Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the United States. There are several forms of lymphoma, but all are categorized under the umbrella of non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma or Hodgkin’s Lymphoma. Just as your organs are subject to cancer risks, lymphoma is a cancer that affects your immune system.
You have thousands of lymphocytes that circulate the body looking for pathogens and destroying them through a network of immune responses. When lymphocytes detect a harmful entity that is “non-self,” your immune system triggers a response, and these cells divide to form a defense against invading pathogens. After the infection is cleared, these cells are programmed to die, and their numbers return to normal. Lymphoma occurs when genes associated with programmed cell death (apoptosis) are irregular, and the lymphocyte’s apoptosis response is interrupted. Consequently, the lymphocytes do not die but rather continue to circulate and proliferate causing disease and possible death.
B cells, T cells, and Lymphoma
Specifically, the two lymphocytes responsible for Lymphoma are B cells and T cells. T cells are killer cells that destroy pathogens and remove harmful products from your body. B cells are responsible for “remembering” the footprint of a particular pathogen allowing your body to recognize and destroy pathogens more quickly. B cells are the immune system’s manufacturer for antibodies which circulate in the bloodstream attaching to foreign cells and marking them for destruction.
When these cells develop lymphoma, their numbers are increased, and they collect in lymph nodes or the spleen creating a large, tumorous mass. The collection of immune cells becomes so large that the tumor invades surrounding tissue and often travels to other organs damaging tissue by impeding oxygen delivery. They can also travel to other lymph nodes blocking and clogging each node until immune deficiencies develop and multiple organ systems are damaged.
Lymphoma Symptoms
Since lymphoma tumors accumulate in the lymph nodes, pain symptoms are often localized to areas where lymph nodes are located. Initial symptoms of lymphoma are pain and discomfort in the neck, under the arms, or in the abdominal region. Lymph nodes may also swell including the spleen which can also show signs of enlargement.
Enlargement of the lymph nodes and spleen may push against other organs. Unexplained weight loss is a common symptom of lymphoma as the lymph nodes press against the stomach decreasing appetite. Lymph nodes may also press against a vein or nerve causing tingling and loss of sensation in lymphoma affected areas.
Other symptoms are problematic since they are mostly generalized. Lymphoma patients may feel chills and night sweats that are often associated with a cold or the flu. Lethargy, malaise, and an overall lack of energy are also symptoms of lymphoma.
Diagnosis of Lymphoma
Blood tests are primarily taken if possible detection of lymphoma occurs. Your doctor will first take a blood test to review white blood cell count and the presence of the enzyme lactate dehydrogenase. Although high levels of lactate dehydrogenase are present in patients with cancer, it cannot be used to determine specific types of cancer. The enzyme serves as a marker for physicians to detect the possibility of general cancer development in the body.
If blood tests are abnormal and the lymph nodes remain enlarged, your doctor may want to take a biopsy. Biopsies can be done through needle aspiration or through surgical procedures. Needle aspiration uses a long, hollow needle that is inserted into the enlarged lymph node and fluid is removed for further examination. Surgical procedures involve the removal of the entire lymph node for further analysis, or laparoscopy can be performed. Laparoscopy takes a tiny camera into the lymph nodes, pictures are taken, and the results sent to pathology labs.
Treatment of Lymphoma
If initial examinations from general practitioners indicate lymphoma, your doctor will send you to an oncologist for further examination and lymphoma treatments. Lymphoma treatments are determined using several factors such as age and overall health concerning other conditions. The most widely used forms of lymphoma treatment are chemotherapy and radiation. Biological therapies are also used by some doctors who believe the body can fight cancer by stimulating the immune system to use its natural cancer-fighting mechanisms. These lymphoma treatments are less traumatic to patients, but do have common side effects such as chills, fever, loss of appetite, and vomiting.
New drugs are consistently being tested to treat lymphomas. Pharmaceutical companies strive to come up with better ways to treat cancer without the painful side effects of chemotherapy and radiation. Research and development has been made to help target oncogenes that are responsible for the proliferation of cancerous cells. Immunotherapy developments have also been introduced using monoclonal antibodies to help fight infection. Speak with your doctor regarding new drug therapies.
References
http://www.leukemia-lymphoma.org/all_page?item_id=4702
http://www.emedicinehealth.com/lymphoma/article_em.htm#Lymphoma%20Overview
