Lymphoma: Overview
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Although lymphoma is a serious condition, effective treatment methods can cure it if detected early enough. The lymphatic system in your body comprises lymphatic veins and lymph nodes, and it collects and filters waste products from the body in a clear fluid called lymph. Lymphocytes, white blood cells that fight infection, are also present in the body. Damaged lymphocytes can develop into lymphoma and eventually become cancerous after this injury, where they develop and multiply abnormally. The aberrant lymphocytes then lose their capacity to fend against infections.
Types of Lymphoma
- Hodgkin Lymphoma : The Reed-Sternberg cell, a particular type of cell, causes this specific type of lymphoma.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma : Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a more inclusive word to define other lymphoma subtypes other than Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can have many forms, such as diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and Burkitt lymphoma.
Symptoms
Common symptoms include:
- Swelling of one or more lymph glands,
- Unexplained fever
- Swollen abdomen
- Abnormal sweating, especially at night
- Tiredness
- Loss of appetite
- Bruising or bleeding easily
- Weight loss
- Frequent infections
- Cough,chest pain , or problems breathing
- Rash or itching.
When To See A Doctor?
A number of different conditions, including the flu or a virus, can mimic the symptoms of lymphoma. If you or someone you know has these symptoms without knowing the cause, you should make a doctor's visit as soon as possible.
Causes
The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown. But it generally develops when a lymphocyte, a white blood cell that fights infection, develops a genetic mutation. The mutation directs the cell to multiply rapidly, causing a large number of sick lymphocytes that continue multiplying.
Additionally, the mutation enables the cells to remain alive when other healthy cells would have been destroyed. This causes the lymph nodes, spleen, and liver to enlarge, and an overwhelming number of sick and ineffective lymphocytes accumulate in the lymph nodes.
Risk Factors
Different risk factors can increase the risk of both types of lymphoma.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Age : Most lymphomas commonly affect people who are 60 years or older. However, some types are more likely to develop in children and young adults.
- Gender : Some types are more prevalent among women.
- Chemicals and radiation : Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has been linked to nuclear radiation and certain agricultural pesticides.
- Immunodeficiency : A person is more vulnerable if their immune system becomes less active. This could be caused by HIV or anti-rejection drugs taken after an organ transplant.
- Autoimmune diseases : When the immune system targets the body's cells, non-Hodgkin lymphoma develops. Examples include rheumatoid arthritisand celiac disease.
- Breast implants : These may result in breast tissue developing anaplastic large-cell lymphoma.
Hodgkin lymphoma
Risk factors for Hodgkin lymphoma include
- Infectious mononucleosis : Mononucleosis is caused by the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV). This disease increases the risk of lymphoma.
- Age : Lymphoma is more likely to affect people aged 20 and 30 and those over 55.
- Sex : Hodgkin lymphoma is more common in males than females.
- Family history : The risk of getting Hodgkin lymphoma increases if you have a family history of this condition.
- HIV infection : HIV may weaken the immune system and raise lymphoma risk.
Complications
A specific form of cancer called lymphoma has an impact on the lymphatic system, which is a component of the body's immune system. Lymphoma often results in the following complications:
- Spread of cancer to other body parts : The liver, lungs, and bones are only a few organs where lymphoma cells might spread from the damaged lymph nodes.
- Organ damage : The growing cancer cells can harm internal organs, causing breathing difficulties,jaundice, or bone discomfort.
- Anemia : Lymphoma can cause a decrease in red blood cells, leading to anemia, which can cause fatigue and weakness.
- Increased risk of infection : Lymphoma can weaken the immune system, making it easier for a person to get conditions.
- Infertility : Radiation therapy and chemotherapy are two cancer therapies that may affect a patient's ability to conceive.
- Second cancers : Certain treatments for lymphoma can increase the risk of developing second cancer in the future.
It is important to keep in mind that not everyone with lymphoma will have all of these side effects and that the degree of each person's problems will vary.
Prevention
The lymphatic system, a network of tissues and veins that helps defend against disease and infection, is affected by lymphoma, a specific form of cancer. Although the exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, there are preventive steps you can do to reduce your risk of developing it:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle : Eating a healthy balanced diet, exercising regularly, avoiding smoking, and limiting alcohol consumption can help keep your body healthy and reduce your cancer risk.
