A diagnosis of lymphatic cancer can be made by examining the cancer cells in a lymph node. Additional tests may be necessary to determine the extent and stage of the disease. Imaging tests may be performed to determine if the cancer has spread to bones or distant organs. Depending on the type and stage of the cancer, treatment may be different for each patient. In most cases, Hodgkin lymphoma is curable, but the prognosis will be uncertain if the cancer has spread elsewhere.
The lymphatic system contains hundreds of billions of white blood cells called lymphocytes. These cells are an essential part of the immune system. When lymphocytes are in their normal state, they fight off disease and infection. If these cells become cancerous, they will grow in the lymph nodes and compromise the immune system. The disease can be fatal if not treated early, but the good news is that it is curable with the right treatment.
Symptomatic treatment for lymphatic cancer depends on the stage and type of lymphoma. A wait-and-see approach may be appropriate if the disease is slow-growing. If it returns after treatment, patients may consider stem cell transplant as an alternative to chemotherapy. This treatment may be followed by high-dose chemotherapy or whole-body external beam radiation. When lymphoma has spread to the lungs, chemotherapy is often used to control it.
While the risk of lymphatic cancer is common in the general population, military service may increase the risk due to exposure to occupational hazards. Only a few studies have shown this link between military service and risk of lymphohaematopoid malignancy. However, veterans who have been exposed to nuclear tests are eligible for disability pension, but those who have chronic lymphocytic leukaemia are not entitled to one. To explore this further, a recent study used data from the Scottish Veterans Health Study to evaluate the risk of lymphohaematopoid cancer among a large cohort of veterans.
A patient diagnosed with lymphoma should discuss treatment options with his or her doctor. It is important to understand the risks and side effects of various treatments, as well as the potential benefits and risks of different therapies. Patients should ask their healthcare provider for as much treatment as they feel is necessary. Depending on the type and stage of lymphoma, treatment may vary depending on the stage and speed of growth of the tumor. They should discuss the options with their doctor, but it is best to seek the advice of an experienced physician.
The risk of lymphoma is increased with exposure to radiation and certain chemicals. Exposure to agricultural chemicals and benzene has been linked to the disease. Therefore, occupational health guidelines must be followed. Lastly, people with suppressed immune systems are more prone to this disease. HIV and Epstein-Barr virus can both increase the risk of lymphoma. In order to diagnose lymphoma, the patients must undergo imaging tests, such as a CT scan or PET scan. These procedures produce three-dimensional images of the cancer.
