Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Cheat Sheet
In the United States, more than 29,000 women are diagnosed with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma annually. Risk factors and warning signs may include:
Risk Factors:
- I am between 20 and 79 years. The rate of HD is highest in two age groups: young adults (aged 15–40) and older adults (age 55+).
- I have been exposed to any of the following:
- Human T-lymphotrophic virus type I (HTLV-1);
- Epstein-Barr (EBV) virus;
- Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria that may infect the gastrointestinal tract and can cause lymphomas of the stomach;
- Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the "AIDS" virus; and
- Malaria, especially in areas of Africa, where Burkitt's lymphoma is common
- I have a weakened immune system, perhaps due to the following:
- Autoimmune disease (i.e., HIV/AIDS)
- Inherited immune deficiency syndromes (e.g., ataxia telangiectasia)
- Organ transplants that require the use of immunosuppressant drugs
- I have been exposed to chemicals such as the following:
- Benzene and certain other solvents;
- Herbicides (weed killers);
- Pesticides (insect killers) or
- Medications (e.g., antiepileptic medicine phenytoin [Dilantin®], which can cause reversible overgrowth of lymphoid tissues)
- I am Jewish
- I am a first-degree relatives (parent, child, sibling) of a CLL patient.
- I have received chemotherapy and/or radiotherapy (radiation therapy) for previous cancers.
Warning Signs of Lymphoma:
- Swelling of lymph nodes, which may or may not be painless
- Fever
- Unexplained weight loss
- Sweating (often at night)
- Chills
- Lack of energy
- Itching
These symptoms can often be similar to other diseases and conditions. However, if you are experiencing any of the above symptoms, make an appointment with your doctor right away. You should discuss which of the following diagnostic tools may be appropriate for you: Blood & Urine tests, MRI, CT Scan, PET Scan, Biopsy. Remember, early detection equals survival!
Contact The National Women’s Health Information Center for information on health insurance coverage or free clinics. Visit www.womenshealth.gov or call 1-800-994-9662.
This information was provided by The Mayo Clinic.
This information was reviewed by the Cancer Schmancer Medical Advisory Board.
Comments
Cheat Sheet on Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hi Fran and team,
Thank you, thank you - sooooo much for listing this cheat sheet. Many of us are diagnoised too late with Lymphoma or Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It took me 11 months of searching to finally find an answer through my local hospital ER department.
The doctor responsible for my delayed diagnosis was eventually disciplined. I pray that more and more people are diagnoised sooner, as we talk more about the symptoms of this disease. These cheat sheet tools are invaluable.
Blessing to you all at Cancer Schmancer - You are all doing such an awesome job.
Jodie Guerrero.
www.jodiesjourney.com
I was diagnosed with NHL in
I was diagnosed with NHL in August of 2008 at the age of 23. My main symptom was severe itching. I immediately sought treatment from my primary care doctor who then sent me to the dermatologist. With normal blood work, the dermatologist diagnosed me with Eczema. No treatments worked. I progressively got worse over a five month period, intensified itching and development of breathing problems. I finally landed in the ER, admitted into the hospital and diagnosed with Stage IV primary mediastinal large b-cell lymphoma with liver and lung involvement. Over those five months I had a gut feeling that the doctors were missing something. Never second guess your intuition. Speak up and demand test. I had arrogant doctors (my dermatologist in particular). When I asked my dermatologist what he saw on my skin to lead him to diagnose me with eczema he said "go through eight years of medical school and I can tell you. I can tell you how to diagnose skin cancer, that's easy. Eczema is hard." I was so desperate for answers, I just went with it. I went back to him after my diagnosis and confronted him about the whole situation. Better late then never.