The different types of lymphatic cancer have varying prognoses. Different types of lymphomas behave and spread differently, and respond to different treatments. A primary doctor can diagnose lymphoma by examining the cancer cells under a microscope. They will look for Reed-Sternberg cells, which indicate Hodgkin lymphoma. Other tests may be recommended, depending on the type of lymphoma. A primary doctor will also ask about your medical history and order certain tests.
Two main types of lymphoma are Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Lymphomas respond differently to treatments, and the risk increases with age. The earliest stage of lymphoma is usually diagnosed in older adults, and treatments for advanced stages of the disease often require chemotherapy. Although there are no known causes of lymphoma, there are risk factors that can lead to the disease.
People who have had lymphoma may not have any of the risk factors for developing it. Most often, people with lymphoma will visit their GP, who will arrange for blood tests and scans. After completing these tests, the doctor may refer you to a hospital for further tests. The hospital doctor will ask about your symptoms and general health. They will also examine you for any unusual lumps and lesions. If the diagnosis is confirmed, treatment will include chemotherapy and possibly radiotherapy.
The severity of the lymphoma is determined by its stage and location. Depending on where the lymphoma has spread, it can be indolent or aggressive. The latter type has aggressive symptoms. Patients with aggressive lymphomas may also have other types of cancer. If your lymphoma is low-grade, treatment will focus on resolving the symptoms. The cancer will be difficult to cure unless it spreads to distant organs.
The treatment options for lymphoma depend on the type and stage of the disease, the patient’s overall health, and the risk factors. For example, treatment may include chemotherapy for locally advanced lymphoma or radiation for indolent lymphoma. It may also involve bone marrow transplant for patients with low-risk lymphoma. The prognosis for lymphoma can vary depending on several factors, including the presence of HRS cells.
While NHL is most common in older adults, some types can develop in young children or infants. Women are slightly more likely to develop NHL than men, but men are also at a higher risk. Certain types are more common in white people than other races. There is also a risk of lymphoma in people with certain conditions, including Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylorus infection. While lymphoma is rare in children, a family history increases the risk of developing it.
If the cancerous cells spread to the lymph nodes, it can cause significant damage to the body. Early diagnosis and treatment are essential for the best outcome of therapy. In some cases, lymphoma may spread to other parts of the body, although it is rare to spread the disease outside the lymphatic system. It is also important to note that the cancer will spread to lymph nodes. While chemotherapy can improve treatment options for lymphoma, it will likely take several months before a person is cured of it.
