Symptoms and Causes of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

If you or a loved one are showing symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or have been diagnosed with the condition, it’s normal to have questions about what symptoms are related to lymphoma and how your body developed cancer. 

Here, we’ll explore the symptoms and causes of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, as well as what you can do next if you think you may have developed the condition as a result of exposure to certain chemicals. 

What Is Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma?

The lymphatic system supports the body’s ability to fight off germs that cause infections and illness. Normally, white blood cells in the body work to fight infection and disease. When a person develops non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, white blood cells do not grow normally. These cells, called lymphocytes, can result in the formation of tumors. 

There are several types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, including waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, cutaneous t-cell lymphoma, cutaneous B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia. These cancers are known as lymphoid neoplasms. While many types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma share characteristics, they can impact the body differently and can be unique in the ways they respond to treatment. 

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

The symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma differ from patient to patient, and can change with time. Some people who have the condition may only exhibit a few symptoms, while others may exhibit many symptoms. 

• Swollen lymph nodes: The lymph nodes work to filter out substances that could harm the body, such as infections, viruses, and cancer cells. This is why the lymph nodes sometimes get swollen when a person is experiencing a common illness, like a cold or the flu. Lymph nodes can be found in several areas of the body, including the groin, abdomen, neck, armpits, and chest. Some lymph nodes can be felt easily by touch when they are swollen, while others are located deep in the body and cannot be easily felt. 
• Body temperature changes: Both fever and night sweats can occur in people who have developed non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Usually, these fevers are low and come and go over time, as chemicals produced by the abnormal lymphocytes can cause changes in body temperature.
• Weight loss: SIgnificant, sustained weight loss is common in people who have non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. A common early warning sign of the disease is an unintentional weight loss of at least 10% of a person’s body weight over a period of six months or less. Often, this is due to a lack of appetite caused by the body’s production of cytokines, substances produced by the body to fight cancer cells. 
• Fatigue: Waking up feeling tired despite a full night’s sleep is a common symptom in people who have Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. This symptom may intensify after diagnosis, as the stress of dealing with cancer can be exhausting. Unfortunately, many people who experience Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma continue to struggle with fatigue for ten years or more after their initial diagnosis. 

Causes of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

It can be hard to determine what causes some people to develop cancer, while others do not. Some people who have several risk factors for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma never develop the disease, and some people who have few risk factors do develop the disease. If you have risk factors for Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and are concerned for your health, it’s smart to talk with your physician about next steps to learn more about your cancer status. 

Risk factors for non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can include: 

• Age: People who are 60 years old or older are at higher risk for developing Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma than younger people. 
• Certain medications: Some people who have undergone lifesaving organ transplants are required to take medications that control the immune system to make it less likely that the body rejects the new organ. These medications can increase the risk that a person will develop non-Hodkgin’s lymphoma. 
• Chemicals: Research shows that exposure to certain pesticides may increase the risk of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Glyphosate, the chemical in Roundup weed killer, has been linked to increased risk of developing Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
• Certain infections: HIV and the Epstein-Barr virus (the virus that can cause mononucleosis) have been linked to the development of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Helicobacter pylori, a bacteria known for causing ulcers, has also been linked to the disease. 

RoundUp Exposure

Sadly, Roundup weed killer is still available for residential use. In 2023, the chemical will no longer be available for residential use, but will still be sold commercially, putting farmers, their employees, and people who live near farms at risk of being exposed to glyphosate, the concerning chemical in the herbicide. 

Bayer, the parent company of Roundup, states that their decision to pull the product from the shelves is purely to manage the risk of litigation, not to protect consumers from glyphosate exposure, despite research that indicates that the chemical is a likely carcinogen to humans. 

Have You Or A Loved One Developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma After Exposure To RoundUp? We’re Here To Help.

If you or a loved one have developed Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma after exposure to RoundUp weed killer, you’re not alone. NHL is life-changing, and can be fatal. You may have a case against RoundUp that could result in financial compensation for your pain, suffering, medical bills, change in quality of life, and more. If you’re dealing with Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it can be hard to know what to do next when it comes to getting the help you deserve. Reach out to us today to talk with one of our caring specialists for a free case evaluation.