Persistently swollen lymph nodes (glands) in the neck, armpit or groin. Pinpoint or button-sized areas of bleeding in the skin (usually on the lower legs) called petechiae or purpura. Nerve damage known as peripheral neuropathy. Poor blood flow to the fingers, toes, ears or knees, called Raynaud's phenomenon.
Thus, in Sjogren's syndrome, low grade non-Hodgkin's lymphomas and especially immunocytomas are the most common lymphomas. These lymphomas tend to evolve very slowly and may regress spontaneously. Given these facts, a conservative approach to treatment is indicated in those patients with only localized disease.
Research shows people with Sjögren's syndrome are about 5 times more likely to get non-Hodgkin lymphoma than people who do not have the condition. But the chances of getting it are still small. See a GP if you have symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, such as: painless swollen glands, usually in your neck, armpit or groin.
The Connection Between Sjögren's Syndrome and Lymphoma
Research has found that people diagnosed with Sjögren's syndrome are approximately five times more likely than those in the general population to develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) — cancer that originates in the lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell).
Sjögren's syndrome can also affect the joints, lungs, kidneys, blood vessels, digestive organs and nerves, causing symptoms such as: Swollen glands, specifically behind the jaw and in front of the ears.
For most people, the risk of developing lymphoma is very small. Even if you have risk factors, your chance of developing lymphoma is usually still very small.
The disorder can affect the nervous system, muscles, joints, kidneys, lungs, blood vessels, liver, and pancreas. Sjögren's syndrome is a long-lasting disorder that affects females more often than men.
Dry mouth, mouth sores, dental decay, difficulty with chewing, speech, taste and dentures. Swollen, painful parotid/salivary glands. Difficulty swallowing, heartburn, reflux, esophagitis. Fatigue, vasculitis, lymphoma, dry skin, skin sensitivity to UV light.
After five to 10 years, low-grade disorders begin to progress rapidly to become aggressive or high-grade and produce more severe symptoms. This type progresses fairly rapidly without treatment. With treatment, remission can be induced in between 50 to 75 percent of cases.
With lymphoma, the lymph nodes often grow slowly and may be there for months or years before they're noticed. But sometimes they grow very quickly. Usually, the swollen nodes don't hurt. But some people say their lumps ache or are painful.
The one medication worth considering if you are at increased risk for lymphoma is rituximab (Rituxan), a monoclonal antibody that targets B cells. It treats inflammatory diseases like Sjögren's syndrome as well as NHL.
Patients with primary Sjögren's syndrome(pSS) have increased risk of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). However, whether pSS patients have increased risk of other malignancies is unclear.
You may experience: Pain in your mouth and gums. Dry mouth resulting in sores, tooth decay, or infection. Difficulty swallowing.
Sjögren's syndrome can cause nerve damage which regulates the coordination of heartbeat, respiration, and gastric motility. This is called an “autonomic neuropathy.” Examples of symptoms include lightheadedness when standing, decreased or increased sweating, and feeling full despite eating small meals.
Avoid medicines that are known to cause dry eyes. These include antihistamines, diuretics, and some antidepressants. Talk with your doctor if you take any of these medicines. Sometimes the benefits of a medicine outweigh the risks.
The lymphoaggressive nature of the disease appears to lead SS patients from stage I to II and from stage II to III. However, stage III patients made up only 5% of SS patients. Many patients remain stable in stages I or II for as long as 10 or 20 years.
Avoiding foods that tend to exacerbate symptoms including alcohol, caffeine, acidic foods, and spicy foods.
Ultrasound imaging and biopsy can help determine if the salivary gland tissues are altered by inflammation. Blood tests can identify antibodies that are typically present in people with Sjögren's syndrome and other autoimmune disorders.
Swollen lymph nodes, fever, and night sweats are common symptoms of lymphoma. Symptoms of lymphoma often depend on the type you have, what organs are involved, and how advanced your disease is. Some people with lymphoma will experience obvious signs of the disease, while others won't notice any changes.
Lymphoma is cancer that starts in the lymph nodes. For example, if breast cancer spreads to the lymph nodes in the armpits it does not become lymphoma. The cancer cells that have spread to the lymph nodes are still breast cancer cells.