If left untreated, it can even spread into the bloodstream. Lymphatic tissue is composed of white blood cells known as lymphocytes. These lymphocytes are divided into two types: T-cells and B-cells. These cells protect the body from microorganisms and contribute to the effectiveness of the immune system.
Certain types of lymphoma are more likely to develop in young adults than in older adults. People with certain autoimmune diseases and those taking certain drugs are at higher risk of developing lymphoma. Infections with the Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylorus are also risk factors for developing lymphoma. While this condition has no specific cause, certain conditions increase the risk of developing lymphoma.
The disease is often treatable when detected early. Although doctors do not yet know what causes lymphoma, they do know that it begins with a mutation of a white blood cell. This mutation signals the cell to multiply rapidly. Eventually, too many of these diseased lymphocytes will become cancerous. This causes the lymph nodes to swell. As lymphomas are treatable, many people who suffer from lymphoma may be cured.
A doctor may perform a biopsy to diagnose lymphoma. During a biopsy, doctors remove cells from the enlarged lymph nodes. A hematopathologist examines the cells and determines whether they are lymphoma. Other tests, such as imaging scans, can identify enlarged lymph nodes. Some people with lymphoma may not need treatment, but a careful checkup will determine the type of cancer and what course of action to take.
The outlook for patients with lymphomas is based on a number of factors, including age, type of lymphoma, and response to treatment. Many lymphomas are aggressive, and the severity of their spread is determined by stage. Treatment begins with a watchful waiting period. Many patients will experience some side effects, which is why doctors may opt for a more aggressive approach to treating lymphoma. While treatment for lymphomas varies widely, the outlook is important for patients.
There are several types of lymphoma, including nodular lymphocyte-predominant (NHL) and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Fortunately, NHL is highly treatable and can be treated successfully. The chances of recovery are great if treatment is given at an early stage. The good news is that the majority of patients survive their cancer for a long time. But the chances for a full recovery depend on the type of lymphocytes that the cancer has.
Nodules may develop in the lymph nodes – similar to those found in blood vessels – and they can grow and metastasize to any part of the body. The lymph nodes are critical for the immune system. Cancer cells in lymph nodes can spread to many other parts of the body, and if the cancer has spread beyond the lymph nodes, it can cause life-long problems. And because the lymph nodes are so important, cancer treatments must target these areas.
