Also known as Hodgkins Lymphoma
ABOUT THE DISEASE
Lymphoma is a type of cancer of lymph tissue that develops in the lymph system, i.e lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, liver, etc. The cells in the lymphatic system (lymphocytes) grow abnormally and may spread beyond the organ of origin. It is mainly of two types - Hodgkin`s and Non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma. Latter is more common.
It is important to differentiate between the two types as the treatment is different. Examining the cancer cells under the microscope helps in this differentiation (For eg. typical Reed Sternberg cells found in classical Hodgkin`s lymphoma)
Hodgkin disease/lymphoma can occur in both adults and children; most common among people aged 15 - 35 and 50 – 70yrs. Since lymphoid tissue is present in many parts of the body, Hodgkin disease can start almost anywhere. Most often it starts in lymph nodes in the upper part of the body. The most common sites are in the chest, in the neck, or under the arms.
Two main types are Classical and Nodular lymphocyte predominant.
CAUSES
Past infection with Epstein Barr virus can be a causative factor.
AIDS patients are at greater risk of developing the disease.
SYMPTOMS
- • Swollen lymph nodes in neck/underarms/groin
- • Fever
- • Night sweats
- • Unexplained weight loss
- • Fatigue
- • Itching
- • Coughing
- • Loss of appetite
DIAGNOSIS
- Medical history
- Physical examination
- Lymph node biopsy
- Bone marrow biopsy
- Complete blood count
- CT/PET scan
TREATMENT METHODS
The treatment depends on - Age of patient, Stage of disease, Type of lymphoma, Size of tumor, etc.
The options include:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Stem cell transplant / Bone marrow transplant
You may also like to learn about:
Non Hodgkins lymphoma
Lymphadenitis
Fever
Leukemia
Splenomegaly
Lymphadenopathy