Lymphoma: Important Facts
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 as men are more likely to develop it
- Obesity
- Exposure to certain chemicals
- Immunodeficiency or auto-immune 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
- 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