Lymphoma: what is it?

Lymphoma is a grouping of blood cancers that is one of the most common categories of cancer. Lymphoma originates in the white blood cells that power the body's immune system. When these white blood cells mutate, they reproduce at high rates and can cause tumors in various regions of the body. Fortunately, lymphoma is among the more treatable forms of cancers, with many lymphoma patients experiencing full recoveries following a combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment.

The purpose of this site is to discuss the various types of lymphoma, as well as common symptoms of lymphoma and the most effective treatment methods. Lymphoma is a highly treatable form of cancer, but early detection and medical attention is key to ensuring the best possible prognosis. Clinical researchers are continually discovering new treatment methods to improve patients' chances of successfully overcoming their lymphomas.

Categories of lymphoma

There are two main categories of lymphoma, with each encompassing several specific types. The two categories are:

• Hodgkin Lymphoma: Named after the researcher who first discovered this form of cancer, Hodgkin Lymphoma is uncommon and is characterized by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells (mutated lymphocyte blood cells).
• Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma: There are just six types of Hodgkin lymphomas, but there are more than 60 know types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Mutated white blood cells do not result in the formation of the Reed-Sternberg cells. This category of lymphoma includes a mix of both rare and common forms of lymphoma, and each type may require patients to undergo slightly different courses of treatment.

Lymphoma research

As stated earlier, medical researchers and scientists are closely examining several experimental treatment methods that could aid in the fight against lymphoma and other forms of cancer. Lymphoma research has actually led to breakthroughs in treatment technology for several other forms of cancer. Treatment methods being studied by researchers today include aggressive antibodies, new vaccinations and immunotherapy methods. Researchers are also studying ways to use natural compounds that target and destroy cancerous cells, and they're seeking to improve early detection methods by creating a fool-proof way to identify lymphoma by examining the unique builds of genes.

Lymphoma support

If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with lymphoma, there are many places to turn to for help and support. The Internet is a great tool for communicating with others who have also had lymphoma. There are numerous communities around the country with support groups for cancer patients and survivors, and several national organizations also provide support and advocacy services for patients with lymphoma.

Lymphoma Symptoms

Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells that normally defend your body from illness as part of your body's immune system. The onset of lymphoma can cause your immune system to malfunction, causing many unaware patients to believe they have the cold or flu before they are first diagnosed. Several of the symptoms of lymphoma are shared with other illnesses. However, anyone with a combination of these symptoms should visit their doctor for a checkup.

Swelling of the lymph nodes

One of the most common symptoms of lymphoma includes selling of the lymph nodes, which are located in the underarm. You may notice a small lump beneath the skin of your armpit, and the lump may be painful or irritable to the touch. Sometimes the lumps stay indefinitely, while other times lumps may come and go. A lump in the lymph nodes may be the result of a slight infection from an ingrown hair or a clogged pour. However, with the lymph nodes acting as filters for your body, a lump may also signify the formation of a malignant tumor from lymphoma.

Some lymphoma patients also express soreness in their lymph nodes after drinking alcohol. That's because alcohol consumption strains the lymphatic system, which includes the liver, Kidneys and lymph nodes. Lymphoma eventually causes the lymphatic system to weaken, which can result in soreness or swelling following alcohol consumption. See your doctor if you notice any unusual soreness after drinking an alcoholic beverage.

Other symptoms of lymphoma include:

• Fever
• Sudden weight loss
• Chills
• Sweating at night
• Fatigue
• Itching or skin irritations

Lymphoma Treatment

Lymphoma is a serious condition that requires immediate treatment. However, with proper treatment, lymphoma patients often live long, normal lives. Lymphoma is very detectable for people who are aware of the symptoms or visit their doctor on a regular basis. A high percentage of lymphoma patients are completely free of cancer by the end of their treatments. Research shows up to 60 percents of patients with aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma are often completely cured.

Treating Hodgkins lymphoma

A combination of chemotherapy and radiation treatment is used to combat this rare form of lymphoma. In severe cases of Hodgkins lymphoma, a bone marrow transplant or a stem cell transplant may be required, although these procedures are difficult because they require matching donors. Roughly 8,000 people in the United States are diagnosed with Hodgkins lymphoma each year.

Treating non-Hodgkins lymphoma

More than 60,000 Americans are diagnosed with non-Hodgkins lymphoma each year, and more than two-thirds of those patients are treated successfully. Like most forms of cancer, a combination of chemotherapy and radiation therapy is often used during treatment, and bone marrow and stem cell transplants may be utilized as well. There are more than 60 different types of non-Hodgkins lymphomas, and each may require slightly different courses of treatment.

Factors influencing treatment

Doctors and oncologists consider several factors when determining how to treat their patients. The age of the patient matters because older people may be less resilient to treatments that heavily strain the body – the same goes for people with poor overall health. The size and stage of a patient's lymphoma may also influence the type of treatment received. The earlier a person's lymphoma is detected, the sooner he or she can receive the medical help she needs for the best possible treatment outcome.