Alcohol, commonly associated with pleasure and socialization, especially in Mediterranean culture, is far from being healthy for the body but, although it may seem strange, it can do good to its consumers, especially if they are young. It turns out that it can sometimes act like a warning that something is wrong in the bodyrevealing in a subtle but alarming way that there are diseases like cancer that may be in their early stages.
A unusual pain in the lymph nodes After consuming alcohol, for example, it can be an early sign that the body is fighting a serious illness such as Hodgkin’s lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This type of hematological cancer, which mainly affects B lymphocytes, is characterized by an uncontrolled proliferation of cells in the lymphatic system. A distinctive symptom, although rare, is pain in the lymph nodes after ingesting alcohol. This phenomenon, known as “alcohol-induced lymph node pain,” manifests itself in areas such as neck, armpits or groinwhere the lymph nodes are located. Although it is not common, its presence can be an early indication of this type of lymphoma.
Although it may seem strange, the relationship between alcohol consumption and lymph node pain in patients with Hodgkin’s lymphoma has been object of study in the medical community. It has been observed that in some cases even small amounts of this substance can trigger this pain, suggesting a particular sensitivity of the affected lymph nodes. This symptom, although rare, may precede other, more obvious signs of the disease, such as painless swelling of the lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. About one in 20 people with this condition will experience alcohol-induced pain, according to Lymphoma action.
The mechanism behind this pain or warning signal is not completely understood. We think that the ethanol could 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 generate pain. Although these hypotheses require further investigation, it is evident that This symptom should not be ignoredparticularly in young people who have risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma.
“Alcohol can relax blood vessels, which can lead to increased increased pressure in the lymph nodesgenerating tension in the surrounding capsule and causing pain,” explains Graham Collins, consultant haematologist at Oxford University Hospitals NHS Foundation Trust. The Sun.
As for Hodgkin’s lymphoma, it is more common in young people, with a peak incidence between 15 and 30 years old, according to the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology. Early detection is crucial to improve prognosis, and identification of atypical symptoms, such as those that appear after alcohol consumption, can play an important role in early diagnosis.
An unhealthy cancer detector
We must not forget that alcohol consumption 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, cancers, mental and neurological disorders, cardiovascular diseases and injuries.
Its excessive consumption is a significant cause of liver diseases, such as cirrhosis and alcoholic hepatitis. The liver, responsible for the metabolism of alcohol, suffers progressive damage with chronic consumption, which can lead to liver failure and increase the risk of liver cancer. Studies have even shown that alcohol is a major risk factor for the development of hepatocellular carcinoma, the most common type of liver cancer.
The cardiovascular system is also affected by this habit. Although some studies suggest that very small amounts may have protective effects, current evidence indicates thatincreases the risk of high blood pressurecardiomyopathy and stroke. It is also linked to atrial fibrillation, a common heart arrhythmia, showing that even moderate consumption can increase the risk of this condition.
In fact, it is a known carcinogen and its consumption is associated with an increased risk of several types of cancer. The International Agency for Research on Cancer (IARC) classifies it as a group 1 carcinogenmeaning there is sufficient evidence of its ability to cause cancer in humans. The most frequently associated are those of the oral cavity, pharynx, larynx, esophagus, liver, breast and colon.
Additionally, the impact on the central nervous system is significant. Chronic use can lead to neuropsychiatric disorders, including alcohol dependence, mood disorders, and cognitive impairment. Wernicke-Korsakoff syndrome, a serious neurological disease, is directly linked to alcohol-induced thiamine deficiency. Additionally, alcohol consumption during pregnancy can cause fetal alcohol spectrum disorder, which leads to permanent physical and cognitive disabilities in the child.
