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Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is specific to the lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system is a network of glands and vessels that make up the body's immune system which help fight of disease and infection.

We all have lymph nodes throughout our body. Lymph nodes are clustered in the neck, under the arms, in the groin and abdomen and may swell and become tender when the body is fighting infection. Lymph nodes are clear with watery fluids that contain white blood cells that fight infection and disease.

When lymphoma occurs, some of the cells in the lymphatic system grow abnormally and eventually form a tumor, which continues to grow as the cancerous cells reproduce. Because there is lymph tissue throughout the body, the cancer cells may spread to other organs, or even into the bone marrow.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma VS Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

Hodgkin's lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are both cancers specific to the lymphatic system, though the abnormal cells that are found in the lymph nodes are different.

Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is typically characterized by the presence of abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells.

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is broadly divided into two major groups: B-cell lymphomas (which develop from abnormal B-lymphocytes) and T-cell lymphomas (which develop from abnormal T-lymphocytes). The Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas encompass over 29 types of lymphoma, distinct because of the type of cancer cells in each.

What causes Hodgkin’s and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma

What causes this type of cancer is still unknown. Incidence of both Hodgkin’s Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma has continued to increase over the years. The current thinking is that there probably is a genetic factor and the cancer may not start without a "trigger" such as environmental factors. Both cancers are not contagious and the patient does not pose a risk to others in any way.

Signs and Symptoms

Symptoms of Lymphoma are not specific. Often, the following may occur:

• A lymph node swells
• Notice a significant lack of energy
• Weight loss
• Persistent fever
• Severe night sweats
• Loss of appetite
• Itching
• Coughing
• Bone Pain
• Shortness of Breath

To confirm diagnosis, a biopsy is taken of tissue and examined.

Tests to confirm Lymphoma include the following:

• A complete physical exam
• Complete medical history including symptoms
• Blood work-up including cell count (numbers of white and red blood cells), blood chemistry, and abnormal erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR)
• A chest x-ray
• A CT or CAT scan or MRI scan of the chest, pelvis, and abdomen to determine the possible spread of the disease
• A PET scan to find areas of increased cellular activity.
• A gallium scan to check for radioactive intake of gallium in the lymph system which may indicate disease
• A bone marrow aspiration and biopsy to determine if the bone marrow has been affected by Hodgkin's
  

Treatment for Lymphoma

Cancer cells usually grow rapidly and reproduce. Even when the cancer appears to be contained to one tumor or swollen gland, the disease has almost always spread beyond its origin. In order to kill all the lymphoma cells present throughout the body, a systemic treatment plan of chemotherapy is the preferred method.

Radiation

Radiation is used in localized areas to destroy cancer cells so they will not continue to spread. Radiation treatment is frequently used in addition to surgery or chemotherapy, and is through external high-energy ray beam or radioactive isotopes.
External radiation treatment is painless (similar to having an X-ray). The treatment appointment usually lasts10-15 minutes, thought the cancer patient will have treatment on a daily basis typically lasting four to six weeks.

Side Effects may include:

• Fatigue
• Rash on the skin that has been treated

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is the use of powerful anti-cancer drugs that are carried through the body in the bloodstream. Chemotherapy may be taken by mouth or injected into a vein, and is often chosen when cancer is present in different parts of the body. Often, a combination of drugs is prescribed to improve the chances for success. After a round of chemotherapy drugs are administered, the patient will undergo a recovery period. This cycle allows the body to rest. Then another round of drugs is administered. The total course for chemotherapy may range from three to nine months. Depending on the type of cancer, chemotherapy may be effective after surgery in preventing the cancer from returning. Depending on the type of cancer and its stage, chemotherapy may be used as a cure, to prevent spreading, slow growth, kill cancerous cells that may have spread to other parts of the body, or relieve symptoms.

Side Effects may include:

• Nausea
• Vomiting
• Fatigue
• Loss of Appetite
• Hair Loss
• Increased risk of infection

Bone Marrow Transplant

The bone marrow from the cancer patient is removed and frozen. Then, a higher dose (than normal) of chemotherapy is administered, killing the cancer cells and some of the remaining bone marrow. After this takes place, your healthy bone marrow is thawed and transfused back into the patient and it will start making healthy blood cells again. Most often, bone marrow from a compatible donor is used.

Stem Cell Transplant

The stem cells from which blood is formed is removed from the patient’s blood and frozen. Then, a higher dose of chemotherapy is administered to kill the cancer cells in the body. Lastly, the stem cells are thawed and transfused back into the patient, and the body will begin to produce healthy blood cells again.