Many factors increase the risk of lymphatic cancer. People exposed to radiation, chemicals, and obesity are at an increased risk. Also, men and women are slightly more likely to develop lymphoma. Certain immune system diseases and immunosuppressive drugs increase the risk of lymphoma. People with certain infections, such as EBV, or Helicobacter pylorus, are also at an increased risk of developing lymphoma.
Treatments for lymphoma typically include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and stem cell transplant. Patients with early Hodgkin disease may receive chemotherapy and radiation therapy, while patients with advanced or bulky lymph nodes may need localised radiotherapy. If surgery does not work, radiation therapy may be recommended. For patients with non-Hodgkin lymphoma, radiation therapy alone or combined with chemotherapy is another treatment option. Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type of lymphoma and the stage of disease.
Children with immune system deficiencies and those who have been exposed to chemotherapy and radiation therapy are at an increased risk of lymphoma. Symptoms for both types of lymphomas may include excessive bleeding, easy bruising, increased infections, and headaches. People with lymphoma may also experience unexplained weight loss. A family history of lymphoma may indicate the presence of cancer. If you suspect that a child may have lymphoma, seek medical treatment immediately. There is no cure for lymphoma, but patients who survive the disease can expect to live a long life.
A biopsy is another way to detect lymphatic cancer. A surgeon will take a sample of lymph tissue from the affected lymph node. The surgeon may use a needle to remove a small piece of lymph tissue or the entire lymph node. A bone marrow biopsy may require local anesthetic, a sedative, or a general anesthetic. A bone marrow biopsy may also be necessary to confirm whether cancer has spread to the lymph nodes.
While a biopsy is the best way to detect lymphoma, it may be possible to diagnose it without it. However, it can be risky for an unborn child, so it is always recommended to consult a doctor before undergoing tests or treatments. A biopsy involves removing cells from an enlarged lymph node and examining them with a hematopathologist. Imaging scans may also help identify other tumors or enlarged lymph nodes.
Although lymphoma is a serious disease, new treatments are improving the quality of life for people with the disease. More people than ever survive five years after being diagnosed with lymphoma, thanks to advances in medicine. Research is learning more about risk factors and how to control them. People should talk to their healthcare providers and follow occupational health guidelines as a way to monitor their health. Also, individuals with compromised immune systems, such as HIV, are more likely to develop the disease.
Lymphatic cancer is most common in young adults and affects the white blood cells in the lymph nodes. These cells fight infection and play a vital role in the body’s immune system. If cancer affects lymph nodes, it can spread to other parts of the body. Some types of lymphoma spread to the bone marrow, lungs, and liver. It is most common in young people, though, and most often cured with proper medical care.
