This condition diminishes your immune system’s strength, rendering you more susceptible to other diseases.
This time of year, many of us may encounter seasonal ailments like a cold or the flu.
These conditions are usually mild and are not typically a cause for concern if you are generally in good health. Nevertheless, if your recovery takes longer than usual, it could be an indicator that something is amiss.
According to General Practitioner Doctor Phil Green, being unwell for an unusually “prolonged” period could be a potential indication of a life-threatening condition, such as lymphoma. Dr. Green shared this insight exclusively with Express.co.uk.
Finding it difficult to recover from an illness may be an indication of the presence of lymphoma.
Lymphoma is a form of cancer that originates in the cells of the lymphatic system, a network of tubes spread throughout the body that plays a role in combating infections and diseases. Consequently, having lymph system cancer can leave you particularly susceptible to illnesses.
Dr. Green, who practices at Tower Health, advised, “If you find yourself unwell for an extended period, I recommend consulting with your GP to determine the cause of your body’s distress.”
Nonetheless, he mentioned that the condition is “uncommon” and suggested monitoring the duration of your illness. “It’s important to note that lymphoma is relatively rare, so statistically, the likelihood of your ailment being caused by another issue is higher,” he clarified.
The most frequent indication of lymphoma is the enlargement of lymph nodes.
“I recommend assessing the duration of your illness based on the typical timeframe for a common cold or flu. Most individuals recover within seven to ten days, although fatigue or cold symptoms may persist a bit longer.”
Lymphoma Action, a charitable organization, also recognizes this as a possible indicator of lymphoma. They explain, “Having lymphoma can lead to a weakened immune system. Ordinarily, white blood cells combat infections. However, if you have lymphoma,cancerous white blood cells (comprising the lymphoma) are produced instead of healthy white blood cells.”
Common cancer symptoms to watch out for
This can increase your susceptibility to developing infections, which may be more severe or have a longer duration than usual. Infections typically lead to symptoms like a high temperature and feelings of being hot and shivery.
The charitable organization further explained, “Additional symptoms depend on the location of the infection within your body. For instance, you might experience symptoms like an earache, cough, sore throat, painful urination, or nausea and diarrhea.”
The advice is to consult your general practitioner (GP) if you have concerns about not experiencing improvement after a minor infection. Dr. Green also offered insights into the most common signs of lymphoma to be aware of.
He stated, “Given that lymphoma primarily affects the lymphatic system, the initial indications of this type of cancer frequently involve swollen lymph nodes. Additional symptoms to watch for encompass night sweats, itching, weight loss, and tiredness.”
He went on to say, “When monitoring for swollen lymph nodes as a potential sign of lymphoma, focus on examining your groin, neck, and armpits for substantial enlargement, as these areas are where these symptoms most commonly manifest.”
“Swelling or discomfort in your chest or abdomen might also serve as possible indicators of lymphoma. If you encounter any signs or symptoms of lymphoma, it is advisable to consult with your general practitioner (GP).”
This information comes from Fiona Callingham, a Health Reporter who specializes in medical research, symptoms of ailments, real-life experiences, and the most current public health matters
