Expert doctors who specialize in lymphoma have revealed six symptoms that they simply would never ignore, and would urge anyone experiencing them to visit their own doctor.
Of course, it’s always worth talking to your doctor if you are worried about any symptoms, but there are some things that should never be overlooked - and there are plenty of real-life examples of people who learned that lesson the hard way.
Whether it be blood in your pee, a persistent cough, or a sudden loss of weight, it’s always better to be safe than sorry and to catch these things early.
Speaking to HuffPost UK, Dr Kaywaan Khan - from the Hannah London private medical centre - and Tim Woodman - Medical Director for Policy at Bupa UK - were in agreement on symptoms that should not under any circumstances be ignored.
The symptoms you need to watch often seem innocuous
Dr Woodman said: “Some early signs of lymphoma aren’t widely known and can affect different parts of the body.”
Those symptoms can include ‘chest pain, pressure, breathlessness or a persistent cough’ as well as abdominal pain, feeling full without eating, and bloating.
Woodman went on to describe some symptoms he’d never ignore.
First up, unusual swelling anywhere on the body.
“If you spot any swelling or swellings – with no pain – in one area of your body, always book a GP appointment,” the doctor explained.
In the case of of lymphoma, this will likely occur around where lymph nodes are located, so ‘around the sides of your neck, under your chin, behind your ears, and above your collarbones’ as well as ‘at the front and back edges of your armpits... and where your upper thigh meets your lower abdomen’.
Next up, profuse sweating.
Sure, we all sweat a bit in bed, but if you are soaking everything through it might be indicative of something else.
Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause this particular symptom - so keep an eye on it.
If you are losing weight without intending to, that is a real red flag.
Not just for lymphoma, but for lots of conditions.
In a previous article, Dr Khan had explained: “Unexplained weight loss is typically defined as losing more than 5% of your body weight over a span of 6-12 months, without any changes in diet or physical activity levels.”
Another symptom to be aware of is feelings of tiredness despite resting or getting adequate sleep.
If those feelings of tiredness affect your daily life, or have been going on for a long time, you need to get in contact with your doctor.
Up next, if you are suffering with occasional high temperatures that are unexplained, you might need to seek medical advice.
It could be a sign of hyperthyroidism or diabetes.
Finally, if you are itching all over, you need to see a doctor about it - not just a bit of an itch here or there, but ‘all over’ - according to Dr Woodman - is when you should phone your doctor for an appointment.
The symptoms could be something or nothing
This advice isn’t meant to scare anyone or cause medical anxiety, but there are many symptoms that occur semi-regularly in daily life that could be indicative of something more serious that are regularly ignored.
If ignored, they can make something that would otherwise be perfectly treatable into something with a less positive prognosis.
So, while it might be absolutely nothing at all, you aren’t wasting your doctor's time to get it checked over, and it might do wonders for your peace of mind in the process.
It’s always better to be safe than sorry, and when it comes to your personal health, it’s better to ask the question if you are experiencing symptoms that you can’t explain or that have come on suddenly.
To conclude, here’s the doctors’ advice: “No matter your age or sex, it’s important to speak to a health professional if you notice any new symptoms or changes.
“Getting things checked early can make a big difference – especially when it comes to cancer concerns.”