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Lymphoma Prevention and Early Detection
Hodgkin’s DiseaseWe don’t know what causes it, so we don’t know how to prevent it. However, you should know that you are at higher risk if you:
- Have had mono (mononucleosis)
- Have a reduced immune system function (for example, if you have received an organ transplant, or if you have AIDS)
- Have family members who have had Hodgkin’s disease
Non-Hodgkin’s LymphomaThe cause of this lymphoma is also unknown. We do know that most people who get non- Hodgkin’s lymphoma are over 60.
Most people have no risk factors. However, there are known risk factors for some people. You are at higher risk if:
- You were born with an immune system that doesn’t work properly
- You have had an organ transplant and take drugs to suppress your immune system
- You survived an atomic bomb or nuclear reactor accident
- You have had cancer before and were treated with radiation therapy, especially if you also had chemotherapy
- You are infected with the HIV virus, the Epstein-Barr virus or the hepatitis C virus
- You have stomach ulcers (bacteria that cause stomach ulcers, Helicobacter pylori, can also cause some lymphomas of the stomach)
Detecting LymphomasThere are no screening tests. Some patients have no symptoms, but most patients have some symptoms. You will see that the symptoms are associated with many types of illnesses, so they’re not usually a sign of cancer. But always see a doctor if you have symptoms that concern you.
Hodgkin’s DiseaseMost people have a lump or swollen lymph node that doesn’t go away. Other symptoms you might have:
- Fever, which might come and go over days or weeks
- Weight loss
- Itching
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Coughing
- Shortness of breath
Non-Hodgkin’s LymphomaNon-Hodgkin’s lymphoma starts in the lymphatic tissue, which is located all over the body. So your symptoms could be anywhere you have lymph nodes or lymphatic tissue. Don’t ignore any of these symptoms. Even if you don’t have cancer, you could have another life-threatening condition.
- In the brain, swelling could cause headaches, seizures or personality changes.
- In the thymus gland (in your neck), swelling could make you short of breath, cutting off your windpipe.
- In the abdomen, your stomach could swell, and the swelling could make it difficult to eat or have bowel movements.
If you have any unusual swelling anywhere in your body, see your doctor.
This page last updated 2/12/08 04:08 PM
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