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Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

What is the lymphatic system?

The lymphatic system is part of the immune system, whose function is to fight disease and infections.

The lymphatic system includes:

> lymph - fluid in which the lymphocyte cells are suspended.

> lymph vessels - thin tubes that carry lymph fluid throughout the body.

> lymphocytes - cells that fight infection and disease.

> lymph nodes - bean-shaped organs, found in the underarm, groin, neck, and abdomen, that act as filters for the lymph fluid as it passes through them.

What is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's disease is a type of lymphoma, which is a cancer in the lymphatic system. It is estimated that there will be 54,370 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2004, according to the American Cancer Society. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is the third most common childhood cancer.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells can also spread to other organs.

There are several types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, which are classified by how quickly they spread.

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The following are the most common symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. However, each individual may experience symptoms differently. Symptoms may include:

  • painless swelling of lymph nodes in neck, underarm, and groin
  • fever
  • night sweats
  • fatigue
  • weight loss
  • itching of the skin
  • recurring infections

The symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may resemble other blood disorders or medical problems, such as influenza or other infections. Always consult your physician for a diagnosis.

What are the risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas?

Suggested risk factors for non-Hodgkin's lymphomas include the following:

What is a risk factor?

A risk factor is anything that may increase a person’s chance of developing a disease. It may be an activity, such as smoking, diet, family history, or many other things. Different diseases, including cancers, have different risk factors.

Although these factors can increase a person’s risk, they do not necessarily cause the disease. Some people with one or more risk factors never develop cancer, while others develop cancer and have no known risk factors.

But, knowing your risk factors to any disease can help to guide you into the appropriate actions, including changing behaviors and being clinically monitored for the disease.
  • genetic disease of the immune system

  • unprotected exposure to strong sunlight

  • high-fat, low-fiber diet

  • smoking

  • excessive alcohol consumption

  • environmental factors such as radiation, chemicals, and infections

  • organ transplantation

  • infections with human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) or human T-cell leukemia/lymphoma virus (HTLV-1)

  • infections with malaria

  • history of infectious mononucleosis (caused by an infection with the Epstein-Barr virus)

  • Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori) bacterium, which has been identified as a cause of stomach ulcers

What causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

No specific cause has been identified.

How is non-Hodgkin's lymphoma diagnosed?

In addition to a complete medical history and physical examination, diagnostic procedures for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma may include the following:

  • additional blood tests and other evaluation procedures

  • x-rays of the chest, bones, liver, and spleen - a diagnostic test that uses invisible electromagnetic energy beams to produce images of internal tissues, bones, and organs onto film.

  • lymph node biopsy - a procedure performed to remove tissue or cells from the body for examination under a microscope.

  • bone marrow aspiration and/or biopsy - a procedure that involves taking a small amount of bone marrow fluid (aspiration) and/or solid bone marrow tissue (called a core biopsy), usually from the hip bones, to be examined for the number, size, and maturity of blood cells and/or abnormal cells.

  • lymphangiograms - x-rays of the lymphatic system.

  • computed tomography scan (Also called a CT or CAT scan.) - a diagnostic imaging procedure that uses a combination of x-rays and computer technology to produce cross-sectional images (often called slices), both horizontally and vertically, of the body. A CT scan shows detailed images of any part of the body, including the bones, muscles, fat, and organs. CT scans are more detailed than general x-rays.

  • ultrasound (Also called sonography.) - a diagnostic imaging technique that uses high-frequency sound waves and a computer to create images of blood vessels, tissues, and organs. Ultrasounds are used to view internal organs as they function, and to assess blood flow through various vessels.

Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma:

Specific treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma will be determined by your physician based on:

  • your age, overall health, and medical history
  • extent of the disease
  • your tolerance for specific medications, procedures, or therapies
  • expectations for the course of the disease
  • your opinion or preference

Treatment may include:

  • radiation therapy
  • chemotherapy

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