What is lymphoma?
Did you know that some types of cancers can be sneaky and not show any symptoms, especially in the early stages? Lymphoma is one of those tricky cancers, especially if it's the low-grade (slow-growing) type. But don't let that mislead you, low-grade lymphoma can still cause some problems. Over time, it can progress and become a more aggressive form of cancer, leading to noticeable symptoms that can affect your daily life.
Lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, which is a network of tissues and organs that aids in the body's defence against infection and disease. Lymph hubs, lymphatic veins, the thymus, the spleen, and bone marrow make up the lymphatic framework. Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes, a kind of white cell, proliferate and multiply rapidly, forming malignancies in lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues.
Prevalence of Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a relatively common condition in Singapore. Lymphoma is ranked sixth among cancers with women and seventh among cancers with men in Singapore between 2016 and 2020. (Source: Singapore Cancer Registry). During the mentioned period, there were 8 new lymphoma cases for every 100,000 people in Singapore.
Causes of Lymphoma
Although the precise causes of lymphoma are unknown, certain risk factors have been identified. These include age, sexual orientation, family lineage, susceptibility to radiation or some synthetic compounds, and contaminations such as Epstein-Barr virus infection and human immunodeficiency virus infection (HIV).
The incidence of lymphoma might vary based on the form of lymphoma as well as other variables including age, gender, and ethnicity. Therefore, to receive personalised information and guidance about lymphoma, it is crucial to speak with a medical specialist.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
If you have persistent signs and symptoms that worry you like swollen lymph nodes, persistent fever, sudden weight loss, frequent exhaustion, prolonged night sweats, and itching, consult your doctor. Lymphoma is often diagnosed using a combination of imaging tests, blood tests, and tissue biopsy from the lymph node or tissue that is afflicted.
If you observe any of the above symptoms, don’t not be alarmed; consult your doctor right away to schedule tests for an accurate diagnosis and arrive at the cause of these symptoms.
When should you see a doctor for your symptoms?
When it comes to lymphoma, not everyone will experience the same issues or warning signs as they can vary greatly from person to person. If you experience any unexpected symptoms that don't go away, or you suspect it may be Lymphoma related, please consult your doctor.
However, catching lymphoma early can make all the difference in getting the treatment you need and increasing your chances of beating it.
In conclusion, regular health screenings might be a good way for you to make sure your health is at its best. The chance of recovery is additionally improved by early intervention. You can select from a wide range of customised comprehensive screening packages via MyHealth360 shop.
View Health Screening Packages from Parkway Shenton here
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