Lymphoma

Lymphoma

Lymphoma, as the name suggests is the cancer of the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, bone marrow, tonsils and mucous membranes. The Lymphatic system is a part of the immune system, responsible for the production of immune cells, removal of excess fluids from the body and removing cellular waste.

While there are multiple types of Lymphomas, the most common types are:

• Hodgkin’s lymphoma (formerly called Hodgkin’s disease)
• Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma

Symptoms

The most common symptoms of the cancer are similar to those experienced by individuals with viral infections, however, lasting considerably longer. Other symptoms include:

• Swelling of the lymph nodes
• Shortness of breath
• Persistent fever
• Night sweats
• Fatigue
• Weight loss
• Itching
• Abdominal pain/swelling

Causes and Risk factors

Lymphoma is caused by lymphocyte, a white blood cell type, when it develops a genetic mutation. Some risk factors associated with the disease are:

• Advancing age
• Gender (men are more likely to develop it)
• Obesity
• Exposure to certain chemicals
• Immunodeficiency or autoimmune diseases

Diagnosis

While there are no specific diagnostic tests for Lymphoma, a lymph tissue biopsy may help determine the cancer and its type. Spinal taps may also be required. Other imaging tests for it may include CT scan, MRI scan, PET scan, X-ray imaging, or Ultrasound.

Treatment

The treatment of cancer would depend on the type and advancement of the cancer. A combination of the following would be decided by your oncologist:

• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Radioimmunotherapy
• Surgery
• Stem cell transplantation