10 Night Sweats Causes

By tallene

Reviewed: Dr. Mera

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Cause #2: Cancer

For some cancers, night sweats may be an early symptom. The most common type, which is associated to night sweats, is lymphoma. People who have cancer may experience other symptoms as well, such as weight loss.

Sweating helps to reduce core body temperature when it rises above certain temperature limits or thresholds established in the body. When the threshold levels are reached, a response is triggered in an area of the brain (hypothalamus), inducing chills and shivering that cause core body temperature to rise to meet the set point. Sweating occurs when the threshold returns to normal. The release of inflammatory mediators in cancer (as well as in order conditions) can temporarily raise the threshold inducing these symptoms. When the level of mediators decreases and the temperature threshold returns to normal, night sweats can occur.

Malignancies that can cause night sweats are lymphomas, leukemia and, carcinoid syndrome (a type of tumor that can originate in the intestines). Consult your physician if you experience night sweats on a daily basis, especially if they are accompanied by fever and unexplained weight loss.