Lymphoma Exploration: Signs, Causes, and Remedies
In the realm of blood cancers, lymphoma is a significant contender, accounting for a significant number of cases among children and young adults. This type of cancer develops within the lymphatic system, a network of vessels and organs that help fight infections.
Lymphoma can be categorised into two main types: Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Both types share some common symptoms, while also presenting with some distinct features.
Common symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma often revolve around swollen lymph nodes, which may not cause pain but persist for weeks, typically appearing in the neck, above collar bones, armpits, or groin. These lymph nodes usually feel rubbery. In addition, about 25% of patients may experience B symptoms, such as fever above 38ºC, drenching night sweats, and unexplained weight loss. Other symptoms may include itching, fatigue, and symptoms related to lymphoma in organs outside lymph nodes.
Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the more common type, typically develops from B and T lymphocytes in the lymph nodes or tissues throughout the body. Some patients may have few or no symptoms initially, but B symptoms such as night sweats, fever or high temperatures, loss of appetite, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, itchy skin, and sometimes skin rash are common. Symptoms related to lymphoma in other parts of the body can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, indigestion (if bowel or stomach involved), cough or difficulty swallowing (if chest involved), and rough red patches on the skin (if skin involved).
Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma can share overlapping symptoms, such as swollen lymph nodes (neck, armpit, groin), fever, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, fatigue, itching skin, respiratory symptoms like cough or shortness of breath if chest lymph nodes are affected, and abdominal discomfort if abdominal lymph nodes or organs are involved.
It is essential to note that swollen lymph nodes and these symptoms can be caused by many other, less serious conditions. Medical evaluation is crucial if such symptoms persist or worsen.
Early diagnosis can improve a person's chances of successful treatment. Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the disease and may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, antibody therapy, stem cell transplantation, steroids, surgery, or watchful waiting.
With treatment, more than 88.9% of people with Hodgkin lymphoma will survive for at least 5 years, while more than 74.3% of people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma will survive for at least 5 years.
In conclusion, while lymphoma can be a serious illness, understanding its common symptoms and seeking medical advice promptly can significantly improve the chances of successful treatment and recovery. Regular check-ups and self-awareness are crucial in managing this condition.
[1] NHS UK. (2021). Hodgkin lymphoma. Retrieved from https://www.nhs.uk/conditions/hodgkin-lymphoma/ [2] Cancer Research UK. (2021). Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Retrieved from https://www.cancerresearchuk.org/about-cancer/non-hodgkin-lymphoma [3] Mayo Clinic. (2021). Lymphoma. Retrieved from https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/lymphoma/symptoms-causes/syc-20353794
- Lymphoma, a significant blood cancer, can develop within the lymphatic system, a network that helps combat infections.
- Lymphoma types include Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin, each with shared and distinct symptoms.
- Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms often involve swollen lymph nodes, usually rubbery, appearing in common areas like the neck, armpits, or groin, and may cause B symptoms such as fever, night sweats, and weight loss.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, more common, develops from B and T lymphocytes, often causing few or no initial symptoms, but common B symptoms like night sweats, fever, or weight loss.
- Other symptoms can include abdominal pain, diarrhea, cough, difficulty swallowing, and skin rash.
- Both types of lymphoma can cause overlapping symptoms like swollen lymph nodes, fever, night sweats, weight loss, fatigue, itchy skin, and symptoms related to lymphoma in other body parts.
- Swollen lymph nodes and these symptoms may also indicate less serious conditions, emphasizing the importance of medical evaluation for persistent or worsening symptoms.
- Early diagnosis improves the chances of successful treatment, which may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, biologic therapy, stem cell transplantation, steroids, surgery, or watchful waiting.
- Survival rates for both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma are substantial, with more than 88.9% and 74.3% survival rates, respectively, for at least 5 years.
- Regular check-ups and self-awareness are crucial in managing lymphoma, and seeking medical advice promptly can greatly improve treatment and recovery outcomes.
- In addition to lymphomas, other medical-conditions like atopic dermatitis, diabetes, otherlymphomas, leukemiacll, lymphocytosis, psoriasis, Crohn's, cancer, COPD, various chronic diseases, neurological disorders, mental-health issues, and health-and-wellness concerns like CBD may necessitate attention from science and medical professionals.
