Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer affecting lymphocytes, the body’s white blood cells. The lymphatic system comprises lymph nodes (lymph glands), the spleen, the thymus gland, and bone marrow. This type of cancer can affect all these locations, as well as other organs throughout the body. It is also known as lymphatic cancer or lymphatic system cancer. Some of the most common symptoms of this condition are listed below.
Symptoms of lymphoma
Swollen lymph nodes
The immune system fights infections with the help of lymph nodes. Swelling caused by this condition is mainly found in the neck, armpit, or groin. They frequently have a smooth, rounded, rubbery surface and move out of the way when pressed. They are not painful but can cause pain in the surrounding area.
Fatigue
Patients with this condition frequently experience a lack of motivation and energy. This type of fatigue is distinct from regular tiredness, resulting in physical fatigue or feeling worn out after little to no activity.
Unexpected loss in body mass
A drastic change in weight without exercise could be a sign of lymphoma. Cancerous cells put a lot of strain on the body, requiring a lot of energy to fight it. This loop causes a significant change in one’s BMI as well as fatigue and exhaustion in the body.
Infections
Typically, white blood cells fight infections. This condition inhibits the production of normal, healthy white blood cells. As a result, a wide range of illnesses spread quickly and have a long recovery time.
Sweating
Another symptom of lymphoma is night sweating, leaving them drenched in sweat or soaking wet while asleep. The reason for this could be the body’s reaction to the chemicals released by harmful cancer cells. Excess sweating can occur during the day too.
Itching
Itching (pruritus) is much more common in Hodgkin lymphoma than in non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It primarily affects the lower legs, patches of skin, and skin around affected lymph nodes. It may also cause a burning sensation and be extremely severe.
Causes of lymphoma
This type of cancer develops because of uncontrolled lymphocyte growth. A lymphocyte cell usually has a short lifespan before dying. However, in this condition, DNA changes within lymphocyte cells cause them to grow and spread rather than die.
The precise cause of this DNA alteration is still unknown; every type of lymphoma develops at a different rate and responds differently to therapy.
Diagnosis of lymphoma
A biopsy is usually recommended if this illness is suspected. Cells are extracted and tested from an enlarged lymph node to determine the type of cells present and to recommend the appropriate treatment.
If the doctor discovers lymphoma cells, further testing is performed to determine how far cancer has spread. These tests include a chest X-ray, blood work to determine white- and red-blood-cell counts, and tissue or lymph node testing. It also includes bone marrow testing, lumbar puncture (the extraction of a small amount of liquid from the spine), and CT and MRI scans.
Treatment of lymphoma
Following a list of tests, the treatment plan is likely to include a team of specialized doctors working together to diagnose and treat the problem. Hematologists are the specialists who focus on blood, bone marrow, and immune cell disorders, while cancerous tumors are treated by oncologists. Pathologists may collaborate with these doctors to help in treatment planning and determine the efficiency of a specific treatment.
The course of treatment will be determined by several factors, including the patient’s age, general health, type of cancer, and stage of cancer. Stage 1 tumors are limited to a few lymph nodes, whereas stage 4 tumors have spread to other organs such as the lungs or bone marrow.
Different kinds of treatment for lymphoma include:
Biologic therapy is a type of cancer treatment that stimulates the immune system. It is done through the introduction of living microbes into the body.
Antibody therapy involves administering synthetic antibodies intravenously into the patient’s bloodstream. They react to the chemicals released by cancer.
Chemotherapy is an aggressive chemical treatment used to target and kill cancer cells.
Radioimmunotherapy involves intravenously administering high-powered radioactive doses directly into cancerous B and T cells to kill them.
The condition can be managed via various treatments and remedies; hence, it is critical to consult a healthcare professional if any symptoms are suspected. Early treatment will help avoid complications.
