when a lymphocyte (a type of white blood cell) that is a part of the lymph system becomes cancerous, it may grow and multiply to form a lymphoma.
Which part of my body is affected?:
Lymphoma may affect any of the parts of the lymph system. Most commonly, patients first notice an enlargement of lymph nodes - usually in the neck, groin or armpits. But lymphomas can occur in other organs as well. This is because small amounts of lymph and lymph tissue pass through practically all organs in the body in order that white blood cells can reach them to control infections.
One disease or many?:
Lymphoma is not a single cancer but a group of many related cancers. In fact, there are nearly 30 different types of lymphoma. Broadly, they are grouped under two categories: Hodgkin Disease and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. These two broad groups may be similar in their symptoms and the tests that are required, but they behave differently when they affect a person.
Top 8 Warning Signs of Lymphoma
1. Painless lumps in your neck, armpits or groin
2. Weight loss
3. Fever
4. Excessive sweating at night
5. Itchiness all over your body
6. Loss of appetite
7. A feeling of weakness
8. Breathlessness along with swelling of the face and neck
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
Most people with lymphoma first notice enlarged lymph nodes in their neck, armpits or groin. They also may have fever, weight loss and other vague symptoms that can mimic other diseases. Your doctor may suspect lymphoma based on the symptoms you have or from scans of affected parts of your body.
How is Lymphoma Treated?
An Introduction to Lymphoma Treatment
To someone newly diagnosed with lymphoma, treatment options may be difficult to understand. There are nearly 30 types of lymphoma, and often there are multiple treatment options for a single disease. Here is a brief guide to understanding lymphoma treatment.
Before treatment is decided
After the diagnosis of lymphoma and finding out the exact type of Hodgkin's or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, a number of tests are carried out to find out the extent of disease (the stage of lymphoma) and other factors that determine the prognosis.
Treatment of Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually treated with chemotherapy and radiotherapy. Treatment options are based on the stage of lymphoma and some prognostic factors. Nearly all patients receive chemotherapy, and radiation may be used in early stage disease usually after chemotherapy or occasionally as the only treatment.
Treatment of non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas (NHL)
There are nearly 25 different types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Some of them behave very differently from others. The treatment of all NHL is not the same but depends on the type and behavior of the particular type. Chemotherapy is usually the main treatment. Radiation or monoclonal antibody therapy may be added to chemotherapy in some situations for added benefit.
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