Lymphoma cancer
Lymphoma begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes, which change and grow out of control.
The lymphocytes are found in the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, bone marrow, and other parts of the body.
There are 2 types of lymphoma: Non-Hodgskin (most common) and Hodgskin; they both involve different types of lymphocyte cells.
Lymphoma is very treatable, and the outlook can vary depending on the type of lymphoma and its stage.
What are the symptoms?
- Swollen glands (nymph nodes) - often in the neck, armpit, or groin that are painless
- Cough
- Shortness of breath
- Fever
- Night sweats
- Fatigue
- Weight loss
- Itching
What are the treatments?
The main treatments for non-Hodgskin are:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiotherapy
- Immunotherapy
- Targeted therapy that targets aspects of lymphoma cells to curb their growth
The main treatments for Hodgkin lymphoma are:
- Chemotherapy
- Radiation therapy
- Immunotherapy
What are the risk factors?
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Age: Most cases occur after 60 years old.
- Chemicals and radiation: Nuclear radiation and some chemicals used in agriculture have been linked to non-Hodgkin lymphoma.
- Immunodeficiency: A person with a weak immune system is more at risk.
- Breast implants: These can cause anaplastic large cell lymphoma in the breast tissue.
- Body weight and diet: Obesity has been implicated in the development of lymphoma, although more research is needed to confirm the link.
Hodgkin lymphoma
- Infectious mononucleosis: Infection with EBV can cause mononucleosis, which increases the risk of lymphoma.
- Age: People between the ages of 20 and 30 years and people over the age of 55 years have a higher risk
- Men
- Family: If a sibling has the condition, the risk is slightly higher, and very high if the sibling is an identical twin.
- HIV
More information on:
