What are the symptoms of lymphoma spread?

Written by Peng Li Bo
Oncology
Updated on December 15, 2024
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The symptoms of lymphoma spread depend primarily on its original location. Generally, the most common site of origin is in the neck. Spread means that it has moved to other areas, so it may have spread to the armpits, groin, or popliteal fossa. If there is swelling or a tumor in the lymph nodes in these areas, it manifests as a tumor that can be felt in those specific locations, like in the groin or armpits. Of course, it is possible that it may spread to substantive organs, such as the lungs. If it spreads to the lungs, symptoms might include shortness of breath, coughing, and blood in the sputum.

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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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Typical symptoms of lymphoma

Typical symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats, fever, and weight loss. This fever often occurs in the afternoon, characterized as a cyclical fever that lasts for several days with irregular patterns. There are fever-free intervals ranging from a few days to several weeks, almost a nonspecific symptom but not commonly seen. Fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss of more than 10% within six months, or even emaciation, are considered B symptoms and are associated with a poor prognosis. In addition, skin itching is also not uncommon in late-stage patients.

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Is lymphoma a cancer?

Cancer actually refers to malignant tumors. Malignant tumors are named differently based on their site of origin. For example, those originating from epithelial tissue are called carcinomas, such as lung cancer, liver cancer, colon cancer, etc. Lymphoma refers to a malignant tumor originating from lymph nodes or tissues or organs outside the lymph nodes, which we call lymphoma. There are also some malignant tumors originating from mesenchymal tissue, which we call sarcomas. Therefore, lymphoma is also a malignant tumor and is considered a type of cancer.

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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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How long can lymphoma last?

In clinical practice, lymphomas are classified into Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a relatively common type of tumor in China and has the highest incidence among lymphomas. However, it is further divided into dozens of subtypes, each with distinct clinical symptoms. Aggressive lymphomas can be cured, while indolent lymphomas can be managed with the tumor remaining. Thus, the question of how long one can live with lymphoma cannot be generalized; it depends on the type and stage of the disease, and many can be cured completely.