Everything You Need To Know About Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer, which occurs in the lymphocytes; the cells of the immune system responsible for fighting infection. According to the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society over 85,000 new diagnoses will be made in the United States in 2020. This condition can affect people of all ages, including children.

What Is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma causes white blood cells – more specifically lymphocytes – to develop a genetic mutation and begin to multiply abnormally. They travel through the lymphatic system, reaching the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other organs where they accumulate and form tumors.

The condition should not be confused with leukemia; another type of cancer that begins in the blood-forming cells of the bone marrow. Lymphoma develops either from B or T lymphocytes, affecting the functioning of the immune system.

Types of Lymphoma

There are over 70 types of lymphoma, each with a different progression pace. While some develop slowly with symptoms taking years to develop, others are highly aggressive and required immediate intervention.

The condition can be grossly classified into Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Cancerous cells spread from one group of lymph nodes to the other
• Common in two age categories: 20-40, over 55
• Can manifest anywhere in the body
• Subtypes: classical, nodular lymphocyte-predominant
• Early diagnosis improves prognosis

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Random spread through the lymphatic system
• More common in the older population
• May start in an organ (and not lymph node)
• Immune system functioning is affected – higher risk of infection
• Both slow and fast spreading

Risk Factors

The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown though research is ongoing. In patients diagnosed with Hodgkin lymphoma, the rapid multiplication of diseased cells is responsible for the fulminant progression. With Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, manifestations depend on the location of the diseased cells. Known factors that may increase a person’s chance of developing the disease include:

• Past diagnosis – Lymphoma specifically
• Family history – Blood cancer, specifically lymphoma
• Age and sex – Certain types of lymphoma are more common in older males
• Treatment – Receiving chemotherapy or radiation therapy for other types of cancer
• Autoimmune conditions – Lupus, rheumatoid arthritis, Sjögren’s syndrome
• Infection – Epstein-Barr virus (glandular fever), human T-cell lymphotropic virus (HTLV), hepatic viruses, Helicobacter pylori
• Celiac disease
• Exposure to herbicides and pesticides – Further research is required

Early Signs and Symptoms

An early diagnosis improves a person’s prognosis, but the treatment depends on the type and stage of cancer. These are some of the most common early signs and symptoms associated with lymphoma:

• Swelling of the lymph nodes – not painful; common at the level of the neck, armpit, and groin
• Night sweats and fever
• Unexplained weight loss and loss of appetite
• Persistent state of exhaustion
• Severe skin itchiness
• Spleen and liver enlargement
• Increased sensitivity and painful lymph nodes after alcohol consumption
• Non-specific back pain
• Breathing difficulties
• Anemia and bleeding
• Oral tissue swelling and possible ulceration

Treatment Options

Depending on the stage, overall health, and type, the following treatment options may be considered:

• Chemotherapy – Often combined with radiation therapy, side effects include nausea and hair loss; long-term complications possible
• Radiation therapy – Can also be used after chemotherapy; treatment duration depends on the lymphoma stage; local modifications include skin redness and hair loss
• Bone marrow transplant – Recommended for aggressive types; requires a matching donor and increases patient’s susceptibility to infection
• Target therapy – New treatment that targets the genetic mutations of the lymphocytes
• Monoclonal antibody therapy – Recommended for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; reduces the risk of reoccurrence (Rituximab)
• Steroids – Also for Non-Hodgkin lymphoma; combined with chemotherapy and only on short-term as there is a high risk of side-effects

Regardless of the treatment pursues, the primary goal is to destroy cancerous cells and transition the patient into remission. In slowly evolving forms of the disease, doctors may take the “watch and wait “approach during which a medical professional monitors the progression and recommends treatment only when the symptoms begin to affect quality of life.

If you are experiencing any of the above-mentioned symptoms, consult your doctor. Lymphoma is often a highly-treatable form of cancer but an early diagnosis greatly improves a patient’s prognosis.