Lymphoma is a cancer that initiates in the cells responsible for fighting infections in the immune system. These white blood cells, called lymphocytes, are mostly present in the lymph nodes, thymus, spleen, and bone marrow.
These lymphocytes travel through the lymphatic system in a fluid called lymph. The lymph travels through glands called lymph nodes and helps in removing cellular waste, dead cells, etc., from the human body and fighting infections.
To answer the question, “What is lymphoma?”, lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system. Lymphoma cancer develops when the white blood cells in the lymphatic system grow without any control.
As the name suggests, cancer of the lymph nodes is characterized by abnormalities in the immune system. Unchecked growth of lymphocytes hampers the body's abilities to fight infections and results in a reduction in the number of healthy red blood cells and platelets.
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Each of these types of lymphoma is further classified into various subtypes depending on the type of cells from which the cancer originates.
Lymphoma can form anywhere in the body where there are lymphocytes. Mostly, these lymphocytes are found in the spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and lymph nodes.
Lymphoma in lymph nodes, also referred to as a lymph node tumor, refers to the uncontrolled growth of cancerous cells in the lymph node. Lymph nodes are bean-shaped organs responsible for filtering out dead cells, cellular waste, and cancerous cells from the body.
As the name suggests, lymphoma in the spleen implies the growth of cancerous cells in the spleen, an organ responsible for filtering blood and removing old, worn-out platelets and red blood cells.
Lymphoma in the thymus refers to the growth of a malignant tumor in the thymus, a small organ situated in the chest. The thymus produces T cells, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infections.
Lymphoma in the bone marrow implies cancer that either originates in the bone marrow or has spread from lymph nodes to the marrow.
Lymphoma classification is done by considering multiple factors, such as its cell type, clinical behavior, genetic features, and appearance under the microscope. Broadly, all types of lymphoma can be divided into two main groups: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and both of these types are further classified.
Hodgkin's lymphoma's meaning has been explained in simple terms as the cancer of B-cells in the immune system. B-cells are the white blood cells responsible for fighting infections and producing antibodies.
Hodgkin’s or Hodgkin Lymphoma types can be classified into two further subtypes: Classical Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The non-Hodgkin's lymphoma definition is that it is a type of cancer that may either affect B-cells or T-cells. There are 8 types of lymphoma cancer under this type, which include:
Mantle Cell Lymphoma is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype, and it is characterized by the uncontrolled growth of B lymphocytes in the mantle zone, or outer layer, of the lymph nodes.
Cutaneous B-cell lymphoma is a subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer. It initiates in the skin and is classified by the unrestricted development of B lymphocytes.
Cutaneous T-cell Lymphoma refers to a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer affecting the skin and classified by the uncontrolled growth of the T lymphocytes.
Burkitt's Lymphoma is one of the most aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma types, which initiates in the B lymphocytes and mainly affects the lymph nodes. The cancer has been named after a British surgeon, Denis Burkitt, who primarily described the characteristics of Burkitt's Lymphoma.
Follicular Lymphoma is a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer that implies the unrestrained growth of B lymphocytes in the lymph nodes and other significant lymphoid tissues.
Anaplastic Large Cell Lymphoma refers to a non-Hodgkin's lymphoma blood cancer that arises from the T lymphocytes in the immune system and is characterized by the growth of anaplastic cells.
Peripheral T-Cell Lymphomas are a rare subtype of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma that arises from mature T lymphocytes in the immune system.
Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia is a rare non-Hodgkin's lymphoma subtype that is characterized by the overproduction of monoclonal immunoglobulin M (IgM), an antibody, in the human body.
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the lymphatic system of the body, an integral part of the human immune system. This cancer develops when the white blood cells, called lymphocytes, present in the immune system grow uncontrolled. These lymphocytes are responsible for producing antibodies for fighting diseases and regulating the immune system.
Most of the lymphoma signs and symptoms are similar to those of some less serious diseases, such as HIV, Epstein-Barr virus, rheumatoid arthritis, sarcoidosis, celiac disease, and hyperthyroidism.
Thus, it is recommended to visit the doctor if the patient witnesses any of the symptoms associated with lymphoma. The doctor would conduct a physical examination and also order some tests to arrive at a conclusive diagnosis.
