Lymphoma
Lymphoma is a general term used to describe a group of tumors and cancers that begin from Lymphatic cells. It is often portrayed as just a single cancer type rather than being a few different types of cancers.
The most common symptoms are: Enlarged Lymph Nodes and Night sweats
Lymphoma in some cases, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body including: Lungs, Liver, and/or Brain.
Two Main Categories of Lymphoma
1.) Hodgkin Lymphoma
2.) Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Dozens of Subtypes
– Two additional categories by WHO (World Health Organization): Multiple Myeloma and Immunoproliferative Diseases.
– 90% of Lymphomas are non-Hodgkin
Symptoms
– Enlarged lymph nodes (Usually painless)
– Weight loss
– Fever
– Chills
– Nausea
– Itching of skin
– Sweating (often at night)
– Fatigue
Risk Factors
1.) Hodgkin Lymphoma
– Epstein-Barr Virus
– Genetics
2.) Non-Hodgkin Lymphomas
– Autoimmune diseases
– HIV
– Human T-Lymphotropic Virus
– Some medications (Immunosuppressant)
– Pesticides
– Red Meat – may be a risk
– Other
Diagnosis
– Physical exam with enlarged lymph nodes
– Lymph node Biopsy
– Bone marrow testing
– Blood work and Urine testing
– CT/MRI as needed
Staging
1.) After diagnosis and before treatment is begun, the cancer must be staged.
2.) This is done between Stage I (confined) and Stage IV (spread).
3.) This is done as it affects prognosis and treatment.
Treatment
1.) Chemotherapy
2.) Radiation
3.) Targeted Therapy
4.) Surgery
5.) Plasmapheresis – blood treatment to remove protein.
6.) Watchful waiting – only for some types – not all.
Demographics
With Hodgkin, the 5-year survival is 85%. When compared to Non-Hodgkin, the 5-year survival is 69%
There are 550,000+ new diagnosis of Lymphoma worldwide was seen in 2012. And there were 300,000+ deaths worldwide were seen in 2012.
Lymphoma makes up less than 5% of all cancers. It is the 7th most common form of cancer and the 3rd most common form of cancer in children.
It occurs more often in developed countries.