Symptoms of Lymphatic Cancer

Lymphatic cancer affects the lymph nodes, an important part of the immune system. Lymph nodes make cells that help the immune system fight diseases. Lymphatic cancer occurs in two forms, Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To prevent a delay in the diagnosis, one first needs to know the symptoms of lymphatic cancer.

Swelling

A painless swelling caused by enlarged lymph nodes, one of the earliest signs of lymphatic cancer, may occur in the groin, neck or armpit. If a person has the type known as non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, the swelling may happen in the abdomen.

Flu-like symptoms

A person with lymphatic cancer may seem to have flu symptoms. They might experience chills, a fever, night sweats and a persistent cough. One may also experience a lack of energy.

Itchiness and anemia

Lymphatic cancer often causes excessive itching, a result of the secretion of chemicals from the lymph nodes. The lymphoma also impacts the red blood cells which leads to anemia.

Loss of appetite and weight loss

Rapid weight loss of 10-15 pounds in a couple of months requires investigation if unrelated to diet and exercise. Some of the weight loss occurs as the result of the lack or complete loss of appetite. If experiencing any of these symptoms, one needs to consult a physician.

Lymphatic cancer has a five year survival rate of sixty five percent. Surviving this form of cancer depends greatly upon receiving good medical care and receiving it as soon as possible. For this reason, people must know and heed the early signs of the disease.