Lymphoma, or lymphatic cancer, is a form of blood cancer that develops in lymphocytes, which are white blood cells. This cancer originates when lymphocytes, the immune system's fighting cells, grow out of control. Lymphocytes can be found in the lymph nodes, bone marrow, spleen, thymus, and other organs of the body. A person with lymphoma will have aberrant lymphocytes that divide quickly or do not die after a certain amount of time. It is an immune-system cancer that requires prompt diagnosis for optimal therapy.
Types of Lymphoma
There are two forms of lymphoma: Hodgkin (HL) and Non-Hodgkin (NHL). Each one affects a distinct type of lymphocyte. There are two types of lymphocytes: B lymphocytes (B cells) and T lymphocytes (T cells).
Hodgkin lymphoma arises from B cells and Reed-Sternberg abnormal cells, which can be seen under the microscope. Hodgkin lymphoma is classified into two types: classical lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant lymphoma (NLPHL).
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not have Reed-Sternberg cells. However, NHL can arise from both B and T cells. NHL is categorized into two types: high-grade and low-grade non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
Causes
The causes of lymphoma in most cases are still unknown; nevertheless, the following factors enhance the likelihood of acquiring lymphoma.
Age 60 and above
Male
A first-degree relative has lymphoma.
A weak immune system is caused by an organ transplant, HIV/AIDS, or an autoimmune disease.
Infected with viruses including hepatitis C, HHV8, HLTV-1, and Epstein-Barr.
Have previously been treated for non-Hodgkin or Hodgkin lymphoma.
Radiation therapy
Symptoms
People with lymphoma will exhibit distinct symptoms that may also be warning indications of other diseases. Swollen lymph nodes in the groin, armpit, or neck, exhaustion, fever, shortness of breath, night sweats, and weight loss are all warning signals that should prompt someone to seek medical attention.
Diagnoses
It is important that someone experiencing any of these symptoms be examined for lymphoma, as the earlier the disease is identified, the better the prognosis for treatment. A person with lymphoma is diagnosed using the tests listed below:
Bone marrow aspiration: Using a needle, the doctor takes a sample of fluid and tissue from the bone marrow. The sample is tested for lymphoma cells. The specimen is examined for lymphocytes.
Blood Test: A blood test is conducted to check for the growth of abnormal cells (WBCs).
PET Scan: PET (positron emission tomography) scan detects radiation emitted by a radiotracer that is injected into the body.
MRI: Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is used to detect lymphoma cells, which uses strong magnets and radio waves to create images of organs.
Molecular Test: A molecular test is conducted to look for changes to genes, proteins, and other substances that may indicate lymphoma.
Treatment options
Lymphoma treatment is determined by a number of criteria, including the type of lymphoma, how the lymphoma spreads throughout the body, stage, symptoms, affected body areas, and the size of the mass. Chemotherapy and radiotherapy are used to treat both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, on the other hand, can be effectively treated with immunotherapy.
Chemotherapy drugs are used to eliminate cancer cells (lymphoma) from the body. It is not a targeted therapy, and it will also affect healthy cells.
Radiotherapy is the use of high-energy X-rays to kill cancer cells. Radiation oncology treats lymphoma with a variety of radiation types. Curative radiation is the use of irradiation to treat lymphoma. Palliative radiotherapy is a cancer treatment that is intended to manage symptoms.
Immunotherapy is a treatment strategy that uses the immune system to target lymphoma cells.
However, there are also circumstances where the patient does not respond to either chemotherapy or radiotherapy. In such circumstances, a stem cell transplant is the sole therapy option. It is also used when lymphoma returns after treatment or if the doctor believes the lymphoma may relapse.
Following chemotherapy, a stem cell transplant is performed to replenish the body's blood stem cells. There are two forms of stem cell transplants: autologous (using a patient's stem cells) and allogenic (using stem cells from a donor).
Conclusion
The immune system is responsible for lymphatic cancer, also known as lymphoma. If a person experiences any of the symptoms or warning signs mentioned above, he or she should consult a doctor immediately. Happy to be recognized as the best cancer hospital in India, Sanar International Hospitals treats a wide range of cancers, including lymphoma.
Dr. Satyendra Katewa, Director & Head of Department
Blood & Marrow Transplantation
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