Hematology focuses on diseases of the blood, bone marrow, and lymphatic system. Learn about the diagnosis and treatment of anemia, leukemia, and lymphoma.
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Lymphoma is often referred to as a “silent” disease in its early stages because its symptoms can be subtle and easily mistaken for common viral infections like the flu or a cold. However, unlike an infection, these symptoms do not resolve over time. Recognizing the specific pattern of signs, particularly the systemic “B symptoms,” is crucial for early detection. The risk factors for lymphoma are complex, involving an interplay between the immune system’s status, viral exposures, and environmental triggers. At Liv Hospital, we educate patients to be vigilant about persistent changes in their body, as early identification significantly improves treatment outcomes.
The most common presentation of lymphoma is a palpable lump, but the location and nature of this swelling can vary.
This refers to swollen lymph nodes. In lymphoma, these swellings are typically painless, rubbery to the touch, and movable under the skin. They are most often noticed in the neck, above the collarbone, in the armpit, or in the groin. Unlike the tender, swollen nodes that accompany a sore throat, lymphoma nodes persist and may grow larger over weeks.
While usually painless, some patients experience pain in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol. This is a rare but specific symptom associated with Hodgkin Lymphoma.
If the lymphoma nodes are deep within the chest or abdomen, they may not be felt from the outside. Instead, they cause symptoms by pressing on nearby organs. A mass in the chest can press on the windpipe, causing a persistent cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. A mass in the abdomen can press on the stomach, leading to a feeling of fullness after eating only a small amount, or abdominal pain.
Doctors look for a specific triad of symptoms known as B symptoms, which are significant for staging and prognosis.
A fever that comes and goes without any signs of infection is a red flag. This fever may be low grade or high and can persist for weeks. In Hodgkin Lymphoma, a specific pattern called Pel-Ebstein fever involves cycles of high fever for several days followed by days of normal temperature.
These are not just mild perspiration but severe sweats that soak through pajamas and bedsheets, often requiring a change of clothes during the night. This is a sign of the body’s inflammatory response to the cancer cells.
Losing more than 10 percent of body weight over six months without dieting or exercise is a serious sign. This happens because the rapidly dividing cancer cells consume the body’s energy resources
Lymphoma can manifest in ways that affect the skin and general energy levels.
Severe, generalized itching without an obvious rash is a symptom seen in up to 30 percent of Hodgkin Lymphoma patients. The itching can be intense and burning.
A profound sense of tiredness that does not improve with rest is common. This can be due to anemia (if the lymphoma is in the bone marrow) or the systemic stress of the disease.
Because lymphoma affects the immune system, patients may find themselves getting sick more often or having difficulty recovering from minor infections.
A weakened immune system is one of the most well established risk factors for developing lymphoma.
Conditions where the immune system attacks the body’s own tissues, such as Rheumatoid Arthritis, Systemic Lupus Erythematosus (SLE), and Sjogren’s syndrome, are linked to a higher risk of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma. The chronic inflammation and the stimulation of B cells drive this risk.
Patients who have undergone organ transplants (kidney, heart, liver) take drugs to suppress their immune system to prevent organ rejection. These drugs reduce the body’s ability to detect and destroy developing cancer cells, increasing the risk of Post Transplant Lymphoproliferative Disorder (PTLD).
Certain viruses are strongly associated with specific types of lymphoma.
This is the virus that causes mononucleosis (“mono”). While most people infected with EBV never get cancer, the virus is linked to Burkitt Lymphoma, some types of Hodgkin Lymphoma, and lymphomas in immunosuppressed people.
HIV weakens the immune system, making patients much more susceptible to aggressive B cell lymphomas.
This virus is endemic in parts of Japan and the Caribbean and is directly linked to Adult T cell Leukemia/Lymphoma.
This bacteria, which causes stomach ulcers, causes chronic inflammation in the stomach lining. Over time, this can lead to MALT lymphoma (Mucosa Associated Lymphoid Tissue) of the stomach.
Exposure to certain chemicals has been investigated as a potential cause.
Some studies have shown a higher rate of Non Hodgkin Lymphoma in agricultural workers exposed to weed killers and insecticides.
Occupational exposure to solvents like benzene has been linked to blood cancers.
Survivors of nuclear accidents or patients who received high dose radiation therapy for other cancers have an elevated risk of developing lymphoma later in life.
Risk profiles vary across populations.
While Hodgkin Lymphoma is common in young adults, most Non Hodgkin Lymphomas occur in people over 60.
Burkitt Lymphoma is much more common in Africa, linked to malaria and EBV exposure. T cell lymphomas are more common in Asia.
Men are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than women, though the reasons are hormonal and genetic and not fully understood.
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A urologist is a surgeon trained to treat conditions of the urinary tract in both men and women. A urogynecologist has specific training in female pelvic medicine and reconstructive surgery, focusing on conditions like bladder prolapse and female incontinence.
The bladder lining (urothelium) has a high regenerative capacity and heals quickly after minor trauma or infection. However, the muscle layer (detrusor) does not regenerate well. If the muscle is damaged by chronic overdistention or fibrosis, the loss of function is often permanent.
Yes, psychological stress can exacerbate bladder symptoms. The bladder has many nerve receptors sensitive to stress hormones. “Stress incontinence” refers to physical pressure (coughing/sneezing), but anxiety can trigger “urgency” and frequency, mimicking Overactive Bladder symptoms.
Yes, the bladder’s functional capacity tends to decrease with age. Furthermore, the elasticity of the bladder wall reduces, and the kidneys produce more urine at night (nocturnal polyuria), leading to increased nighttime urination in older adults.
Neurogenic bladder is a term used when the nerve control of the bladder is disrupted due to a brain, spinal cord, or nerve condition (like diabetes or MS). This can cause the bladder to either be unable to hold urine (incontinence) or unable to empty it (retention).
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