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)
Since lymphoid tissue is present in many parts of the body, Non Hodgkin lymphoma can start almost anywhere. Most often it starts in lymph nodes in the upper part of the body. It is quite common to find it in the liver or spleen. But it can occur in other body organs as well, for eg. stomach, small bowel, bones, brain, testicles or skin. About 1 person in 3 with NHL has some lymphoma in an organ outside the lymphatic system. It is then called extranodal disease.
Many different subtypes of non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma exist. The most common non-Hodgkin`s lymphoma subtypes include diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. Most people with NHL have B cell lymphomas. T cell lymphomas are more common in teenagers and young adults.
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
- • Abdominal pain/swelling
- • 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:
Hodgkins disease
Lymphedema
Fever
Leukemia
Splenomegaly
Lymphadenopathy