Can lymphatic cancer be inherited? While there is no specific genetic predisposition, certain conditions can increase the risk. Exposure to radiation, chemical exposure, and obesity are all linked to an increased risk of NHL. In addition to these risk factors, age is a factor that should be considered. Additionally, men and women are more likely to develop NHL than the other way around. People with certain diseases or who take immunosuppressive drugs are also at risk. Certain infections such as mononucleosis and Epstein-Barr virus also increase a person’s risk of developing lymphoma.
While lymphoma is a serious illness, treatments are improving, enabling many patients to live longer. In fact, every year more patients than ever before survive five years after diagnosis. Additionally, researchers are learning more about what increases the risk of lymphoma, and how to prevent it from occurring. To stay protected from lymphoma, talk to your healthcare provider and be aware of any risk factors that may affect your health.
Treatment for lymphoma will depend on the type of lymphoma, the stage, and how fast the cancer has spread. Initial treatment will involve a physical exam, blood tests, chest x-ray, and biopsy. Depending on the stage of the disease, patients may need chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or biologic therapy. Some people may not need treatment at all. The best treatment for lymphoma will depend on your specific case and the size of your lymph nodes.
Children with an impaired immune system, radiation therapy, or chemotherapy are also at an increased risk for lymphoma. While some children don’t develop lymphoma, adults with this cancer are more likely to develop it than healthy adults. Other symptoms of lymphoma include excessive bleeding, easy bruising, headaches, and increased infections. Loss of appetite may also be a sign of lymphoma. If you’re concerned about lymphoma, visit a doctor immediately.
A doctor may recommend a biopsy of an enlarged lymph node to determine whether or not the tumor is cancerous. The results of a biopsy may take two weeks to come back. A few more tests may be required before treatment can be started. Blood tests and imaging scans may reveal the presence of other tumors or abnormal lymph glands. During a biopsy, pathologists may consult with hematologists to determine the right treatment for you.
The chances of a good outcome decrease as lymphoma progresses. Because of these risks, it is crucial to seek medical treatment at the earliest possible stage. In stage three or four, lymphoma has spread to other organs, most often the bone marrow and liver. It can even spread to the lungs. But don’t despair – lymphoma is treatable and often curable.
Depending on the stage, treatment may include chemotherapy or radiation. Radiation kills cancer cells at the site of involvement and other treatments that inhibit the growth of cancer cells. Some treatments include targeted therapy involving drugs and/or substances, and bone marrow replacement with donor cells. In some cases, skin directed therapies can also be used to treat lymphoma. Phototherapies may be used to target the cancer cells on the skin.
