Battling And Beating Cancer

There are many signs and symptoms potentially suggestive of blood cancer. It is important to note, however, that many of these symptoms are general and do not necessarily mean the individual has blood cancer or any serious illness for that matter. Also, many people with blood cancer do not experience any of these symptoms. Accordingly, it is important to seek medical attention when you are not feeling well, to avoid self-diagnosis or jumping to conclusions, to get regular physical examinations and routine blood work, and to be on the look out for symptoms that persist.

The classic sign of lymphoma is enlarged lymph nodes. Lymph nodes are located throughout the body, but generally the ones patients can identify are located in the head, neck, under the arms, or in the groin area. The swollen lymph nodes are usually painless. Keep in mind that it is common for lymph nodes to be enlarged while fighting a cold or infection. But if the lymph node persists or remains enlarged, seek medical attention. Other lymphoma symptoms include: fever; night sweets; unexplained itching; unexplained weight loss; weakness; fatigue; and chronic infections or infections that do not seem to resolve. The overall 5 year survival rate of Hodgkin’s is about 86% and NHL is about 70% (but there is considerable variance among subtypes).