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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma - Symptom

Alternative Names

Lymphoma - non-Hodgkin's; Lymphocytic lymphoma; Histiocytic lymphoma; Lymphoblastic lymphoma; Cancer - non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Symptoms:

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can cause a variety of symptoms. Symptoms depend on what area of the body is affected by the cancer. Symptoms may include:

Coughing or shortness of breath may occur if the cancer affects the thymus gland or lymph nodes in the chest, which puts pressure on the windpipe (trachea) or other airways.

Some patients may have abdominal pain or swelling, which may lead to a loss of appetite, constipation, nausea, and vomiting.

If the cancer affects cells in the brain, the person may have a headache, concentration problems, personality changes, or seizures.

Signs and tests:

The doctor will perform a physical exam and check body areas with lymph nodes to feel if they are swollen. Tests to diagnose and stage non-Hodgkin's lymphoma include:

  • Blood chemistry tests
  • Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy
  • CBC with white blood cell differential
  • CT scans of the chest, abdomen and pelvis
  • Lymph node biopsy
  • PET (positron emission tomography) scan
  • X-rays
  • Reviewed last on: 2/12/2009
  • David C. Dugdale, III, MD, Professor of Medicine, Division of General Medicine, Department of Medicine, University of Washington School of Medicine; Yi-Bin Chen, MD, Leukemia/Bone Marrow Transplant Program, Massachusetts General Hospital. Also reviewed by David Zieve, MD, MHA, Medical Director, A.D.A.M., Inc.

References

Bierman P, Harris N, Armitage J. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. In: Goldman L, Ausiello D, eds. Cecil Medicine. 23rd ed. Philadelphia, Pa: Saunders Elsevier; 2007: chap 196.

National Comprehensive Cancer Network Clinical Practice Guidelines in Oncology: Non-Hodgkin's Lymphomas. National Comprehensive Cancer Network; 2009. Version 2.2009.

The information provided herein should not be used during any medical emergency or for the diagnosis or treatment of any medical condition. A licensed medical professional should be consulted for diagnosis and treatment of any and all medical conditions. Call 911 for all medical emergencies. Links to other sites are provided for information only -- they do not constitute endorsements of those other sites. © 1997- A.D.A.M., Inc. Any duplication or distribution of the information contained herein is strictly prohibited.
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