3. Weight Loss: The Unexpected Decline
Unexplained weight loss as a significant symptom of lymphoma. It is often a sudden, significant reduction in weight that is not due to a change in diet or exercise. Losing a noticeable amount of weight without trying can be one of the initial warning signs of lymphoma, and often is one of the ‘B symptoms’ that doctors look for.
Pattern of weight loss can differ between Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. For example, in Hodgkin Lymphoma, rapid and unexplained weight loss is a defining characteristic of advanced stages. For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, the weight loss might be more gradual but can be just as significant.
Why lymphoma leads to such drastic weight loss. The body’s metabolism changes in response to cancer; the energy the body uses to fight the disease might lead to this weight loss. Lymphoma cells can produce substances that tell the body to break down fats and proteins at a much higher rate than normal.
Significant weight loss can affect a patient’s strength and recovery potential, making it a crucial factor in treatment planning. Weight management, as part of overall patient care, is vital and is an integral aspect of treatment plans. (3)
