsevier; Accessed June 13, Laurent C, et al. Impact of expert pathologic review of lymphoma diagnosis: Study of patients from the French Lymphopath Network. Journal of Clinical Oncology. Mayo Clinic first in the U. Distress management. National Comprehensive Cancer Network.

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