This kind of cancer begins in the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system that fights off germs. In Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the white blood cells, which are called lymphocytes, grow incorrectly and can form tumours in all of the various parts of the body. This is a general category for a wide array of immune-system cancers. The most common subtypes of this cancer are Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma.
The common symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are:
The cause of this kind of cancer is not well understood. Typically, lymphocytes will experience a predictable lifespan, and when they die, the body makes new lymphocytes to replace them. In patients with Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, the lymphocytes don’t die, or the body keeps making new ones when they are not necessary. This can lead to tumours, and it can also cause issues with the immune system recognizing threats to the patient’s health. This kind of cancer most commonly begins in the B cells, which are the infection-fighting white blood cells. The T cells might also be the first to be involved. These cells are supposed to kill foreign invaders of the body.
The risk factors for Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma are:
Many patients who develop this condition do not have any specific risk factors, however. More research needs to be done into the causes of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma to better understand the causes and the risk factors related to it.
A physical exam will be performed in most cases to look for swollen lymph nodes in the body. Blood and urine tests can be done to look for infections or other disease processes that mimic the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. CT, MRI, or PET scans will often be done to look at the lymph nodes and verify the presence of cancer in the body. A lymph node biopsy can also be done, or a bone marrow test might be called for to get tissue samples for testing. A lumbar puncture or spinal tap might also be done if there is concern that the lymphoma is affecting the spinal cord.
An oncologist will identify the specific kind of lymphoma that the patient has and the stage that that cancer is in. This informs the development of a treatment plan for the patient.
There are several treatments that can be done for this kind of cancer. The stage of cancer as well as areas of the body that are affected, impact the choice of therapies for each patient. Slow-growing Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma might not need treatment right away. These patients will be monitored for a time to see if the cancer is developing further or continues to be slow growing. Aggressive Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma will often be treated with chemotherapy and radiation therapy.
Targeted drug therapy can be very effective at treating this kind of cancer, and specialised T-cells can also be given to some patients to help the immune system fight damaged lymphocytes. A bone marrow transplant might also be required to help rebuild the bone marrow and improve immune system function. Immunotherapy can also be very successful in treating this kind of cancer.
It is not usually possible to prevent Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma, but you can avoid exposure to chemicals and make sure that you are eating a healthy diet and getting enough exercise every day. For those with a family history of lymphoma, it might be a good idea to speak to your doctor about gene testing or other kinds of preventative measures that might reduce the risk of getting this kind of cancer.