Even some types of NHL are more common in young children and infants. Although NHL tends to be more common in older adults, it can occur in anyone. The risk of developing lymphoma is slightly higher in men than in women. Also, some types of lymphoma are more likely to develop in white people than in people of other races or ethnicities. People with certain infections, such as the Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylorus, also have an increased risk.
After lymphoma diagnosis, treatment options vary widely. Some treatments may involve surgery or radiotherapy. For patients with early-stage cancer, radiotherapy is the primary treatment. In many cases, this treatment induces a complete remission or cure. Intensive therapy may be recommended by some doctors, particularly if lymphoma has returned after treatment. Intensive therapy includes high-dose radiotherapy and chemotherapy, or a combination of the two. However, these therapies are not without risk. Other treatments may include bone marrow transplant or CAR-T-cell therapy, which involves using white blood cells to kill cancer cells.
Swelling lymph nodes are usually not painful, but they may be uncomfortable depending on their location. Some lymphomas are located in different organs and can cause a range of symptoms. Those located in the digestive tract and intestine may experience abdominal discomfort. Other lymphomas in the brain or spinal cord can cause numbness and weakness in the arms and legs. Some people with lymphoma may also experience a cough, shortness of breath, and chest pain.
During the diagnosis process, your healthcare provider will likely take a biopsy. This biopsy involves taking a small sample of lymph tissue. The doctor may use a needle to remove a small portion of a lymph node or the entire lymph node. Biopsy results can take two to three weeks to come back. Before treatment, your healthcare provider may perform additional tests. Some tests will show the stage of the cancer, and others will determine whether you need further treatment.
There are many different types of lymphoma. Different types develop differently. A biopsy can tell the type of lymphoma you have by looking for Reed-Sternberg cells. These cells indicate whether you have Hodgkin lymphoma or non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A weak immune system can also increase your risk of lymphoma. You should have a complete lymphogram before your doctor prescribes treatment.
Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. Lymphocytes are white blood cells that travel through the body and help fight off infections. When lymphocytes start to multiply out of control, they become cancerous. They can invade the bone marrow and spread throughout the body. This disease can be fatal if left untreated. So what are the symptoms of lymphoma? Treatment varies depending on the stage of the cancer.
