What are the early symptoms of lymphoma?

Written by Yan Chun
Oncology
Updated on January 10, 2025
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Lymphoma is a malignant tumor of the hematological system, with early symptoms including painless enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, which are generally well-movable and firm or hard in texture early on, without inflammatory changes such as redness, swelling, heat, or pain. Additionally, lymphomas occurring in the gastrointestinal tract can clinically present with symptoms such as upper abdominal fullness and discomfort, bloating, nausea, recurrent acid reflux, and belching. Lymphomas occurring in the respiratory system can manifest clinically with symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath after activity, and chest pain. Lymphomas occurring in the brain can cause dizziness, headaches, movement disorders, ataxia, and abnormal gait.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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Early symptoms of lymphoma

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 Liu Liang
Oncology
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Are all lymphomas malignant?

Tumors can be benign or malignant; malignant tumors are commonly referred to as cancer. Lymphoma, because it originates from lymph nodes or tissues or organs outside the lymph nodes, is a type of malignant tumor, and thus it is called lymphoma. All lymphomas are malignant; there are no benign lymphomas. However, based on specific pathological types, lymphomas are classified into two main categories: non-Hodgkin lymphoma and Hodgkin lymphoma, but all lymphomas are malignant.

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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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Written by Zhang Xiao Le
Hematology
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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.

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Written by Liu Liang
Oncology
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What is lymphoma?

Lymphoma refers to a type of malignant tumor that originates in the lymph nodes or extranodal tissues or organs. It is clinically categorized into two main types: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Furthermore, it can be subdivided into many different pathological types. Among these, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma is the most common type in China, and there are dozens of different pathological types. The pathological type of the lymphoma determines its malignancy level, prognosis, chemotherapy regimen options, and treatment methods, all of which can vary significantly.