The immune system has infectious-fighting cells called lymphocytes, Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins to fight the lymphocytes. The cells are found in the lymph nodes, which consist of; the spleen, the nodes, the thymus, bone marrow, and other body parts, with the presence of lymphoma, lymphocytes change and grow out of control. The major cause of the DNA change is unclear, and even people who do not have the risk factors can still develop the cancerous disease.
Lymphoma happens when the white blood cells (lymphocytes), grow out of control. The average life span of a lymphoma cell is very brief until the cell dies
There are two major types of lymphoma;
Non-Hodgkin: So many categories of lymphoma belong here, they are categorized based on the type of cell they affect and if these cells are growing fast or growing slowly. Non-Hodgkin can be further categorized into several forms; B-cell lymphoma, T-cell lymphoma, Burkitt's lymphoma, Follicular lymphoma, mantle cell lymphoma, primary mediastinal B cell lymphoma, small lymphocytic lymphoma, and lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma.
Hodgkin: This type of lymphoma begins in the RS cells, the main cause of this type of lymphoma is unknown, it affects basically older adults and there are types; Lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin's disease, Lymphocyte-rich Hodkin's disease, Nodular sclerosis Hodgkin's lymphoma.
The two types of lymphoma involve different types of lymphocyte cells. Every form of lymphoma grows at different rates and responds to treatments differently. The good thing is, lymphoma is highly treatable, the outcome of this disease depends greatly on the type and the stage of existing lymphoma.
Lymphoma should not be confused with leukemia, as each of the cancers starts in a different type of cell. Lymphoma begins in infection-fighting lymphocytes while leukemia, on the other hand, begins in blood-forming cells inside the bone marrow. Lymphedema, is a fluid collection that forms in body tissues when there is blockage /damage to the lymph system.
The early stage of lymphoma may not come with symptoms, but the discovery of an enlarged lymph node during a physical examination, could mean the presence of lymphoma, the lymph node may be a small, soft nodule found under the skin, the lymph node would be seen in the; groin, neck, upper chest, and the armpit.
The warning signs of lymphoma include;
- Cough
- Shortness of breath.
- Tiredness.
- Constant itching.
- Constant weight loss.
- Fever.
Remember that, these symptoms could be a signal for other illnesses, as it may not just be a sign of lymphoma alone, only a confirmed doctor's report would certify the presence of lymphoma.
You stand a greater chance of having the disease if you fall into one of these categories;
If you are male, some types of lymphoma could exist in females as well.
If you have a close relative who has lymphoma.
If you fall within the age group of 15-40, there is a chance of developing Hodgkin lymphoma.
If you have a weak immune system.
If you previously had HIV/AIDS or an organ transplant.
Have family members/close relatives who have lymphoma.
If you fall within the age group of 60 years and above.
After lymphoma has been successfully diagnosed and announced to patients, the feeling of a range of emotions like confusion, distress, and anxiety are very common, these are normal reactions and highly expected, it is good to be around loved ones and give them reassurance of hope.
When lymphoma is suspected, a biopsy is usually the next line of action for doctors, this would involve the removal of cells from an enlarged lymph node, it is not just any random doctor who can perform the procedure, it would require a hematopathologist to examine the cells in the determination of the present lymphoma cells and the types. When hematopathologists detect the presence of lymphoma cells, more tests will be required in order to determine the level of the cancerous spread, the tests include;
- Blood test to determine white and red blood cell count.
- Chest x-ray.
- Testing close lymph nodes or tissues.
- Bone marrow aspiration, this procedure involves the removal of a little amount of liquid from the bone marrow for testing.
- Lumbar puncture, this procedure involves the removal of a little amount of fluid from the spine for testing.
Treating lymphomas is not a day job as different specialists would need to come together in order to successfully treat the patient.
First, a hematologist would have to be present, they specialized in blood, bone marrow, and immune cell disorders.
Oncologists, also need to be present to treat cancerous tumors.
Pathologists on the other hand would assist the doctors in the planning and the identification of a certain functional treatment.
The treatment plan for lymphoma does not work successfully for every treated patient and this is because the success of the treatment procedure is dependent on the patient's overall health. the type of lymphoma the patient has as well as the cancer stage. In the 1st stage of cancer tumor is reduced to just a few lymph nodes while at stage 4, the tumor has spread to other organs like the bone marrow and the bone.
The two types of lymphoma can be collectively grouped into four stages, the description and stage classification is dependent on the location of the cancer and the level at which it has spread to.
Stage 1 cancer only affects one lymph node or one organ site.
Stage 2 cancer affects two lymph nodes existing one close to another and on the same side of the body, or cancer could be in one organ and near the lymph nodes.
Stage 3 cancer affects the lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm.
Stage 4 cancer could affect just an organ and spread over the nearby lymph nodes. With the progression of the NHL, it may begin to spread. The most common sites for advanced NHL are the liver, bone marrow, and lungs. Even if stage 4 cancer is an advanced stage, it can still be treated.