lymphoma prognosis | What's the prognosis for lymphoma?

What's the prognosis for lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that is found in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is mainly responsible for the control of infections in the body. lymph node clusters or glands are found throughout the body as well, in the neck, armpits, Upper thoracic region, and groin. Lymphoma cancer is often classified as Hodgkin's disease or non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, and the treatment and prognosis for each differ according to scenario.

Hodgkin's lymphoma
Also called Hodgkin's disease, this type of cancer affecting the immune system. In the past, Hodgkin's lymphoma, the least common of the two (non-Hodgkin's being the other), which is used to be almost always deadly. Today the outlook is better. The prognosis of Hodgkin's disease is determined by the age and general health of the individual, as well as the early way the cancer was detected.

Prognosis factors in Hodgkin's lymphoma
Prognosis for Hodgkin's lymphoma is determined by the distance the spread of cancer between the lymph nodes. In Hodgkin's disease, cancer usually spreads progressively from one cluster of lymph nodes to another. For this reason, if the affected lymph nodes are removed, there is a good chance of preventing the spread of cancer to other groups of lymph nodes.

Staging of Hodgkin's lymphoma and prognosis
Hodgkin's lymphoma is classified in severity in stages. Making a prognosis will also be determined by this stage, the lymphoma is diagnosed when. Stage one defines cancer in a knot or lymphatic organ so the second step defines the cancer found in two knots, or in other organs limited to upper or lower torso development. Third stage defines cancer of the lymph that is propagated to the lymph nodes in both upper and lower torso locations if no organs are still affected. Step four defines cancer as having spread beyond the lymph nodes to other organs, including bone marrow. This step is considered advanced and the prognosis is poor.

Prognostic factors in non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma usually affects white blood cells, lymph nodes and spleen. Early diagnosis increases a positive prognosis, but other factors such as where the cancer was found, how widespread it was and the age and general condition of the patient will determine the prognosis. The prognosis will also be determined by the fact that the lymph nodes treated or shrink reduce the size. Relapse is fairly common in cases of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, but again depends on subtypes of cancers present in the lymph nodes.

Other factors related to lymphoma non-Hodgkin's prognosis
In some cases, a person with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be treated successfully and remission for a type of cancer, commonly known as the NHL, only to be diagnosed later with another type or form of the disease. However, early detection is one of the most common indicators in favorable prognosis of lymphoma-type cancers.

Prognosis and Technology
Today's technology allows doctors to spot cancer outgrowths much earlier. CT and TEP can spot cancer tumors in more cases than those who use X-rays only to determine a diagnosis. Patient education and awareness, as well as early diagnosis and treatment offers more positive prognosis for all types of lymphatic cancers.