Can lymphatic cancer be detected in the early stages? Early detection and treatment are the keys to a successful outcome. While the cancer may not show any symptoms at an early stage, chances of survival decrease as the condition progresses. Fortunately, lymphatic cancer is treatable and often curable if detected early. There are various stages, ranging from stage I to stage IV. The treatment plan will depend on the stage of lymphoma, the extent of the spread of the disease and the treatment options available.
A biopsy will show whether the tumor is lymphoma. This tissue sample will be analyzed by a pathologist and tested for the presence of lymphoma cells. The biopsy results will take about two weeks to reveal the exact type of cancer. In the meantime, patients with symptoms of lymphoma will be subjected to additional tests before receiving treatment. Some of these tests will identify whether the cancer has spread to other parts of the body. Some tests will also show if the cancer has spread to the bones. Abdominal ultrasound is another diagnostic tool used to identify lymph node enlargement. It can also show whether the kidneys are functioning properly.
When the condition has spread to the lungs and brain, lymphoma treatment options include chemotherapy and targeted therapy. These therapies use targeted substances to target cancer cells. Some of these drugs are injected into the spinal column to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Other treatments may include bone marrow transplant, which replaces damaged blood cells with healthy ones. Moreover, CAR T-cell therapy is an experimental type of treatment that uses white blood cells to target cancer cells.
Whether you are at risk for lymphoma depends on the type. Certain types of lymphoma have more advanced disease than others, but their symptoms can indicate other types. If you are at risk for lymphoma, your doctor will likely refer you to a specialist for further tests. It is recommended to schedule a visit with your doctor as soon as possible, as early diagnosis is crucial. In the meantime, treatment options can be found to improve your quality of life.
Although symptoms of lymphoma are similar to those of viral infections, they often persist for years. Swelling lymph nodes are located throughout the body, and may cause discomfort, pain, or swelling. This swelling may occur anywhere on the body and may be painful if it presses on bone or organs. Some lymphomas may also be in the brain or spinal cord. A high-grade lymphoma can cause pain and other serious complications.
Several risk factors are associated with lymphoma, including being overweight or obese. Those who have Epstein-Barr virus or mononucleosis may be more susceptible. Those who are immune suppressing drugs or have chronic disease that affects the immune system are at higher risk. Other risk factors include high radiation exposure, a history of infection, and HIV. There is a small male-to-female difference in the risk of lymphoma.