- Boost your immune system : Strong immune system can help fight off infections and diseases, reducing your risk of developing lymphoma. Eating a healthy diet, getting enough sleep, and avoiding stress can help boost your immune system.
- Avoid exposure to harmful chemicals : You have a higher chance of developing lymphoma if you use some chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents. Use protective gear when working on these chemicals and limit exposure to them.
- Get vaccinated : Some vaccinations, including the hepatitis B vaccine, can protect you from conditions that could raise your chance of getting lymphoma.
- Get screened regularly : Regular checkups and screenings can help detect any changes in your health, allowing for prompt treatment if necessary.
Diagnosis
During the physical examination, your doctor will look for enlarged lymph nodes. Swollen lymph nodes are often caused by an infection related to cancer. To screen for cancer cells, you could undergo a lymph node biopsy. A tiny tissue sample from the afflicted node may be taken using a needle. To identify, stage, or treat lymphoma, you could also undergo one of the following tests:
- Bone marrow aspiration or biopsy : Your doctor will extract fluid or tissue from your bone marrow, the spongy area within the bone where blood cells are produced, to look for lymphoma cells.
- Chest X-ray : To create images of the inside of the chest, minimal radiation doses will be administered.
- MRI : This test creates exceptionally detailed pictures of the organs inside the body using radio waves, a large magnet, and a computer.
- PET scan : This imaging test examines your body for cancer cells using radioactive material.
- Molecular test : By detecting changes to genes, proteins, and other components of cancer cells, this test aids your doctor in determining the type of lymphoma you have.
- Blood tests : They check your blood for signs of infection, particular cell counts, and amounts of other substances.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap) : To get a sample of cerebrospinal fluid, your doctor uses a needle to reach your lower back. The transparent liquid that covers your spine and brain is called cerebrospinal fluid.
Treatment
The kind of lymphoma you have will determine the treatment options. Usually, lymphoma treatment involves
- Chemotherapy : Chemotherapy uses medications to destroy proliferating cells, such as cancer cells, rapidly. Depending on the particular medications received, the medicines may be given orally and typically injected through a vein.
- Radiation therapy : High-powered energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, are used in radiation treatment to destroy cancer cells.
- Bone marrow transplant : High doses of chemotherapy and radiation are used during a bone marrow transplant, also known as a stem cell transplant, to suppress your bone marrow. Healthy bone marrow stem cells are then injected into your bloodstream, where they go to your bones and rebuild your bone marrow.
- Targeted therapy : The targeted treatment kills cancer cells through medications or other substances while preserving healthy ones.
- Immunotherapy : The immune system is stimulated by immunotherapy to fight cancer more effectively. Treatments can encourage the body to produce cancer-fighting cells or assist healthy cells in recognizing and eliminating cancer cells.
- Other treatments : Targeted drugs that target particular abnormalities in your cancer cells are among the additional medications used to treat lymphoma. Immunotherapy drugs kill cancer cells by stimulating your immune system. Chimeric antigen receptor (CAR)-T cell therapy is a specialized procedure that uses your body's immune system's T cells to fight cancer by genetically modifying them.
Do's And Don'ts
Follow these do's and don'ts mentioned below, which may help you manage the condition and its complications.
| Do’s | Don’ts |
| Eat a healthy diet to maintain strength and energy levels. | Drink alcohol and consume tobacco as they can weaken the immune system. |
| Stay active and exercise regularly to maintain physical fitness. | Expose to large crowds and people with infections. |
| Get plenty of rest to help with recovery. | Stop treatment without consulting a doctor. |
| Seek support from friends and family. | Hesitate to seek medical attention if symptoms persist or worsen. |
| Follow the treatment plan as recommended by the doctor. | Stress as much as possible. |
Care at Medicover Hospitals
Medicover hospitals has the best team of hematologists and oncologists who work collaboratively to deliver Lymphoma treatment with the highest accuracy. Our highly qualified team uses the most modern medical tools, techniques, and technologies to treat a wide range of cancer conditions. We use a multidisciplinary approach to treat lymphoma to provide comprehensive care and address all of their medical needs for a quicker and more sustained recovery.
