How DLBCL Affects The Body
Posted: Feb 12, 2024
How DLBCL Affects The Body image

About 85% of all lymphomas in the United States are B-cell. These cancers cause various side effects and conditions in the body. Common symptoms of B-cell lymphoma are the enlargement of any lymph node, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. DLBCL usually begins as a mass in one of the lymph nodes. 

DIABETES

This chronic condition affects nearly 30 million people in the U.S. More than 10% of patients with cancer have diabetes. A recent analysis reported an increased lymphoma risk to these diabetic patients. However, this analysis also showed that “diabetes did not affect short-term lymphoma survival and lymphoma did not affect glycemic control.”

Being overweight, as well as increased inflammation can trigger diabetes. Additionally, the buildup of blood sugar can contribute to cancer growth. Keep a close watch on diet and exercise. Seeing a dietician can always be helpful.

FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS

If you are eating a healthy diet, most supplements are not needed. However, if you have difficulty eating, your doctor may advise you to take vitamins and mineral supplements. Make sure to consult your doctor. Some natural remedies can cause complications with lymphoma treatments. A vitamin D deficiency may impact your lymphoma outcome.

“There is no evidence that eating sugar makes lymphoma, or any type of cancer, grow. There are also no research findings to say that if you do not eat sugar, your lymphoma will go away.” Yet, keeping a low-sugar diet is recommended for people with diabetes and weight issues.

“Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats from animal products such as meats, butter, and cheeses. Also, limit trans fats that are found in processed food cooked in hydrogenated fats. These foods include crackers, potato chips, baked goods, and deep-fried fast foods.”

WEIGHT LOSS

Lymphoma can cause weight loss because growing cancer cells may use up most of your energy. Simultaneously, your body uses energy to destroy the cancer cells. This can cause weight loss and fatigue (physical, emotional or mental). People with lymphoma can often lose 10% of their body weight in a 6 month period of time.

LOWER BACK PAIN

Some lower back pain is unexplained. It may be a cause of expanding (infected) lymph nodes that cause pressure on the nerves. 

INFECTIONS

As lymphoma spreads, the body loses its ability to fight infections. White blood cells fight off infections, but lymphoma causes the body to produce cancerous white blood cells. Thus, infection-fighting cells decrease dramatically, weakening your body's immune system. Watch for signs of a fever, night sweats, and itching. 

Always remember to keep in close communication with your specialist about any concerns or changes happening in your body throughout your lymphoma journey.

About 85% of all lymphomas in the United States are B-cell. These cancers cause various side effects and conditions in the body. Common symptoms of B-cell lymphoma are the enlargement of any lymph node, fever, night sweats, and weight loss. DLBCL usually begins as a mass in one of the lymph nodes. 

DIABETES

This chronic condition affects nearly 30 million people in the U.S. More than 10% of patients with cancer have diabetes. A recent analysis reported an increased lymphoma risk to these diabetic patients. However, this analysis also showed that “diabetes did not affect short-term lymphoma survival and lymphoma did not affect glycemic control.”

Being overweight, as well as increased inflammation can trigger diabetes. Additionally, the buildup of blood sugar can contribute to cancer growth. Keep a close watch on diet and exercise. Seeing a dietician can always be helpful.

FOOD AND SUPPLEMENTS

If you are eating a healthy diet, most supplements are not needed. However, if you have difficulty eating, your doctor may advise you to take vitamins and mineral supplements. Make sure to consult your doctor. Some natural remedies can cause complications with lymphoma treatments. A vitamin D deficiency may impact your lymphoma outcome.

“There is no evidence that eating sugar makes lymphoma, or any type of cancer, grow. There are also no research findings to say that if you do not eat sugar, your lymphoma will go away.” Yet, keeping a low-sugar diet is recommended for people with diabetes and weight issues.

“Avoid foods that are high in saturated fats from animal products such as meats, butter, and cheeses. Also, limit trans fats that are found in processed food cooked in hydrogenated fats. These foods include crackers, potato chips, baked goods, and deep-fried fast foods.”

WEIGHT LOSS

Lymphoma can cause weight loss because growing cancer cells may use up most of your energy. Simultaneously, your body uses energy to destroy the cancer cells. This can cause weight loss and fatigue (physical, emotional or mental). People with lymphoma can often lose 10% of their body weight in a 6 month period of time.

LOWER BACK PAIN

Some lower back pain is unexplained. It may be a cause of expanding (infected) lymph nodes that cause pressure on the nerves. 

INFECTIONS

As lymphoma spreads, the body loses its ability to fight infections. White blood cells fight off infections, but lymphoma causes the body to produce cancerous white blood cells. Thus, infection-fighting cells decrease dramatically, weakening your body's immune system. Watch for signs of a fever, night sweats, and itching. 

Always remember to keep in close communication with your specialist about any concerns or changes happening in your body throughout your lymphoma journey.

The author Lisa Foster

about the author
Lisa Foster

Lisa Foster is a mom of 3 daughters, a puzzle lover, a writer, and a HealthTree advocate. She believes in the mission of the foundation and the team that builds it forward. She calls Houston, Texas home.