Increasing age is a common risk factor for lymphoma and is prevalent among people over the age of 65. Also, those with a weaker immune system and certain inherited genetic conditions, such as ataxia-telangiectasia and Bloom syndrome, are at high risk of developing lymphoma.
While non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects people who are between the ages of 60 and 80, Hodgkin's lymphoma mainly affects people who are either above 65 years old or between 20 and 30.
Lymphoma cancer symptoms can be categorized into Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms.
Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms include swollen lymph nodes, night sweats, fever, weight loss, itching, coughing, and pain in the affected lymph nodes. The non-Hodgkin's lymphoma symptoms, in addition to these above-mentioned symptoms, also include chest pain, abdominal pain, skin lesions, and neurological issues.
Here are some of the most common lymphoma symptoms affecting patients:
Swollen lymph nodes are considered to be one of the most common signs of lymphoma. These lymph nodes are bean-shaped, small organs present throughout our body.
These enlarged or swollen lymph nodes, which feel like firm lumps, are present in the groin region, armpits, and neck.
Fatigue is also one of the most common lymphoma signs and symptoms, and it should not be ignored. Lymphoma leads to inflammation of the tissues and organs, resulting in fatigue even after doing little tasks.
Though fatigue is one of the most common lymphoma symptoms, it can be caused by many other reasons as well, for example, anemia.
Cancerous cells utilize a lot of energy to grow and multiply, and in return, the human body also uses energy to fight these cells. This overuse of energy causes weight loss, which is also counted among the early symptoms of lymphoma.
Night sweats are basically excessive sweating episodes that happen while sleeping. The sweating can even leave your bedsheets and clothes soaked. The real reason why lymphoma causes night sweating is not really known, but experts believe that this is a body reaction to certain chemicals released by cancerous cells.
A low-grade fever could also be one of the signs of lymphoma; however, this may not be consistent. Also, there may be other lymphoma symptoms, such as night sweats and unexplained weight loss, accompanying the fever.
The reason why lymphoma leads to fever is the production of cytokines by the cancerous cells.
Itchy skin is a common symptom of Hodgkin's lymphoma and is also one of the most common skin lymphoma symptoms. Lymphoma can cause itching in the skin around the affected lymph nodes, lower legs, and skin lymphoma patches.
As cancerous cells use excess body energy, the patient may often feel fatigued and have a loss of appetite, along with nausea or vomiting.
As lymphoma affects the lymph nodes in the chest, it can create pressure on the lungs or airways. This leads to shortness of breath, coughing, and chest pain.
As this cancer affects the lymph nodes in the abdomen or the lymphatic tissues present in the spleen or liver, it can lead to lymphoma symptoms, such as stomach pain, nausea, and vomiting.
Lymphoma is known to affect the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system responsible for fighting all kinds of infections. Thus, patients with lymphoma may feel pain in the affected body parts, such as the bones, chest, or stomach.
If you experience any of the lymphoma symptoms mentioned above or identify with the possible lymphoma causes or risk factors, it is advisable to see an oncologist. The oncologist would then perform a physical exam or other tests, such as imaging tests or blood tests, to diagnose lymphoma.
When the white blood cells of the lymphatic system undergo mutation and lead to the formation of cancerous cells, it is referred to as lymphoma. However, the exact causes of these mutations leading to lymphoma are not known.
But there are some conditions or situations that can increase an individual's risk of getting lymphoma. The following are some of the possible lymphoma causes or risk factors:
Older age is counted among the common risk factors for lymphoma, as it usually affects people who are between the ages of 60 and 80.
Though gender is not a potential cause of lymphoma, gender differences are associated with the occurrence of lymphoma. For example, males are more likely to get Hodgkin's lymphoma, while females have a higher chance of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
A weakened immune system can also be a possible cause of lymphoma cancer. As lymphoma affects the body's ability to fight infections, a compromised immune system can increase the risk of developing lymphoma.
Certain auto-immune disorders that lead to the body attacking its own immune system can also be counted among potential lymphoma reasons. These include Sjögren's syndrome, systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE), and rheumatoid arthritis.
Patients suffering from certain infections may also have a higher risk of developing lymphoma. These infections include the Helicobacter pylori infection and the Epstein-Barr virus.
Individuals with a close family member, such as a parent, sister, child, or brother, suffering from lymphoma have a slightly higher risk of developing this cancer. Minor inherited genetic changes can be the reason for this increased risk.
