Chills are a common bodily response, often associated with mild conditions like cold exposure or infections. However, they can sometimes signal more serious underlying health issues. This article explores the connection between chills and certain types of cancer, examining why this symptom might occur and the biological mechanisms involved.
Cancers Associated with Chills
Several types of cancer are linked with chills, especially those impacting the immune system or causing inflammation. Blood cancers, such as lymphomas and leukemias, frequently present with chills and fever. Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphomas, affecting the lymphatic system, can cause chills, night sweats, and low-grade fevers. Leukemia, a cancer of blood-forming tissues, also commonly causes fever and chills.
Beyond blood cancers, certain solid tumors can also lead to chills. Kidney cancer can cause fevers and chills. Liver cancer can also cause chills, sometimes due to bile duct obstruction leading to infection. Advanced solid tumors, especially if spread to the liver or causing obstruction, can also contribute to chills.
How Cancer Causes Chills
Cancer can induce chills through complex physiological mechanisms, often involving the body’s immune and inflammatory responses. One primary way is through the release of substances by cancer cells or in response to tumor growth. Tumors can produce pyrogens, which are fever-inducing substances, including cytokines like interleukin-1 (IL-1) and tumor necrosis factor (TNF). These cytokines can reset the body’s thermostat to a higher temperature, leading to fever and subsequent chills as the body attempts to reach this new set point by shivering.
Cancer and its treatments can also weaken the immune system, increasing susceptibility to infections, which are a common cause of chills. Chemotherapy and immunotherapy can suppress the immune system, making patients vulnerable to infections that trigger fever and chills. Tumor necrosis, the death of cancer cells, can also release substances that provoke an inflammatory response, leading to fever and chills. Additionally, tumors can cause physical obstructions in organs or ducts, creating an environment ripe for infection and associated chills.
Other Reasons for Chills
While chills can be a symptom of cancer, they are more frequently caused by non-cancerous conditions. Common infections like the cold, flu, pneumonia, urinary tract infections (UTIs), and gastroenteritis often trigger chills, often accompanied by fever. These infections cause the immune system to respond, increasing body temperature and subsequent shivering.
Beyond infections, other factors can also lead to chills without a fever. Exposure to cold temperatures is a direct cause, as the body shivers to generate heat. Certain medications, including some antibiotics and chemotherapy drugs, can cause chills as a side effect. Low blood sugar (hypoglycemia), thyroid disorders like hypothyroidism, intense physical activity, or anxiety can also cause chills.
When to Consult a Doctor for Chills
It is important to know when chills warrant medical attention. Persistent or recurrent chills without an obvious cause (like cold exposure or a typical viral infection) should prompt a visit to a healthcare professional. Chills with a high fever (100.4°F / 38°C or higher) also warrant medical advice. For infants younger than three months, a temperature above 100.4°F (38°C) with chills requires immediate attention.
Other concerning symptoms alongside chills include unexplained weight loss, drenching night sweats, persistent fatigue, new lumps, or unusual bleeding. Individuals undergoing cancer treatment should promptly report any chills or fever to their medical team, as their immune systems may be compromised. Self-diagnosis is not advisable; any concerning or persistent symptoms should be evaluated by a doctor to determine the underlying cause and appropriate course of action.