Symptom 4: Unexplained Weight Loss
Everyone’s weight oscillates due to various factors like diet, exercise, stress, or even seasonal changes. It’s a part of our body’s natural balance. However, when the scales tip without any apparent reason, it warrants scrutiny.
A spontaneous drop in weight, especially when it’s about a 10% reduction over a short period without any lifestyle changes, can be a red flag. Such drastic changes aren’t mere anomalies but could indicate an internal imbalance. In the context of MZL, this weight loss might be due to the body’s diverted energy to combat lymphoma cells.
Beyond just the numbers, the reasons behind unexplained weight loss can be multifaceted. The body’s metabolism could go into overdrive, burning calories faster than usual. Alternatively, other MZL symptoms, like abdominal discomfort or reduced appetite, might contribute to reduced food intake, thus leading to weight loss.
In lymphomas like MZL, weight loss can result from the tumor’s metabolic demands or the production of certain substances that alter the body’s regular metabolic processes. This kind of weight loss, often accompanied by fatigue or a general sense of malaise, can be an early sign of the disease. (4)
