10 Lymphoma Symptoms
Symptom #8: Breathlessness
Lymphoma that starts or originates in the chest or thymus can increase in pressure by pressing on the adjacent structures such as the trachea (windpipe). This can lead to issues such as coughing, chest pain, or difficulty breathing. Another structure known as the superior vena cava is a large vein that functions to carry blood from the arms and head to the heart. It passes closely to the thymus and lymph nodes that are in the chest.
Lymphomas that are in the chest region can push on the superior vena cava causing the blood to be pushed back into the head and arms. This leads to a blush-reddish tint of the skin in the head, upper chest, and arms leading to difficulty breathing and, in some cases, change in consciousness. This is known as superior vena cava syndrome and should be treated as soon as possible.
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