lymphoma cancer

Lymphoma Cancer

Definition
Lymphoma is a generic term for cancers of the lymphatic system (cancer of the lymph nodes). The lymphatic system is a part of the human immune system.

The lymphatic system consists of a complex network of lymphatic organs including the bone marrow, tonsils, the thymus (located behind the sternum), the lymphatic tissue of the intestine and the spleen.

The disease occurs mainly in the lymph node of the lymph nodes and is propagated by lymphatic means. Lymph (liquid in the lymphatic vessels) has the function of transporting nutrients and residues.

The main types
Two main types of lymphoma (lymphatic gland cancer) are distinguished:
Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease)
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

-Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease):
Hodgkin's disease is part of the malignant Lymphoma Group and is characterized by specific giant cells (Reed-Sternberg cells).

These cells do not die as normal lymphocytes, but produce an ever-increasing amount of these abnormal cells. The disease was described for the first time in 1832 by the pathologist Thomas Hodgkin, who gave him his name. Overall, the prognosis of the disease is good.

-Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL):
Like Hodgkin's disease, non-Hodgkin (NHL) lymphomas are part of the malignant Lymphoma Group. But unlike Hodgkin's disease, the term NHL includes a large number of different malignant lymphomas.

Low-grade malignant lymphomas and high-grade malignant lymphomas are distinguished.

For low-grade malignant lymphoma, tumor cells divide and multiply slowly.

For aggressive high-grade malignant lymphoma, tumor cells divide and multiply very rapidly in the organism.

Low-grade malignant lymphomas can take years to form and do not affect patients too early in the disease (adverse effects of chemotherapy are more damaging).

High-grade malignant lymphomas, if not treated, cause the patient to die in a matter of months. In case of treatment started early, the prognosis is favorable.

The disease mainly affects people between the ages of 20 and 40 and persons over 70 years of age. Men are slightly more affected by disease than women. Every year about 25 000 people die from this cancer around the world.

The causes

The causes of lymphoma are not known. People with weakened immune systems (AIDS patients) were found to be more frequently infected with the disease.

It is assumed that certain chemicals and insecticides, as well as some wood preservatives, may cause lymphoma.

Lymphomas are not hereditary and no contamination is possible.

It was also found that people who underwent transplants (under certain medications) were more likely to have lymphomas. In about 40 to 60% of people with Hodgkin's disease, an Epstein-Barr virus is detectable. This is how the virus is connected to the disease.

Disorders (symptoms)

First of all, the patient feels sick in an influenza state. The lymph nodes of the neck, armpits, groin or rib cage are swollen but generally not painful.

The patients complain:

General exhaustion, fatigue, decreased performance

Night Sweating

Loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss

of itching

Eventually, pain in the lymph nodes after alcohol consumption

Advanced Stage:

Increase in spleen and liver volume (palpable).

Anemia (in case of bone marrow damage).

Exams (diagnosis)

Usually a lymphoma is accidentally detected

History with the patient's symptoms taken into account.

Collection of tissue samples from a lymph node.

Identification of Sternberg-Reed cells.

Ultrasound.

Ct.

Bone marrow biopsy (bone marrow examination)

There are four different stages:

Stage I: Attainment of a single ganglionic group.

Stage II: Attainment of several ganglion groups (on one side of the diaphragm).

Stage III: Attainment of several ganglion groups (on both sides of the diaphragm).

Stage IV: Attainment of several organs such as liver, lungs or bone marrow.

Treatment Options

The choice of treatment depends on the stage of the disease and consists of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy. This choice also depends on the type of lymphoma, the degree of spread of the cancer, the chances of healing, the age of the patient and any associated illnesses.

After radiotherapy or in case of recurrence of the disease, a replacement of the bone marrow (transplantation) may be indispensable for certain lymphomas.

The main French association of support for patients and families: France lymphoma Hope