AIDS-related lymphoma is an illness in which cancerous (tumor) cells appear in the lymph system of individuals who suffer from acquired immunodeficiency syndrome.
AIDS is brought about by HIV (human immunodeficiency virus), which affects and sabotages a person's immune system. The immune system is then incapable of opposing infection and illnesses that encroach upon the person. Patients with HIV illness have an elevated chance of acquiring infections, lymphoma, and other forms of tumors.
A patient who has human immunodeficiency virus illness who gets specific kinds of infections or cancer is then diagnosed with acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS). Occasionally, individuals are diagnosed with AIDS and AIDS-related lymphoma in a concurrent manner.
Tests Used in HIV-Related Hodgkin’s Lymphoma
Once AIDS-related lymphoma has been diagnosed, screenings are performed to determine if tumor cells have dispersed inside the lymph system or to additional areas of the system.
The protocol needed to determine if cancer cells have advanced inside the lymph system or to additional parts of the system is referred to as “staging.” The data amassed from the staging protocols in medicine helps to establish the extent of the illness. It is essential to understand the stage of the lymphoma in order to plan therapy, but HIV-related lymphoma is generally already advanced whenever it is diagnosed.
The following scans and processes can be utilized in the staging process:
- A CT scan is a technique that produces a series of elaborate images of regions within the body, collected from various angles. The images are produced by a computer connected to an x-ray machine. A dye can be given in a vein or ingested (swallowed) to help the tissues or organs come out more clearly. This technique is also called CAT or computed axial tomography.
- PET scan (positron emission tomography scan): A technique to find malignant neoplasm cells in a system. A minimal dosage of radioactive glucose (sugar) is injected into a blood vessel, and the PET scanner goes around the person and causes an image of where glucose is being absorbed by the person.
Cancerous tumor cells appear and look brighter in the image since they are more active and absorb more glucose than the average cells do. Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is a technique that employs a magnet, radio emissions, and a computer to create a series of detailed depictions of organs and other parts of the body.
A chemical known as gadolinium is given to the individual via a vein in the body. The gadolinium accumulates near the cancer cells so they appear brighter in the image. This technique is also known as NMR imaging (nuclear magnetic resonance imaging).
Biopsy and bone marrow aspiration is known as the elimination of bone marrow, and a small amount of blood by introducing a hollow needle into the hipbone or sternum (breastbone).
A doctor (pathologist) evaluates the bone marrow, and bone using a microscope to look for irregular cells. Lumbar puncture is a test used for collect cerebrospinal fluid from the vertebral column. This is performed by putting a needle into the spinal column. This technique is also referred to as an LP spinal tap, or spinal puncture.
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References:
Levine AM. (2000). "Acquired immunodeficiency syndrome-related lymphoma: clinical aspects." Seminars in Oncology. 27; (4): 442-453.
Sparano JA. (2001). "Clinical aspects and management of AIDS-related lymphoma." European Journal of Cancer. 37; (10): 1296-1305.
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