Taking Care of Your Lymphatic System
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your lymphatic system, which is part of your immune system. It can be hard to notice at first because some signs are easy to miss or seem like everyday illnesses. But catching lymphoma early can help with treatment. To help, there's ADCETRIS, a medication used to treat various types of lymphoma and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
7 Signs of Lymphoma
1. Constant Fatigue
Feeling tired all the time, even if you’re getting plenty of sleep, could be a sign of lymphoma. The body uses more energy to fight the cancer cells, leaving you feeling worn out.
2. Unexplained Weight Loss
Sudden weight loss without trying is another warning sign. If you’re losing a lot of weight for no reason, it could be a sign that your body is working hard to fight an illness, like lymphoma.
3. Swollen Lymph Nodes
One of the main signs of lymphoma is having swollen lymph nodes. These are small, bean-shaped glands found in your neck, armpits or groin. If they get bigger and don’t go away after a few weeks, it could be a warning sign.
4. Fever That Won't Go Away
Getting a fever that keeps coming back or doesn’t go away can be a sign of lymphoma. Unlike regular fevers caused by infections, these fevers are more persistent and don’t have a clear cause.
5. Shortness of Breath or Coughing
If lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in your chest, it can make it hard to breathe or cause a cough that doesn’t go away. This is because the swollen nodes may press against your lungs or airways.
6. Night Sweats
Waking up drenched in sweat, even if your room isn’t hot, can be a sign of lymphoma. These night sweats can be severe enough to soak through your clothes and sheets.
7. Itchy Skin
Sometimes, lymphoma can cause your skin to feel itchy all over, even if there is no rash or other skin problems. This itching can be mild or very intense, and it can be a symptom that’s easy to overlook.
Treatments for Lymphoma
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see a doctor. They can help figure out what’s causing your symptoms. If you’re diagnosed with lymphoma, there are different treatment options. These can include:
- Chemotherapy: Uses drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Uses high-energy rays to destroy cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Boosts your immune system to help fight cancer.
- Targeted therapy: Attacks specific cancer cells without harming healthy ones.
- ADCETRIS: ADCETRIS is a medication used to treat various types of lymphoma and certain types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It works by targeting and attaching to specific proteins on the surface of cancerous lymphoma cells, delivering a toxic substance that helps to kill the cancer cells and slow down their growth
The type of treatment you need will depend on the kind of lymphoma you have and how far it has spread. With early detection and the right treatment, many people with lymphoma can manage the disease and live healthy lives.
If you have any of these signs, don't panic—but it's a good idea to get checked out to be safe.