Don’t Horse Around with Lymphoma
Lymphoma Canada and PONIES 24-7, are working together to raise awareness about lymphoma.
Lymphoma Canada and PONIES 24-7, are working together to raise awareness about lymphoma.
Did you know that both humans and horses can contract lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects your lymphocytes – a type of white blood cell that is a major part of your lymphatic system. Together, with other cells of the immune system, they work to fight infection and prevent disease.
Because of the common nature of many of the signs and symptoms of lymphoma, it can often go unnoticed.
The most common symptom is a painless swelling in a lymph node (called lymphadenopathy). The neck or armpits are common places where swelling is often noticed first, but this can occur in other parts of the body including the groin (which may lead to swelling in the legs or ankles) or the abdomen (which can lead to cramping and bloating). Some lymphoma patients notice no swelling at all while others may complain of night sweats, weight loss, chills, a lack of energy, or itching. There is usually no pain involved, especially when the lymphoma is in the early stage of development.
The symptoms of lymphoma are commonly seen in other, less serious illnesses, such as influenza or other viral infections. These symptoms are often overlooked, but in cases of less serious illnesses, they would not last very long. With lymphoma, these symptoms persist over time and cannot be explained by an infection or another disease. The checklist below lists the most common symptoms of lymphoma.
Painless swelling in the upper body lymph nodes, i.e., the neck, collarbone region, armpits, or groin. (A swollen lymph node is normally NOT as painful as an infected lymph node, which is common and can be painful.) This checklist includes the most common symptoms of lymphoma:
More advanced lymphoma may present with the following symptoms:
If you suspect that you, a family member, friend or loved one may have lymphoma, see your doctor or qualified medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis makes an impact on treatment and outcome.
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