Symptom 3. Unexplained Weight Loss: Hodgkin Lymphoma’s Stealthy Symptom
Losing weight without trying might seem like a dream for some. However, in the world of medical diagnostics, sudden and unexplained weight loss can be a cautionary tale. For Hodgkin Lymphoma patients, shedding 10% of body weight over six months without any significant change in diet or exercise can be alarming.
What causes this weight drop? The disease can elevate the body’s metabolic rate, making it burn calories at an accelerated pace. The affected individual might feel a reduced appetite, not out of distaste but due to the body’s altered metabolic processes.
Concurrently, the body might be utilizing more energy to combat the abnormal cells, leading to a caloric deficit. This phenomenon is not just limited to Hodgkin Lymphoma but is observed in various cancers, aptly termed ‘cancer cachexia’.
It’s noteworthy how the body silently battles the disease, expending energy in the process. Such silent struggles often manifest as symptoms, with weight loss being a prime example.
This symptom serves as a testament to the body’s resilience and its innate drive to heal and restore balance, even in the face of adversity. (3)
