Weight loss is common in lymphoma patients, but weight gain is also possible. Many people with lymphoma, especially those who are losing weight or who have side effects that affect their ability to eat well, need to make changes to what they eat – perhaps by building up their diet with extra protein and calories.
Weight gain is also extremely common among patients with prostate cancer, as well as lymphoma, multiple myeloma and chronic leukemia. What can cancer patients do to help manage weight gain? Work with a nutritionist to ensure you get adequate nourishment.
Painless swelling of lymph nodes in the neck, groin or underarm. This is often the first symptom of lymphoma.
Certain types of cancer can cause weight gain. Ovarian and colorectal cancer, for example, may cause fluid buildup in the legs or abdomen. This type of edema is called ascites.
Yes, in three ways: (1) uncontrolled lymphedema causes the accumulation of excess fluid, (2) advanced lymphedema (Stage II / II) causes abnormal fat to develop in the affected limb, and (3) weakened lymphatic drainage in otherwise healthy limbs encourages local adipose tissue to resist calls to breakdown fat.
Cytokines can irritate nerve endings in the skin, which can in turn cause persistent itching. Many individuals experience this itchiness in their hands, lower legs or feet, while others feel it throughout their entire body. Patients often report that the itching tends to worsen while they are lying in bed at night.
In some cases, an endocrine disorder itself directly leads to weight gain. Your own weight gain could have been caused by one of the following conditions: Hypothyroidism – Also known as an underactive thyroid, this is a condition in which your thyroid gland doesn't produce enough hormones.
Stage 1 lymphoma – Cancer is found in one lymph node, a lymphoid organ such as the thymus or one area of a single organ outside of the lymphatic system. Stage 2 lymphoma – Cancer is found in two lymph nodes (both on the same side of the diaphragm) or extends from one lymph node into a nearby organ.
Lymphoma symptoms can include swollen glands, chest pain, cough or breathlessness, and extreme tiredness. Lymphoma symptoms vary depending on the type of lymphoma. Not everyone gets the same symptoms, and it's unlikely that anyone would have all of the symptoms listed here.
Having lymphoma can weaken your immune system. Usually, white blood cells fight infections. If you have lymphoma, the lymphoma cells (cancerous white blood cells) are produced instead of the healthy white blood cells. This can make you develop infections more easily.
Weight loss is common in lymphoma patients, but weight gain is also possible. Many people with lymphoma, especially those who are losing weight or who have side effects that affect their ability to eat well, need to make changes to what they eat – perhaps by building up their diet with extra protein and calories.
A cancer diagnosis is never good news, but there are five types that are are particularly deadly: pancreatic, ovarian, lung, glioblastoma and triple-negative breast. These cancers are often diagnosed late, can be difficult to remove surgically and rebuff most therapies.
Symptoms and Causes
Metastasis doesn't always cause symptoms. Cancer cells can grow and spread gradually over many months or years. In some instances, it's possible to have Stage IV (4) cancer and not know it.
People with cancer-related fatigue often describe feeling very tired, weak, exhausted, weary, or worn-out. Fatigue can make it hard for you to keep up with your work, social life, or daily routine. For some people with cancer, fatigue can cause even more distress than side effects like pain, nausea, or vomiting.
Mid-back pain can be a sign and symptom of pancreatic cancer. The pain can be caused by a tumour invading nerves or organs that lie near the pancreas. Some people also report that they feel pain in their shoulder or under their shoulder blade. Other people feel pain in their back and abdomen (tummy) at the same time.
If you're asking yourself, “Why am I gaining weight when I barely eat,” several factors may be at play. Your body may be holding onto fat stores if your eating habits are inconsistent or restricted. Or, your weight gain may be the effect of a sedentary lifestyle, medical condition, or long-term stress.
A common symptom of an underactive thyroid is weight gain, often around the abdomen. However, the American Thyroid Association states that the weight gain may not necessarily be due to the build up of fat, but the accumulation of salt and water.