Disease Insights: lymphoma
Welcome to the ultimate guide on lymphoma. Here, you'll find answers to the most common questions to help you or your loved ones understand and manage this condition better.
Description for lymphoma
A type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, affecting white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Symptoms of lymphoma
fatigue, fever, night sweats, swollen lymph nodes, unexplained weight loss
Precautions for lymphoma
Undergo regular screenings, Avoid tobacco and alcohol, Maintain a healthy diet, Follow prescribed chemotherapy or
Questions Covered:
- what is lymphoma?
- What are the usual symptoms of lymphoma?
- causes of lymphoma?
- What are the potential risk factors associated with lymphoma?
- How do doctors usually figure out if someone has lymphoma, diagnosis?
Answers:
Question: what is lymphoma?
Lymphoma refers to cancer that starts in the lymphatic system and affects white blood cells called lymphocytes.
Question: What are the usual symptoms of lymphoma?
Lymphoma may not always cause symptoms in its early stages. Instead, a doctor may discover enlarged lymph nodes during a physical examination. These may feel like small, soft nodules under the skin. A person may feel the lymph nodes in the:
neck
upper chest
armpit
stomach
groin
Likewise, many of the symptoms of early lymphoma are not specific. That makes them easy to overlook. These common early symptoms of lymphoma include:
chills
cough
fatigue
enlarged spleen
fever
night sweats
itchy rash
shortness of breath
skin itching
stomach pain
loss of appetite
unexplained weight loss
Because the symptoms of lymphoma are often easily overlooked, it can be difficult to detect and then diagnose it in an early stage. It's important to know how the symptoms may begin to change as the cancer worsens.
Question: causes of lymphoma?
Lymphoma occurs when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow out of control. The average life span of a lymphocytes cell is brief, and then the cell dies. In people with lymphoma, however, DNA changes inside the lymphocytes cells cause them to thrive and spread instead of dying.
It's unclear what exactly causes this DNA change, and even though there are some risk factors connected with lymphoma, people without the risk factors can still develop these cancers.
Question: What are the potential risk factors associated with lymphoma?
Most diagnosed lymphoma cases have no known cause. However, some people are considered to be at higher risk.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors
Risk factors for NHL include:
Immunodeficiency. This could be due to a weak immune system from HIV or taking an immune system-suppressing drug after an organ transplant.
Autoimmune disease. People with certain autoimmune diseases, such as rheumatoid arthritis and celiac disease, have an increased risk of lymphoma.
Age. Lymphoma is most common in older individuals. However, some types are more common in children and infants.
Sex. The overall risk of NHL is higher in men than women, but there are some types of NHL that are more likely to develop in women.
Ethnicity. White people in the United States are more likely to develop some types of lymphoma than African Americans or Asian Americans.
Infection. People who have had infections such as the human T-cell leukemia/lymphotropic virus (HTLV-1), Heliobacter pylori, hepatitis C, or the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) are associated with an increased risk.
Chemical and radiation exposure. Those exposed to chemicals in pesticides, fertilizers, and herbicides are also at increased risk. Nuclear radiation can also increase risks for developing NHL.
Body size. Individuals living with obesity may be at a higher risk of developing lymphoma, but more research is needed to understand this possible risk factor.
Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors
Risk factors for Hodgkin's lymphoma include:
Age. More cases are diagnosed in people between the ages of 20 and 30 and in people over 55.
Sex. Men are more likely than women to develop this type of lymphoma.
Family history. If a sibling is diagnosed with this type of cancer, your risk of also developing it is higher.
Infectious mononucleosis. An EBV infection can cause mononucleosis. This infection can increase the risk of lymphoma.
Immunodeficiency. Individuals with HIV have a greater risk of developing lymphoma.
Question: How do doctors usually figure out if someone has lymphoma, diagnosis?
Typically, a doctor will do a biopsy if they suspect lymphoma. This involves removing cells from an enlarged lymph node. A specialist known as a hematopathologist will examine the cells to determine if lymphoma cells are present and what cell type they are.
If the hematopathologist detects lymphoma cells, further testing can identify how far the cancer has spread. These tests can include
a chest X-ray
blood testing to check on white and red blood cell count
testing nearby lymph nodes or tissues
a bone marrow aspiration, where a small amount of liquid is taken from bone marrow and tested
a lumbar puncture (spinal tap), where a small amount of fluid from the spine is removed and tested
an abdominal ultrasound
Imaging scans, such as CT or MRI scans may also identify additional tumors or enlarged lymph nodes.
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Conclusion & Takeaways
Learning about lymphoma is the first step toward taking control of your health. By understanding its causes, symptoms, and treatments, you empower yourself to make informed decisions. Remember to consult healthcare professionals for personalized advice and support.