Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs within the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of lymph glands, lymph nodes and cells called lymphocytes that make up the body's immune system. The disease occurs when these cells multiply abnormally.
It is usually classified into two types. These types are Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin cancers. Chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation are among the treatment options. Under medical supervision, it can be successfully treated and can often be cured.
What Is Lymphatic Cancer (Lymphoma)?
The lymphatic system is an important part of the body's network for fighting microbes, and lymphatic cancer is a disease that occurs in this network. The structures that make up the lymphatic system include lymph glands, the spleen, the thymus gland and bone marrow. When the disease develops, cells grow and multiply uncontrollably. This abnormal growth can occur in lymph glands, bone marrow, the spleen or other lymphoid tissues. There are many types. The main subtypes are Hodgkin and Non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphomas make up approximately 85% of this disease. There are also more than 70 subtypes.
When Does Lymphatic Cancer Show Symptoms?
Lymphatic cancer usually progresses silently before it begins to show symptoms. When noticeable symptoms appear, these may include findings such as swelling of the lymph glands, fever, night sweats, weight loss and persistent fatigue. Generally, symptoms appear as the disease progresses. Early diagnosis can help the disease be treated effectively.
What Are the First Symptoms of Lymphatic Cancer?
Lymphatic cancer can often progress silently before showing its first symptoms. However, when symptoms appear, swelling of the lymph glands can usually be noticed among the first signs. Symptoms of the disease may include:
Swelling of the lymph glands
Persistent or recurrent fever
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss
Excessive tiredness or weakness
Shortness of breath
Red spots, rash or itching on the skin
What Causes Lymphoma?
Lymphatic cancer is a type of cancer that arises from the abnormal multiplication of cells called lymphocytes. However, the exact cause of this disease is not known, and the following factors may play a role in its development:
Genetic factors: Having a family history of lymphatic cancer or other types of cancer may increase the risk of the disease.
Conditions that weaken the immune system: Some diseases that weaken the immune system may increase the risk of the disease. For example, HIV infection, Kaposi sarcoma or long-term use of immunosuppressive drugs may affect cancer development.
Viral infections: Some viruses may play a role in the development of lymphatic cancer. Viruses such as Epstein-Barr virus may increase the risk of the disease.
Age and sex: The disease usually appears in middle age and older, but it can be seen at any age. Some types may be slightly more common in men than in women.
Certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, including benzene, chemicals that kill insects or weeds, and chemotherapy drugs, may increase the risk of developing the disease.
What Are the Types of Lymphatic Cancer?
Lymphatic cancer has 2 main types, Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, and there are many subtypes in both categories. Types of the disease include:
Hodgkin Lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma is a rare type. The presence of Reed-Sternberg cells is a prominent feature of this condition. Reed-Sternberg cells are malignant, mature B cells and are unusually large. It is divided into subtypes: nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich, lymphocyte-depleted and lymphocyte-predominant.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This condition is a type of cancer that results from the abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes (white blood cells) in the lymphatic system, and it has many different subtypes. These include diffuse large B-cell, follicular, mantle cell, lymphoplasmacytic and Burkitt lymphoma.
What Is the Treatment Process for Lymphatic Cancer?
Treatments for lymphatic cancer may vary depending on the type of disease and may include the following methods:
Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy is a drug-based treatment method planned to kill cancer cells, and these drugs are used in various combinations to attack cancer cells.
Radiation therapy: This method aims to kill cancer cells by exposing them to radiation. It is generally used in the treatment of early-stage non-Hodgkin lymphoma. In advanced stages of non-Hodgkin lymphoma, radiation therapy may be given at the same time as chemotherapy. In the treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, radiation therapy may be used after chemotherapy or together with chemotherapy.
Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy is a treatment approach that stimulates the body's immune system to recognize and destroy cancer cells. It may be effective in treating the disease, especially in some non-Hodgkin types.
Stem Cell Transplant Treatment: A stem cell transplant (bone marrow transplant) refers to healthy blood stem cells given into the body by injection. High-dose chemotherapy kills cancer cells but can also damage healthy cells, including the blood stem cells responsible for producing new blood cells. A stem cell transplant helps the body regain its capacity to produce new blood cells and recover from cancer treatment.