A personal history of lymphoma can substantially increase the risk of developing lymphoma again, known as recurrent lymphoma.
Exposure to some chemicals, toxins, and pesticides can also be considered potential lymphoma causes. However, the relationship between these chemical exposures and the risk of developing lymphoma is still under study.
Radiation exposure due to cancer treatments or nuclear exposure has also been linked to an increased risk of developing lymphoma.
If you experience any of the lymphoma symptoms mentioned above or identify with the possible lymphoma causes or risk factors, it is advisable to see an oncologist. The oncologist would then perform a physical exam or other tests, such as imaging tests or blood tests, to diagnose lymphoma.
Like any other cancer, the survival rate of lymphoma depends significantly on its early detection. The diagnosis of lymphoma and its treatment depend on the type and extent of the cancer's spread.
Also, the lymphoma diagnosis includes a combination of medical tests and scans, which help the doctors design an effective line of treatment as well. These tests are also used to help doctors diagnose, stage, and manage lymphoma effectively.
Lymphoma diagnostic tests consist of different examinations to determine the presence of lymphoma and, if present, its stage and type. The testing for lymphoma begins with a physical examination, during which the doctor discusses the patient's symptoms and medical history.
In addition, the doctor may order certain advanced tests if the need arises. Doctors often use the following tests for lymphoma diagnosis:
If and when a patient visits a doctor with symptoms of lymphoma, they will first do a detailed physical examination. During this examination, the doctor would check for enlarged lymph nodes, spleen enlargement, rashes or discoloration of the skin, fever, unusual weight loss, and swelling or masses in the locations of lymph nodes.
Getting knowledge about the patient's medical history is also an integral step in lymphoma detection. A proper medical history evaluation helps the doctor get information about the lymphoma risk factors among a patient, gauge a patient's overall health condition, and select the most effective treatment for lymphoma based on the findings.
Doctors also conduct a blood test for lymphoma detection, as it can assist in identifying the presence of any abnormal white blood cells, determining the extent of the disease's spread, if any, and gauging the elevated levels of proteins in the blood caused by lymphoma.
Imaging tests are used to get detailed images of the body's insides and are effective in diagnosing lymphoma's extent of spread. Some of the imaging tests are CT scans, MRI imaging tests, and PET scans.
A biopsy is a commonly recommended diagnostic test for the conclusive diagnosis of lymphoma that involves the removal of a small part of the body's tissues. This sample is then examined under a microscope for a definitive diagnosis.
Through a biopsy, the doctor can inspect the shape and size of the cancerous cells, their arrangement, and other abnormalities.
Flow cytometry is a laboratory test performed to check for normal and abnormal cells associated with lymphoma. The test analyzes the surface markers on the cancerous cells identified in a biopsy sample.
The analysis of the surface markers helps in identifying the lymphoma's stage and type. The results of the test are used to plan the treatment of lymphoma.
Immunohistochemistry is a technique used in laboratories for the diagnosis of lymphoma, determining the probable prognosis of lymphoma, and determining the response to treatment.
The test makes use of antigens to identify certain proteins present in the tissue samples. This further helps the doctors determine the cell types and their associated markers.
Molecular testing is again a laboratory test used in the analysis of the changes in the molecular and genetic characteristics of lymphoma cancerous cells. The doctors use the test results to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma, which helps in making effective treatment decisions and predicting the likely prognosis of the disease.
Cytogenetics is a lymphoma detection test that involves studying the abnormalities in chromosomal structures within the cells. The test is again used to confirm a lymphoma diagnosis and define a line of treatment for the cancer.
Lymph node aspiration is a procedure during which cells from the enlarged lymph nodes are removed through a thin needle. The sample is then studied under a microscope for signs of lymphoma.
This is a safe and minimally invasive method that does not cause any discomfort to the patient but has a high diagnostic success rate.
Staging is again an effective test for lymphoma and is used to determine the extent of cancer's spread in the body. The test gauges the size and extent of the spread of the cancerous cells. This analysis then helps the doctor make a treatment plan as per the patient's condition and the cancer's stage.
Doctors conduct a bone marrow examination or test to check the presence of lymphoma cells in the bone marrow. Bone marrow is a spongy tissue present in the bones that is responsible for the production of white blood cells, red blood cells, and platelets.
