7 signs of stage 1 lymph node cancer that mothers need to know.
1. Persistent Fatigue
Persistent fatigue, even after adequate rest, can be a sign of lymphoma. This condition is known as persistent fatigue and is often difficult to relieve with sleep or regular rest.
Sufferers may feel low energy every day, tire easily, or have difficulty carrying out routine activities. This is different from normal fatigue from work or physical activity.
Persistent fatigue like this should be addressed, especially if it occurs alongside other lymphoma symptoms.
2. Itching
Itching that occurs without an obvious cause can be a sign of lymphoma, especially certain types, such as Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. According to the Mayo Clinic, this itching can be persistent even if the skin appears normal and there is no rash.
Itching can sometimes occur all over the body, or be more severe after bathing, consuming alcohol, or when the skin becomes warm. This condition is different from the usual itching caused by allergies or insect bites.
Unexplained itching should not be ignored, especially if it is intense or persistent. Monitoring these symptoms can help determine if a more serious medical condition is present and when it’s time to see a doctor.
3. Feeling full quickly
A feeling of fullness that comes too quickly, even after only eating a small amount, can be a sign of lymphoma. This condition usually occurs when lymphoma cells spread to the liver or organs around the abdomen, causing the abdomen to feel enlarged and full.
In addition to feeling full, the spread of lymphoma to the abdominal area can also..
It can cause digestive symptoms such as diarrhea, constipation, abdominal pain, or nausea and vomiting. This can sometimes disrupt daily eating and digestion.
4. Seizures, dizziness, and pain
Although rare, the spread of lymphoma to the brain or nervous system can cause neurological symptoms such as headaches, dizziness, seizures, or weakness in the hands. This condition usually indicates that the cancer cells have affected nerve function.
Furthermore, lymphoma can also cause pain in specific areas of the body depending on the location of the spread. For example, if cancer cells spread to the bones, sufferers may experience bone pain that is constant or increases with movement.
5. Painless swollen lymph nodes
According to the Mayo Clinic, swollen lymph nodes may feel like lumps under the skin. They most often occur in the neck, armpits, and groin.
These lumps feel hard or solid and differ from swelling caused by infection because they are painless and not red.
It’s important to be wary of these lumps if they don’t disappear within a few weeks. If it persists, your doctor will usually recommend further tests, such as a biopsy, to determine the cause.
6. Unexplained/Recurrent Fever
One symptom of lymphoma is an unexplained or recurring fever, which can appear as a mild fever that comes and goes without a clear infectious cause. According to the Mayo Clinic, this condition is often not accompanied by flu-like symptoms or other infections.
This type of fever can last for several days or weeks, and is sometimes difficult to attribute to a specific illness because it doesn’t cause any other typical symptoms.
7. Cough and Shortness of Breath
One possible symptom of lymphoma is coughing and shortness of breath. This occurs when swollen lymph nodes press on the lungs, airways, or blood vessels in the chest.
The pressure from this swelling can trigger discomfort, such as a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. This condition can sometimes disrupt daily activities because breathing becomes short or labored.
These symptoms are common in people with Hodgkin’s lymphoma and some types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. If it occurs repeatedly or worsens, immediate medical attention is highly recommended.
