Lymphoma and Pregnancy Symptoms Can Be Similar
- Caitlin McAlinden, 24, was five months pregnant when she discovered that her worsening symptoms were actually signs of lymphoma.
- Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. There are more than 40 different types of lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two sub-categories with the latter being more common.
- Symptoms of lymphoma can include: swollen glands in your neck, armpit or groin, fever, chills, night sweats, weight loss without trying, fatigue, and swelling in your belly.
Since the cancer of the lymph system, which is part of the immune system, can mimic hormonal changes, the expectant mother assumed her nausea, fatigue, and even her lump in neck were all related.
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Though devastated, McAlinden, who is originally from Northern Ireland but currently lives in North West England with her partner, is looking on the bright side: “My odds are really good, but having a baby will be a good distraction for everything I’m going through.”Cancer During Pregnancy
After a first trimester of severe sickness, it wasn’t until Christmas Day that McAlinden realized she was losing weight instead of gaining (nearly 30 pounds), and the lump she thought was another odd symptom had tripled in size within a week.
She went into the doctor after New Year’s Day, and underwent an ultrasound and biopsy. McAlinden then told her provider that her cousin had been diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma. She was sent in for blood tests, which confirmed the disease.
Her care team then determined that she could go on steroid treatment to help reduce the tumor. Although she’s not due until next month, McAlinden said they may induce her labor next week.
Learning About Hodgkin Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. There are more than 40 different types of lymphoma, and Hodgkin lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin lymphoma are two sub-categories with the latter being more common.
The type of white blood cells linked to the disease determines the distinction. If doctors are unable to detect the Reed-Sternberg cell a giant cell derived from B lymphocytes then it is categorized as Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
What to Expect After a Lymphoma Diagnosis
According to the National Cancer Institute, Hodgkin Lymphoma “most frequently presents in lymph node groups above the diaphragm and/or in mediastinal lymph nodes.”
In a previous interview, Dr. Elise Chong, a medical oncologist at Penn Medicine, explained that Hodgkin lymphoma is most often seen in younger adults. And although less common, it is generally easier to cure than Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Dr. Chong also said lymphoma symptoms can be difficult to detect. “The symptoms of lymphoma, especially if you have a low-grade lymphoma, often are no symptoms. People say, but I feel completely fine, and that’s very normal.”
What Are the Symptoms and Risks?
“The patients who are diagnosed with lymphoma early, typically it’s luck,” Dr. Chong says. They may have had a symptom that made their doctor check them, or the cancer showed up on a scan or blood test that was done for another reason.
Until an effective screening test does become available, you can increase your odds of finding lymphoma early by knowing whether you’re at risk, and staying alert for symptoms.
Lymphoma: Learning the Symptoms and Risks
You might be at higher risk for this cancer if you:
- Have been infected with the HIV or Epstein-Barr virus
- Had an organ transplant
- Have a family history of lymphoma
- Have been treated with radiation or chemotherapy drugs for cancer in the past
- Have an autoimmune disease
Let your doctor know about these risks, so he or she can keep a close eye on you. You may need more frequent checkups and tests.
Also watch out for lymphoma symptoms. The most common ones are:
- Swollen glands in your neck, armpit, or groin
- Fever
- Chills
- Night sweats
- Weight loss without trying
- Feeling tired
- Swelling in your belly
Many different conditions, including infections, cause these same symptoms. So don’t panic if you have them. It’s most likely something more benign, but still worth getting checked out. It’s also a good idea to see your doctor for any unusual symptoms, even if they’re not on this list.
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