A lumbar puncture or spinal tap is a test used to determine whether cancerous cells have spread to the cerebrospinal fluid (CSF) around the spinal cord and brain. Though lumbar puncture is not a primary lymphoma detection method, doctors may conduct this test if they are suspicious of the involvement of the central nervous system.
As the name suggests, genetic profiling refers to a test for studying any genetic mutations, alterations, or changes in the behavior of lymphoma cancerous cells. The outcomes of the test are useful for getting information about lymphoma subtypes, effective treatment options, and a likely prognosis.
Various factors contribute to designing a relevant treatment for lymphoma. A complete understanding of these factors helps doctors achieve a high lymphoma treatment success rate. These factors include the stage of lymphoma, the type of lymphoma, and the patient's complete health scenario.
Here are the different treatment options available for lymphoma. Each of these treatment options is selected by the team of doctors based on the factors mentioned above and the patient's condition.
Lymphoma chemotherapy includes treatment for both types of lymphoma: non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Chemotherapy is a procedure through which drugs are used to kill cancerous cells. The medicines are injected into the bloodstream to reach cancerous cells.
During lymphoma chemotherapy, the drugs may be injected directly into a vein, given in the form of pills, or injected directly into the cerebrospinal fluid through intrathecal injection.
Another standard method used for the treatment of lymphoma is radiation therapy. It is often used to damage cancer cells that have spread to internal organs. The method uses high-energy radiation rays to kill the cancerous cells.
Immunotherapy for lymphoma is a constructive treatment method that uses the patient's immune system to kill cancerous cells. Different types of immunotherapy for lymphoma include checkpoint inhibitors, monoclonal antibodies, and CAR T-cell therapy.
Targeted therapy is a treatment of lymphoma that uses medicines to target proteins responsible for controlling the growth, division, and spread of the cancerous cells. These targeted therapies have been successful in treating different subtypes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
A stem cell transplant is used for lymphoma treatment, along with high-dose chemotherapy. This method is used for replacing cancerous bone marrow cells with healthy stem cells. This replacement leads to an increased production of new and healthy cells.
Precision medicine is a treatment procedure that uses the patient's cancer information to target specific proteins, genes, and molecules. These genes, molecules, and proteins are the ones that are involved in cancer's growth in a patient's body.
Monoclonal antibodies are a kind of targeted drug that are made to target specific proteins present on the cancerous cells' surface. This helps the human immune system to identify and kill the cancerous cells.
CAR T-cell therapy is a kind of immunotherapy for lymphoma that uses the patient's T-cells in the immune system to destroy the cancerous cells. This T-cell lymphoblastic lymphoma treatment involves the removal the deceased T-cells and then genetically modifying them to be reinfused into the patient's body.
Steroids are a line of treatments that are known to decrease inflammation caused by cancerous cells and also suppress the human immune system.
Clinical tests are studies based on research regarding various aspects of cancer and using the information for designing an effective line of treatment for lymphoma. These clinical trials seek information about new drugs and their usage and effectiveness, and other treatment options as well.
Patients who have exhausted all their treatment options may opt for clinical trials. To understand more about enroling to a clinical trial, patients must talk to their doctor.
HCG brings a professionally trained multidisciplinary care team of experts with the right experience and expertise to evaluate and design a proper treatment for lymphoma. Access to the latest technologies used for lymphoma diagnosis and treatment also makes HCG stand out from the crowd.
Unfortunately, there is no decisive answer on how to prevent lymphoma. The main reason for this is that we do not have complete information about the exact causes of lymphoma.
However, understanding lymphoma risk factors can play a significant role in reducing the chances of developing lymphoma. In addition, based on this information, high-risk individuals can make informed decisions regarding their healthcare and lifestyle.
Gaining a better understanding of lymphoma risk factors goes a long way in getting relevant answers to questions such as 'how to reduce risk of lymphoma.' Also, these risk factors can be categorized into Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma risk factors, depending on the type of lymphoma.
Here are some common lymphoma cancer risk factors that can help in the diagnosis and treatment of cancer.
Lymphoma age risk is an aspect that cannot be ignored easily. While non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects people between the ages of 60 and 80, Hodgkin lymphoma affects people over the age of 65 and people between the ages of 20 and 30.
Another known lymphoma risk factor is having an impaired immune system. The human immune system is designed to fight against all kinds of infections, and any disruption in this protective layer can increase the risk of developing cancer. A weakened immune system can result from autoimmune diseases, HIV infection, organ transplants, or cancer treatments.
