Signs and Symptoms of Skin Lymphoma

Lymphoma is not difficult to diagnose once a patient and doctor begin to look for signs of cancer. However, Lymphoma can be something of a silent killer. Lymphomas of the skin can be seen and felt. They can appear as:

• Nodules or tumors (larger lumps or bumps under the skin)
• Papules (small, pimple-like lesions)
• Patches (flat lesions)
• Plaques (thick, raised or lowered lesions)

The lesions are often itchy, scaly, and red to purple in color. The lymphoma might show up as more than one type of lesion and on different parts of the skin (often in areas not exposed to the sun). Some skin lymphomas appear as a rash over some or most of the body (known as erythroderma). Sometimes larger lesions may break open (ulcerate).

Lymphoma symptoms are not specific to the disease. For this reason, it is very important that you tell your doctor during regular checkups about any symptoms that you might be experiencing including:

Chest pain: Chest pain may occur if the lymphoma affects the thymus.

Fatigue / Lack of energy: This can be related to many things but in combination with other symptoms might be significant.

Lower back pain: Obviously, most back pain occurs for reasons apart from lymphoma. However, expanding lymph nodes may press on nerves and cause lower back pain. This type of pain should be considered in the presence of other symptoms.

Night sweats: These will usually occur in conjunction with a fever.

Rashes: Itchy skin (pruritis), rashes and lesions can be a sign of lymphoma, particularly cutaneous lymphoma.

Recurring Fevers: Obviously, fever can be a sign of just about anything. When fever recurs for no apparent reason, especially in conjunction with other symptoms, it could be a sign of lymphoma.

Swollen lymph nodes: Lymphoma may cause swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, chest, abdomen and on the skin. Lymph nodes in the neck frequently swell in cases of sinus infection or can be symptomatic of the flu. But if they persist for a long time or occur apart from other sickness they might be cause for concern. Lymph node swelling in the armpits or abdomen might be cause for more immediate concern. Lymphoma may also cause swelling in the chest area which may interfere with breathing. Lymphomas of the skin often appear as itchy red or purple lumps. Swollen lymph nodes are usually tender and painful to some degree. However, in the case of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, lymph nodes might swell and become firm without any evident pain.

Unexplained weight loss: Sudden and unexpected weight loss of 10% or more of total body weight could be a cause for concern.

Sore lymph nodes after drinking: Alchohol consumption puts stress on the lymphatic system which, along with the liver and kidneys, is part of the body's blood cleansing apparatus. If the lymph system is weakened by lymphoma, drinking may cause pain in the affected areas which means that lymph nodes may be sore after alcohol consumption.