Love it or hate it, alcohol can bring a lot of things to light.
Drunken chats often reveal our sober thoughts, as most of us know all too well, however, a lot of people aren't in the know about how hitting the booze can also reveal things about your body too.
And we're not just talking about how you might suddenly realise you're a master at doing the splits after a lot of liquor, but something far more sinister.
Young adults have been warned to be wary of experiencing pain in their lymph nodes when they hit the bottle, as it turns out this may be a sign that you are suffering from lymphoma.
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For those who aren't aware, this is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system, which is essentially a network of vessels and glands throughout the body.
There are around 60 different types of lymphoma, which are separated into two broad groups - Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas - and the former is diagnosed most frequently in people in their early 20s.
As well as Hodgkin lymphoma being prevalent in younger people, it can also bring about the rare symptom of experiencing pain in the lymph nodes while drinking alcohol.
According to Lymphoma Action, one in 20 people suffering from this form of the disease encounter this.
Dr Graham Collins, consultant haematologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust, explained that lymph nodes are 'packed with abnormal cells' when there's cancer present.
Detailing how this then translates to pain, he told the Sun: "Alcohol can relax blood vessels which may lead to a further increase in pressure within the lymph nodes, putting a strain on the surrounding capsule and causing pain."
This pain is more common in women who are suffering from Hodgkin lymphoma, according to a research paper by Harvard medics, who said a 'liqueur-filled chocolate or even a sip of beer' is enough to trigger it.
Patients describe it as being 'immediate' and compared it to 'aching' or 'stabbing', adding that intensity ranges from mild to unbearable, forcing some people to give up alcohol entirely.
Not a lot of people are aware of this symptom, but are you well informed of the other more common signs of lymphoma?
If not, then listen up - as spotting these red flags early could end up saving your life.
It's important to check in with your GP if you notice that you are suddenly losing weight without trying, experiencing fevers, night sweats, or unexplained fatigue.
According to the US academic medical centre Mayo Clinic, itchy skin, pain in the chest, abdomen or bones as well as painless swelling of the of lymph nodes in the belly, neck, armpits or groin are also common symptoms of lymphoma.
Experts also explained that having a weakened immune system or a family history of lymphoma also increase the chance of you developing the form of cancer.
Specific infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori and HIV, as well as your age, can also increase the risk of the disease.
Mayo Clinic say you should consult your doctor immediately if you 'have any ongoing symptoms that worry you', but explained a lot of the signs of it are similar to those which appear with non-life threatening conditions.
So keep an eye on what your body is telling you, even when you aren't hitting the booze.
If you’ve been affected by any of these issues and want to speak to someone in confidence, contact Macmillan’s Cancer Support Line on 0808 808 00 00, 8am–8pm seven days a week.
Topics: Health, Cancer, Alcohol, Food And Drink, News
Olivia Burke