There are many different types of lymphatic cancer. There are some that are more common in young people and others that are more common in older adults. Most cases of NHL are male, although some types can occur in infants. Some types of lymphoma are more common in white people, and those with certain autoimmune diseases are at an increased risk. People with certain infections like the Epstein-Barr virus and Helicobacter pylorus are also at a higher risk for developing lymphoma.
The type of lymphoma a person has determines whether or not the cancer will spread to distant organs. NHL can be staged as slow-growing, indolent, or aggressive. Indolent lymphomas stay confined to a specific part of the body, while aggressive lymphomas spread to distant areas of the body. Fortunately, NHL is treatable until it spreads to distant organs.
Nodules in the arms and armpits filter lymph that flows out of the lymphatic system. Nodules in the armpits and elbows also filter lymph. Lymph from the head passes through the neck and into the spleen. Some lymph nodes are located internally, between the lungs and the digestive tract. Stage 1 cancer is typically diagnosed in one or two lymph node regions. Stage 2 cancers are found in both lymph nodes and may extend to distant organs.
Symptoms of lymphoma can mimic those of common viral illnesses, and the symptoms tend to persist for a long time. Lymphoma is a cancer of lymphocytes, which fight infection in the body and are important in the body’s immune defenses. It can spread to different tissues, including the bone marrow, lung tissue, and liver. Patients suffering from lymphoma should consult with their doctor to determine the best course of treatment. If the cancer is slow-growing, watchful waiting can help the cancer from spreading.
Lymphomas are often detected during a routine physical examination. If a physician notices swelling, they will usually order blood tests or scans to further examine the condition. A biopsy may also be ordered for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. A bone marrow biopsy may require a general anesthetic, sedative, or local anesthetic. The result of this test will determine the stage of the cancer.
The diagnosis of lymphoma requires several tests. The first step in treatment is to have a biopsy of the lymph nodes that contain cancerous cells. Surgeons will remove lymph nodes that surround a tumor and may also remove several nodules. If the cancer spreads to lymph nodes, there is a high risk that it will return after surgery. Once the cancer has spread to the lymph nodes, there are several treatments available.
Certain factors increase your risk of developing lymphoma. Certain types of radiation and agricultural chemicals may contribute to its development. People with an underactive immune system are also at a higher risk. And they’re more likely to develop lymphoma if they’ve had HIV. Other risk factors include aging and immune-compromised individuals. For some, the risk of developing lymphoma is much greater than for most other people.
