A doctor has outlined the red flag signs of a type of blood cancer, known as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, that affects the white blood cells which are called lymphocytes.
Also called the cancer of the lymphatic system, Hodgkin’s lymphoma targets a network of vessels and glands spread throughout your body, which form a part of the immune system that helps to fight off infections.
Dr James O’Donovan warned that symptom awareness is crucial as finding cancer early means it’s easier to treat.
Fortunately, the medical expert took to his YouTube channel to share what to look out for.
1. Swollen lymph nodes
The first tell-tale sign of Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a painless swelling in the lymph node, which can appear in your neck, armpits or the groin.
Speaking in the video, Dr O’Donovan said: “It’s really important to know that lymph nodes commonly swell if we have an infection, which is why when you might have a cold, you may notice swollen lymph nodes in places such as your neck, but these usually go back to normal over a couple of days.
“With lymphoma, the lymph nodes often grow slowly and they may be there for months or years before they are noticed. But sometimes, they can grow very quickly.”
While they are usually painless, some patients complain of achiness in the lymph nodes. According to the doctor, some patients with this type of cancer notice that their lymph nodes ache after drinking alcohol.
2. Weakened immune system
In Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the affected lymphocytes lose their infection-fighting properties, making you potentially more vulnerable to infections.
3. Heavy sweating
Another tell-tale sign that could ring alarm bells is night sweats, Dr O’Donovan explained.
4. High temperatures
With Hodgkin’s lymphoma, you may get high temperatures that come and go with no obvious cause. The doctor noted that this sign can also strike in the night.
5. Losing weight
Another warning sign might appear when you stand up on the scales. Dr O’Donovan shared that you could start losing a lot of weight despite not trying to.
6. Very itchy skin
Your skin could also hold clues and become very itchy. The doctor explained that this sign may become worse after drinking alcohol.
7. Cough or shortness of breath
Dr O’Donovan also instructed looking out for a new cough or shortness of breath.
8. Tummy pain or vomiting
Another symptom that can become apparent after drinking alcohol is tummy pain or vomiting, according to the medical expert.
Dr O’Donovan added that other symptoms will depend on exactly where the Hodgkin’s lymphoma in your body is.
He explained that while many of these warning signs are very common and can be caused by other non-cancerous conditions, “it’s important” to get checked. “That’s because if they are caused by cancer, finding it early means it’s easier to treat,” Dr O’Donovan added.
