Lymphoma, in simple terms, is the cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a part of the germ-fighting network of the body. More specifically, it is cancer that gravely affects the lymphocytes that are the cells in the immune system, which fight infection. These cells are present in the spleen, bone marrow, thymus, lymph nodes, and other parts of the body. In the case of lymphoma, lymphocytes grow out of control and change.

The common symptoms of lymphoma
Here are some common signs and symptoms of lymphoma.

• Swollen and enlarged lymph nodes
  In the case of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, a person’s lymph nodes become enlarged. Enlarged lymph nodes appear closer to the surface of the body. Such areas include the sides of the neck and areas near the collar bone, underarm, or groin. They are painless and appear as lumps under the skin.
• The skin might turn bluish-red
  Skin that appears to be bluish or reddish is one of the most common signs and symptoms of lymphoma. Lymphoma can affect the lymph vessel network across the body, leading to swollen lymph nodes, especially in the chest area. This may squeeze the superior vena cava, which is a central vein that feeds the heart. As a result, blood from the arms, chest, and head may get backed up. Hence, the skin might turn bluish red. Things can become more critical if the oxygen supply to the brain gets restricted.
• The occurrence of B symptoms
  Lymphoma is sometimes accompanied by drenching sweats in the night, fever, and a 10 percent loss of body weight in over six months. Such symptoms are cumulatively known as B symptoms. These signs may not necessarily indicate that the person has lymphoma and also depend on the staging and prognosis of the disease.
• Abdominal pain and a loss of appetite
  Lymphomas that occur in the abdominal region may cause pain and swelling. The reasons for this could be many. For instance, abdominal pain may arise from liver or spleen enlargement. The enlarged liver or spleen can cause a loss of appetite, or the person may feel full even after the intake of small meals. This could also be because of the accumulation of fluids. Sometimes, the affected person may also build a tendency to vomit.
• Chest pain or trouble in breathing
  Lymphoma may start in the lymph nodes or the thymus in the chest. In this case, lymphoma may press on the windpipe or, in more scientific terms, the nearby trachea. This can cause issues like trouble in breathing, coughing, and a feeling of chest pressure or pain.

It is essential to keep track of the symptoms mentioned above if you or your loved one is on the journey of fighting lymphoma. It has been found that if diagnosed early, the survival rate of a person is about 92 percent. So, early diagnosis will undoubtedly help in curing the disease effectively.