Lymphoma awareness: Experts emphasize early diagnosis and symptoms

Medical experts are emphasizing the importance of early diagnosis for lymphoma, noting that approximately 7,300 people are diagnosed with the condition in Turkey annually. Hematology specialist Assoc. Prof. Dr. Mustafa Karagülle from Bilecik Training and Research Hospital highlighted that lymphoma can affect not only adults but also children and young people.

Lymphoma is a complex group of cancers originating from lymphocytes, categorized into Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin types, with over 70 distinct subtypes. While some types progress rapidly, others may remain asymptomatic for years. Key warning signs include painless swelling in the neck, armpits, or groin that does not diminish after several weeks, unexplained fever, night sweats, sudden weight loss, and fatigue.

Risk factors include advanced age, male gender, family history, weakened immune systems, certain autoimmune diseases, infections, and exposure to chemicals. Experts warn that a normal blood test does not rule out the disease and stress that a biopsy is essential for a definitive diagnosis and subtype identification.