Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system – a network of nodes (knots of tissue) and organs connected by vessels. The lymphatic system includes lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus glands. Together, the lymph nodes drain fluid and waste products from the body. The lymph nodes act as tiny filters, removing foreign organisms and cells.
Lymphoma affects a type of white blood cells known as Lymphocytes, which helps fight infections caused by bacteria, viruses, or fungi. The lymph node function is to prevent infections from entering the bloodstream. When the lymphatic system is fighting an active infection, you may notice that some of the lymph nodes in the area of the infection become swollen and painful. This is the body’s normal reaction to an infection. Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer.
Lymphomas usually develop when the lymph node cells or lymphocytes change (mutation) causing the abnormal cells to multiply uncontrollably, producing cancerous cells that have the abnormal capacity to invade other tissues throughout the body.
Lymphoma can occur at any age, but it is one of the most common causes of cancer in children and young adults. It is often treatable.
Types of Lymphoma
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Hodgkin lymphoma: This type is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells, abnormal lymphocytes found in lymph nodes and other tissues.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: This is a more diverse group of lymphomas, encompassing a wide range of subtypes.
Causes of Lymphoma
The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but increased risk of developing the disease has been associated with the following:
- Age: The risk of lymphoma increases with age.
- Sex: Males are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma than females.
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or autoimmune diseases, are at higher risk.
- Exposure to certain chemicals or viruses: Exposure to certain chemicals or viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus, Helicobacter pylori infection or human herpesvirus-8 (HHV-8), may increase the risk.
- Family history: Having a family history of lymphoma can slightly increase your risk.
Other risk factors include:
- Regular exposure to certain chemicals, including insect and weed killers, and several chemicals used in industries such as farming and welding
- Exposure to nuclear accidents, nuclear testing, or underground radiation leaks
- Treatment with immunosuppressant drugs, for prevention of organ transplantation rejection, or for treatment of inflammatory and autoimmune disorders
- Some drugs used to treat psoriatic and rheumatoid arthritis and inflammatory bowel disease
- Prior exposure to anti-cancer drugs and/or radiation used to treat a prior diagnosis of cancer
- Treatment with a medication called Dilantin (phenytoin), commonly used to treat seizure disorders
- High levels of nitrates found in drinking water
- Diets high in fat and meat products
- Ultraviolet light exposure
- Alcohol intake
Symptoms of Lymphoma
The symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type and stage of the cancer. Common symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes: Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Fatigue: Feeling tired and weak.
- Fever: Unexplained fever.
- Night sweats: Sweating heavily at night.
- Weight loss: Unexplained weight loss.
- Itching: Itchy skin.
- Chest pain or shortness of breath: If the lymphoma affects the chest area.
Diagnosis of Lymphoma
Diagnosing lymphoma often involves a combination of tests, including:
- Physical exam: A doctor will examine you for swollen lymph nodes and other symptoms.
- Blood tests: Blood tests can help check for abnormalities in your blood cells.
- Lymph node biopsy: A sample of lymph node tissue is removed for examination under a microscope.
- Imaging tests: Imaging tests, such as CT scans or PET scans, can help determine the extent of the lymphoma.
Treatment for Lymphoma
The treatment for lymphoma depends on the type, stage, and overall health of the patient. Options for treatment may include:
- Chemotherapy: Using drugs to kill cancer cells.
- Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells.
- Stem cell transplant: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells.
- Targeted therapy: Using drugs that target specific molecules involved in the growth and survival of cancer cells.
- Immunotherapy: Stimulating the body’s immune system to fight cancer cells.
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