Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This system is also known as the body’s germ fighting network, and is made up of the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. While men more commonly develop Hodgkin’s lymphoma, women are more likely to develop nodular sclerosis, a lymphoma subtype. Lymphoma is also more likely to reoccur in female patients following cancer treatment.

In this article we’ll review the common warning signs of lymphoma in female patients:

1. Shortness of breath

Women often report having shortness of breath in the very beginning stages of lymphoma. This symptom results from a decrease in white blood cells, which helps the body fight off foreign invaders. At first, this symptom may seem like a common cold, but it can develop into something much more severe.

2. Swollen lymph nodes

Swollen lymph nodes are common symptoms of lymphoma for women. These swollen lymph nodes can be found in the areas of the groin, armpits, and neck regions. Lymph node swelling is one of the first symptoms to watch out for, since it could help diagnose the early stages of cancer. Enlarged lymph nodes indicate that something is wrong in the body, which can be a hallmark of lymphoma.

3. Chronic fatigue

Unexplained fatigue is a symptom that many women notice in the early stages of lymphoma. This tiredness is caused by the loss of white blood cells and other vital nutrients that keep our bodies healthy. Fatigue can also lead to anxiety and mood swings, which are later indicators of chronic illness. Lethargy and chronic fatigue can show up as early as six months before a woman has fully developed lymphoma, indicating that the cancer cells are present and causing problems.

4. Itchy skin

The skin is one of the first tissues in the body that suffers due to lymphoma. Skin can become itchy and red, which indicates that the lymph nodes are sending too many antigens to the skin. This usually leads to open sores and rashes, such as psoriasis. As a result, it’s essential to keep a close eye on the skin.

5. Weight loss

Lymphoma patients usually lose weight very suddenly, especially if they have been diagnosed with stage II or III cancer. They also tend to eat more, since the stomach becomes larger from the development of tumors and swelling of digestive organs. If you notice that you are eating more and not gaining any weight, there is a good chance that something is wrong. It could be a sign of lymphoma even if you’re not experiencing other symptoms.

6. Fever or night sweats

Night sweats are one of the early symptoms that can indicate lymphoma in women. Fever is another warning sign that something is wrong. Both may indicate an underlying infection or be caused when the immune system is breaking down due to the presence of cancer. What’s more, many women in their late 40s and 50s ignore night sweats because they assume it’s perimenopause. This can delay consultation with a healthcare professional.

Lymphoma can sometimes be misdiagnosed as other forms of cancer because of the multiple symptoms present. This is why women need to watch for these warning signs and consult with their doctor immediately if they notice anything out of the ordinary.