Certain infections may also serve as an important lymphoma risk factor. While some of these infections can hamper an individual's immune system, others can damage the DNA of normal cells.
Some infections that are associated with the risk of developing lymphoma are Epstein-Barr virus, Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus type 1 (HTLV-1), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV), and Helicobacter pylori.
However, it is important to note that not all patients with these infections get lymphoma; it just increases their chances of developing it.
Lymphoma genetic risk is another aspect to be noted when it comes to lymphoma causes and risk factors. An individual with a close relative, such as siblings or parents, is in a higher risk bracket of developing lymphoma.
Though the direct relationship between genetics and lymphoma has not been properly understood, experts believe that genetic mutations do fall under common lymphoma risk factors.
For example, the gene MYC undergoes mutation in Burkitt lymphoma, while the BCL-2 gene undergoes mutation in follicular lymphoma.
Autoimmune diseases refer to conditions where the human immune system gets confused and attacks only the body's healthy tissues and cells. Though the association between autoimmune diseases and the risk of developing lymphoma is not completely understood, there are a few explanations.
As per experts, since autoimmune diseases weaken an individual's immune system through chronic inflammation, which, in turn increases the risk of lymphoma. Also, some of these autoimmune diseases are caused by genetic mutations, which again contribute to a high risk for lymphoma.
Excessive chemical exposure can result in the damage or mutation of human cells' DNA and even disrupt the body's immune system. This can further lead to the development of cancerous cells, increasing the risk of lymphoma.
A few chemicals that have been associated with B-cell lymphoma risk factors are benzene, pesticides, chlorophenols, and organic solvents.
Radiation exposure is also a potential risk factor for lymphoma as it can cause DNA mutations in health cells. Radiation exposure can either directly cause harm to the cell's DNA or lead to the production of free radicals through interaction with water molecules present in the cells, which in turn can damage the DNA.
Previous cancer treatments, such as radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and targeted therapy, can cause damage to nearby healthy cells. Thus, experts count previous cancer treatments as potential lymphoma risk factors as well.
However, the risk of developing this cancer depends significantly on the dose, type, and duration of the lymphoma treatment.
Genetic factors such as inherited mutations, certain genetic syndromes, such as Wiskott-Aldrich syndrome, and having a family history also add to the risk of getting lymphoma. These genetic factors can lead to mutations, increasing the chances of developing cancer.
Though there are no definitive ways of preventing lymphoma, adopting certain measures can surely help reduce the risk of developing cancer.
Smoking can have an adverse effect on the genetics of healthy cells, increasing the chances of cancer development. Thus, it is recommended to quit smoking as a potential lymphoma cancer prevention strategy.
A potential lymphoma prevention diet should include a balance of fruits, whole grains, and nuts while limiting the intake of processed meats and sugary drinks.
As excessive alcohol consumption can weaken an individual's immune system, it is recommended to limit its consumption to reduce the risk of lymphoma.
Certain infections associated with lymphoma, such as Epstein-Barr virus or Hepatitis C virus (HCV), can hamper the healthy DNA of the cells; treating them can help in potential lymphoma prevention as well.
Minimizing excessive exposure to toxic chemicals, such as benzene, can also help reduce the risk of developing lymphoma.
As radiation exposure can damage the DNA structure of healthy cells, leading to an increased risk of lymphoma, it is often recommended to limit radiation exposure as much as possible.
As lymphoma affects the lymphatic system, an important part of the immune system, experts advise making efforts to maintain a healthy immune system for potential lymphoma prevention.
Excessive weight can also increase the risk of getting lymphoma, as it can lead to problems affecting an individual's healthy immune system. Thus, maintaining a healthy weight can go a long way toward possible lymphoma prevention.
Staying physically active while exercising regularly is also considered effective in reducing the risk of developing lymphoma.
The Internet is filled with queries like “What is lymphoma disease?”, “Lymphoma cancer meaning”, etc. However, it is also filled with information that may or may not be understood by all.
In simple terms, lymphoma refers to cancer of the lymphatic system. By affecting the lymphatic system, it hampers the body’s ability to fight infections and other bodily functions. It is important to be mindful of the different symptoms associated with lymphoma and promptly see a doctor when something is not normal.
