Ultrasound results at Tam Anh District 7 Polyclinic revealed enlarged lymph nodes in the patient's neck. Dr. Nguyen Thi My Hanh, a specialist in general internal medicine, noted that in addition to respiratory infection-like symptoms, Ms. Huong had no weight loss or chest pain, leading to a suspicion of lymphoma. The patient was scheduled for a cervical lymph node biopsy and transferred to Tam Anh General Hospital TP HCM for further monitoring.

Dr. Hanh examining Ms. Huong. Photo: Tam Anh District 7 Polyclinic

The biopsy confirmed the patient had lymphoma. Doctors then ordered immunohistochemistry to precisely determine the specific type of the disease. Once the infection and respiratory condition were controlled, Ms. Huong continued her treatment following a suitable protocol in the hematology department.

Lymphoma is a group of cancers originating from the lymphatic system, a vital part of the immune system. Unlike many cancers that form solid tumors in a specific organ, lymphoma typically presents as abnormally enlarged lymph nodes in areas such as the neck, armpits, groin, or within the chest and abdomen. In its early stages, the disease often causes prolonged fever, a persistent cough, fatigue, and swollen lymph nodes, making it easily mistaken for a common infection.

Dr. Hanh emphasized that a persistent cough is not always indicative of a respiratory illness. In some instances, lymph nodes located in the chest or systemic inflammation caused by the disease can irritate the respiratory tract, leading to a chronic cough. If only the symptoms are treated without identifying the underlying cause, the diagnosis can be significantly delayed.

Doctors advise individuals experiencing a cough that lasts longer than two to three weeks, especially when accompanied by persistent fever, swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, or poor response to conventional treatments, to seek medical attention.

Nhat Thanh

*The patient's name has been changed.