The lymphatic system consists of tissues and organs producing, storing, and carrying white blood cells that fight infections. Cancers that begin in the lymphatic system are called lymphomas. The condition can be categorized as Hodgkin lymphoma, which moves steadily from one lymph node group to another, or non-Hodgkin lymphoma, which spreads erratically. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is common among people between 15 and 39 years and those over 75, while non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is common among older adults.

Symptoms
Some of the common lymphoma cancer symptoms are:

Fever
The fever in lymphoma, typically, is of unknown origin, also known as pyrexia of unknown origin. Here, the affected person has a high temperature, and despite attempts to determine the reason, one may not be able to find a precise cause. Most lymphoma-related fevers are often low-grade and might be accompanied by other symptoms such as chills, night sweats, and more.

Night sweats
People with the condition might experience night sweats, which is sweating excessively while sleeping. While in bed, one may find the covers and clothes soaked with sweat. So much so that one might feel unable to sleep until the sheets are changed and the pillows are aired out. This phenomenon is often described by patients as exiting a swimming pool.

Formation of lumps
One of the most typical lymphoma cancer symptoms, and occasionally the only one, is lumps usually found around the armpits, neck, and groin. The lumps could be swollen lymph nodes. The majority of these growths are first observed when taking a bath. Although the swollen lymph node is often painless, some patients may experience pain. Doctors can check the lumps to help diagnose the disease and rule out other common causes of swollen lymph nodes, like infections and other malignancies.

Pruritus
People with Hodgkin’s lymphoma may experience itching or pruritus. A third of Hodgkin’s lymphoma patients experience itchiness while having no visible rash. The symptom often affects the hands, feet, body, or lower legs. Those in warm climates may be more likely to experience excessive discomfort, and the scratching can worsen at night.

Additionally, the development of cancer cells and their multiplication can mean the body is using more energy resulting in changes in one’s appearance. Further, the disease might cause shortness of breath in patients, as when the lymphoma starts in the chest, it can exert pressure on the windpipe.

Management options
Many cancer care specialties frequently collaborate to develop a comprehensive treatment plan, which includes a variety of therapies. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually treated using four options—chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted treatment, and radiation treatment. Here is what one should know about these options:

Chemotherapy
Chemotherapy is the practice of administering various options to treat cancer. Typically, chemotherapy works by stopping the development, division, and generation of new cancer cells. It is the primary treatment course to relieve lymphoma cancer symptoms. A chemotherapy regimen typically consists of a defined number of cycles administered over a predetermined amount of time. Depending on the one’s stage and type of disease, one or multiple chemotherapy options could be administered simultaneously.

Immunotherapy
Immunotherapy, or biological therapy, tries to boost the body’s natural defenses against cancer. This kind of lymphoma treatment includes modified T cells and other anti-lymphma techniques to enhance, target, or restore the immune system function. For instance, with CAR T-cell treatment, the oncologist tries to remove certain T cells from the patient’s blood. The cells are then altered in a lab to have proteins called receptors before returning the modified cells to the patient’s body. The T cells can then identify and immunologically eliminate lymphoma cells with the target protein using the receptors.

Targeted therapy
Targeted therapy, as the name suggests, specifically targets cancer’s unique genes, proteins, or the tissue environment that promotes the growth and survival of the disease. This type of treatment limits damage to healthy cells while stopping the growth and spread of malignant cells. Monoclonal antibodies are usually utilized in treating non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.

Radiation therapy
Radiation therapy uses high-energy x-rays, electrons, or protons to destroy cancer cells. Radiation oncologists are expert health professionals that specialize in administering this therapy as a cancer treatment. External-beam radiation therapy, or radiation delivered from a machine outside the body, is the typical form of treatment for lymphoma. A schedule for radiation therapy normally consists of a predetermined number of sessions spaced out over a predetermined period.

It is best to consult the doctor immediately if one notices any lumps or growths on their body or experiences other common lymphoma cancer symptoms.