Lymphoma is the blood cancer with the highest prevalence in the United States. The lymphatic system, which is an important part of the immune system, is affected by lymphoma when white blood cells called lymphocytes abnormally reproduce and grow. Healthy cells die and provide space for the new lymphoma affected cells. There are numerous types of lymphoma, each with different features that impact not only diagnosis and treatment of the disease, but also its signs.
The two most common types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, and there are four different stages of lymphoma. At stage one and two, lymphoma is classified as being in an early stage, while at stages three and four, it is known as advanced lymphoma. Patients suffering from early phases of the disease experience less exacerbated symptoms and have better prospects and health outcomes.
Lymphoma’s Early Disease Signs
1. Swollen but painless lymph nodes, which can appear in any part of the body, but are more common in the neck, armpit, and groin. Not only is it one of the first signs of the disease, but it can also be the only one.
2. Swelling of a limb experienced during the early stages of lymphoma as a consequence of the swelling.