Strange symptom that appears after drinking a glass of alcohol and is linked to cancer in Spain: medical warning
Alcohol, which is usually associated with fun and socializing, especially in Mediterranean culture, is far from healthy, but although it may sound strange, it can provide benefits to its consumers, especially if they are young. It turns out that sometimes it can act like a warning that something is wrong in the bodysubtly but disturbingly revealing that there are diseases such as cancer that may be in their early stages.
A unusual pain in the lymph nodes For example, after drinking alcohol, it can be an early sign that the body is fighting a serious disease such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This type of hematologic cancer, which primarily affects B cells, is characterized by uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the lymphatic system. A distinctive, although rare, symptom is pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol. This phenomenon, known as “alcohol-induced node pain,” occurs in areas such as neck, armpits or groinwhere the lymph nodes are located. Although it is uncommon, its presence may be an early sign of this type of lymphoma.
Although it may seem strange, a link between alcohol consumption and lymph node pain in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been proven. object of study in the medical community. It has been observed that in some cases even small quantities of this substance can produce this pain, indicating a special sensitivity of the affected ganglia. This symptom, although rare, may precede other, more obvious signs of the disease, such as painless swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats and unexplained weight loss. According to data, approximately one in 20 people with this pathology experiences pain caused by alcohol. Lymphoma Action.
The mechanism of this pain or warning signal is not fully understood. It is believed that ethanol can cause blood vessels to dilate in the affected lymph nodes, increasing pressure and causing pain. Another theory suggests that alcohol may interact with cancer cells, releasing substances that stimulate nerve endings and cause pain. Although these hypotheses require further study, it is clear that This symptom cannot be ignoredespecially in young people with risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma.
“Alcohol can relax blood vessels, which can lead to increased increased pressure in the lymph nodescreating tension in the surrounding capsule and causing pain,” explains Graham Collins, consultant haematologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. Sun.
As for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology, it is more common in young people, with a peak incidence between the ages of 15 and 30 years. Early detection is critical to improve prognosis, and identifying atypical symptoms, such as those that occur after drinking alcohol, can play an important role in early diagnosis.
Unhealthy cancer detector
We must not forget that drinking alcohol has multiple harmful effects on health. The World Health Organization (WHO) has stated that there is no safe level of alcohol consumption because Even moderate amounts can increase the risk of various diseases.. This substance is linked to more than 200 health problems, including infectious diseases, cancer, mental and neurological disorders, cardiovascular disease and injury.
Its excessive consumption is a serious cause of liver diseases such as cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. The liver, responsible for metabolizing alcohol, suffers progressive damage from chronic alcohol use. may lead to liver failure and increase the risk of liver cancer. Research has even shown that alcohol is a major risk factor for hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
This habit also affects the cardiovascular system. Although some studies suggest that very small amounts may be protective, current evidence suggests thatincreases the risk of high blood pressurecardiomyopathies and strokes. It is also associated with atrial fibrillation, a common cardiac arrhythmia, showing that even moderate consumption may increase the risk of this condition.
In fact, it is a recognized carcinogen, and its consumption is associated with an increased risk of developing several types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a group 1 carcinogenThis means there is ample evidence of its ability to cause cancer in humans. The most common lesions are the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast and colon.
In addition, the effects on the central nervous system are significant. Chronic use can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, including alcohol dependence, mood disorders and cognitive impairment. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disorder, is directly related to thiamine deficiency caused by alcohol. In addition, drinking alcohol during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorders, which lead to permanent physical and cognitive impairment in the child.