Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma is a classification of certain types of lymphoma that do not fall under the Hodgkin’s disease category. This disease is a condition where malignant cells originate and accumulate in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is comprised the lymph, lymph vessels, lymph nodes, the bone marrow and the spleen. The lymph is the fluid that circulates around the lymphatic system, and carries all the anti-bodies that fight microbes or pathogens. The lymph vessels are the path in which the lymph travels to reach certain parts and tissues. When there are pathogens found in the body, the lymphatic system collects them in the lymph nodes for destruction, as well as to “remember” the type of pathogen so the immune system will respond quickly and swiftly the next time it infects the person. The bone marrow and the spleen are both responsible for producing different types of blood cells and anti-bodies that help filter the blood and clear it of pathogens.

In Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma the malignancy is seen in the B-lymphocytes. These cells mutate in form and number, rendering them incapable of maintaining the immune system. The build-up often causes a growth in the lymph node or tissue where they are located. The malignancies are grouped -according to how fast the malignancy spreads – low grade, intermediate grade, and high grade. This grading system is used to determine how the malignancy would be treated.  

The cause of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is still unknown. However, certain risk factors are identified that would predispose a person to this condition: 

Ø Condition in which the immune system is weakened such as taking immuno-suppresants after transplant surgery. 

Ø Infections that affect the immune system such as: 

o    HIV or AIDS 

o    Epstein-Barr virus – this virus is connected to the occurrence of Burkitt Lymphoma in Africa, a sub-type of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma 

o    Helicobacter pylori – a pathogen responsible for many gastric ulcers 

o    Human T-cell leukemia or lymphoma virus type 1 

Research is still being conducted regarding the connection of obesity to Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. And even though these risk factors are currently attributed to the disease, there are still some people who don’t suffer Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma even though they are exposed to these conditions.