Also, although rare, surgery may sometimes be used to remove affected lymph nodes or organs.
How Is Lymphoma Diagnosed?
For diagnosis, the doctor first performs a physical examination to evaluate potential symptoms reported in the patient's history. In addition, biopsy, imaging tests and blood tests may be performed for a definitive diagnosis. Diagnosis may include the following steps:
Blood tests: Blood tests can often help in diagnosing the disease. A complete blood count with differential (CBC) to detect different white blood cell types, erythrocyte sedimentation rate (ESR) to detect inflammation that may indicate lymphoma, and lactate dehydrogenase (LDH) tests to detect the "turnover" or growth/death of large numbers of cells can be used for diagnosis.
Liver and Kidney Function Tests: The serum protein electrophoresis (SPEP) test may be used to evaluate monoclonal proteins (M proteins), which are abnormal proteins produced by plasma cells.
Imaging Tests: Imaging tests allow detailed examination of lymph glands, organs or bones. These include computed tomography (CT) and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) tests.
Positron Emission Tomography (PET) Test: This test is performed to detect signs of cancer. PET scans are usually performed together with low-resolution CT scans and are sometimes used in addition to magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) scans.
Also, in patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the doctor may order laboratory tests to identify specific non-Hodgkin-type genes, proteins and other substances.
What Is the Process After Lymphatic Cancer Treatment?
After treatment is completed, regular follow-up and monitoring of the patient is important. This follow-up is usually carried out by hematology and oncology outpatient clinics. During follow-up, the patient's health status, early detection of possible relapses, lymphoma symptoms and other signs are regularly evaluated. After treatments, the body generally needs a period of rest and recovery.
During this period, measures such as pain control, antiemetics (anti-vomiting medicines), nutrition, a rehabilitation process and psychological support may help make the recovery process more comfortable. In addition, during post-treatment monitoring, regular blood and imaging tests may be performed to assess the patient's condition.
Frequently Asked Questions
Lymphoma cannot be diagnosed by blood tests alone, but some blood tests (hemogram, sedimentation, CRP, LDH) can be guiding. During a complete blood count (CBC) test, the number of abnormal lymphocytes in the blood sample or significant changes in other blood cells are examined. Also, elevated sedimentation, elevated LDH and elevated CRP are warning tests. They are guiding tests for the physician regarding whether further investigation should be performed on the patient.''
Itching can usually occur in various areas of the body. Itching is generally associated with swelling of lymph glands in or under the skin and is often felt in the neck, armpits or groin. Itching may result from various factors, such as the accumulation of lymphoma cells in the skin or nerves and dryness of the skin. Itching may be felt anywhere on the body. Skin lesions may be flat, thick and raised, pimple-like, or larger lumps under the skin. The color of the rashes may range from pinkish to reddish-brown and purplish. Cough may become prominent in a subtype affecting the lungs, such as lung lymphoma. Cough may be chronic, and difficulty breathing, chest pain, wheezing or a feeling of pressure may be seen. In such diseases, patients should pay special attention to hygiene rules to avoid infections, since their immune systems may be weakened. They should avoid harmful habits such as smoking and alcohol. Under medical supervision, switching to a balanced diet including natural products that strengthen the immune system may contribute to the recovery process. Lymphatic cancer is a treatable type of cancer. Today, treatment options for the disease include chemotherapy, radiotherapy, immunotherapy and stem cell transplantation. This condition is a type of lymphoma in which cancers developing in the lymphatic system originate from T lymphocytes. This type forms as a result of abnormal growth and multiplication of T lymphocytes and is classified as non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Diagnosis, follow-up and treatment of the disease are generally carried out by hematology-oncology specialists. These specialists are experts in the diagnosis and treatment of blood cancers and hematologic diseases. Lymphoma in the lung is a type of cancer that results from the abnormal multiplication of lymphocytes, which are part of the lymphatic system, in lung tissue. This condition may start in the lymph glands and spread to the lungs, or it may arise directly in lung tissue. Lymphatic cancer is a disease occurring in the lymphatic system and usually includes chemotherapy, radiotherapy and stem cell transplant treatments. People with signs of lymphatic cancer can start treatment by making an appointment at the hematology or oncology outpatient clinic of hospitals.
