Hey, I’m not a doctor, but I had a friend who went through this. They started feeling really tired all the time and noticed some lumps on their neck which were actually swollen lymph nodes. They thought it was just an infection or something, but it didn’t go away. So they went to see a doctor, who did a bunch of tests, like blood tests and a CT scan, and finally a biopsy of one of the nodes. That’s when they found out it was lymphoma. Scary stuff, but it’s good they caught it early.

Lymphoma, a type of cancer that originates in the lymphatic system, primarily manifests through symptoms that can mimic less serious illnesses, making its early diagnosis challenging. Key symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, which are typically non-painful, unexplained weight loss, fever, night sweats, and persistent fatigue. These symptoms, especially when they occur together, may suggest the presence of lymphoma.

Diagnosis of lymphoma requires a combination of clinical evaluation and diagnostic tests. The central diagnostic tool is a biopsy, typically of a swollen lymph node, to examine cells under a microscope for signs of lymphoma. Besides biopsies, blood tests, imaging studies such as CT scans or PET scans, and bone marrow examinations are also crucial to determine the presence and spread of lymphoma. Detailed immunophenotyping and genetic studies can further classify the type of lymphoma, which is essential for developing an effective treatment plan.