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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma: 10 symptoms to be on alert for
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In 2017, it's predicted that 72,240 people in the US will be diagnosed with Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma. Are you one of them? - photo by Rachel De Castro
Rachel De Castro
FamilyShare
Published: Apr 3, 2017, 1:00 PM
Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma accounts for about four percent of all cancers in the United States, according to the American Cancer Society. It is predicted that in 2017, 72,240 people will be diagnosed with this cancer and about 20,140 people will die from it.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma prevents a persons body from fighting infections, according to Cancer Treatment Centers of America. This cancer develops in the lymphatic cells, these cells begin to modify and multiply without control, forming tumors. The tumor growth can be rapid or slow and can develop in many parts of the body.

According to the American Cancer Society, the main symptoms you should look for are:

  • Enlarged lymph nodes
  • Swollen abdomen (belly)
  • Feeling full after only a small amount of food
  • Chest pain or pressure
  • Shortness of breath or cough
  • Fever
  • Weight loss
  • Night sweats
  • Fatigue (extreme tiredness)
  • Low red blood cell counts (anemia)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can affect these areas of the body:

1. Lymph nodes

Lymphoma can cause lymph nodes to enlarge. Its important to check the neck, groin, under the arm and above the collarbone. If it looks like you have lumps under your skin, go get it checked out. Sometimes enlarged lymph nodes are caused by infection, so it's important to get a doctor's opinion.

2. Abdomen

Lymphoma can cause swelling and tenderness in the abdomen. There are two reasons for this: The lymph nodes of the abdomen are swollen or fluids may have accumulated. Lymphoma can swell the spleen, which presses the stomach. So if you are feeling very full after eating only a small amount of food, you may have reason to be concerned.

3. Intestines

Lymphoma can cause swelling near the intestines. Normal bowel function can be blocked causing pain in the abdomen, nausea or vomiting. The cancer can also cause holes to form in the intestine, which can lead to serious infection and pain.

4. Stomach

Lymphoma in the stomach can cause stomach pain, nausea and a reduced appetite.

5. Chest

Lymphoma in the chest will push on the windpipe, causing shortness of breath, a cough, pressure in the chest or chest pain.

6. Brain

Lymphoma in the brain can cause headaches, problems with reasoning, weakness in some parts of the body, changes in mood and personality and, in some cases, seizures.

Double vision, facial numbness and trouble speaking are also common symptoms.

7. Skin

Lymphoma in the skin can appear as redness, itching, nodules and purple marks on the skin.

Keep an eye out for these symptoms and ask a professional if you have any questions or concerns.
Its toxic: New study says blue light from tech devices can speed up blindness
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A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers. - photo by Herb Scribner
Herb Scribner
Deseret News
Published: Aug 13, 2018, 1:39 PM
It turns out checking Twitter or Facebook before bed is bad for your health.

A new study from the University of Toledo found that blue light from digital devices can transform molecules in your eyes retina into cell killers.

That process can lead to age-related macular degeneration, which is a leading cause of blindness in the United States, according to the researchs extract.

Blue light is a common issue for many modern Americans. Blue light is emitted from screens, most notably at night, causing sleep loss, eye strain and a number of other issues.

Dr. Ajith Karunarathne, assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry, said our constant exposure to blue light cant be blocked by the lens or cornea.

"It's no secret that blue light harms our vision by damaging the eye's retina. Our experiments explain how this happens, and we hope this leads to therapies that slow macular degeneration, such as a new kind of eye drop, he said.

Macular degeneration is an incurable eye disease that often affects those in their 50s or 60s. It occurs after the death of photoreceptor cells in the retina. Those cells need retinal to sense light and help signal the brain.

The research team found blue light exposure created poisonous chemical molecules that killed photoreceptor cells

"It's toxic. If you shine blue light on retinal, the retinal kills photoreceptor cells as the signaling molecule on the membrane dissolves," said Kasun Ratnayake, a Ph.D. student researcher working in Karunarathne's cellular photo chemistry group. "Photoreceptor cells do not regenerate in the eye. When they're dead, they're dead for good."

However, the researchers found a molecule called alpha-tocopherol, which comes from Vitamin E, can help prevent cell death, according to Futurism.

The researchers plan to review how light from TVs, cellphones and tablet screens affect the eyes as well.

"If you look at the amount of light coming out of your cellphone, it's not great but it seems tolerable," said Dr. John Payton, visiting assistant professor in the UT Department of Chemistry and Biochemistry. "Some cellphone companies are adding blue-light filters to the screens, and I think that is a good idea."

Indeed, Apple released a Night Shift mode two years ago to help quell blue lights strain on the eyes, according to The Verge. The screen will dim into a warmer, orange light that will cause less stress on the eyes.