What is
Lymphoma?
When patients are diagnosed with lymphoma, most of their usual
response would be: “What is lymphoma? Why do I have it?” The
name alone sparks interest and fear of many, for it is one of
the common types of cancer in the United
States.
To fully understand what is lymphoma, you have to know first
where it starts. Lymphoma is a malignancy, or cancer in the
lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is responsible for
fighting infection, and a major part of your body’s immune
system. The lymphatic system comprises of the lymph, lymph
nodes, lymph vessels, spleen, bone marrow, and liver. The lymph
is the fluid in the lymphatic system, and carries the
lymphocytes that fight microorganisms or pathogens that invade
the body. The lymphocytes collect in a lymph node, with is the
arena where they would fight the microorganism. To reach a body
part, the lymph travels through a system tunnels or passages
called the lymph vessels. Once the pathogens are
filtered and destroyed, the lymph now travels to the spleen
which is the storage of blood cells and dead lymphocytes as
well as pathogens. The dead cells are now brought to the liver
for break down and the by product is excreted via kidneys or
large intestine. The bone marrow is takes part in the lymphatic
system as the area where lymphocytes are produced.
The malignancy in lymphoma starts in the lymphocytes,
particularly in the B-cells or T-cells. Lymphoma is categorized
into two types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
The main difference between the two is that in Hodgkin’s
lymphoma, there is the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells inside
the malignant lymphocytes. It is unknown how and why the
malignancy starts in lymphoma, but the mutation of lymphocytes
is believed to be connected to an immune-compromised status
such as presence of viral infections (i.e. HIV/AIDS,
Epstein-Barr virus), use of immune-suppressant drugs, and
radiation therapy during cancer management. These malignant
cells will collect in a lymph node and would form a lymph node
that is more than 2 cm in size, rubbery, and non-tender. Other
symptoms of lymphoma include night sweats, unexplained weight
loss and fever, enlarged spleen and liver, and
anorexia.
Research is still being done to understand what is lymphoma. So
far, traditional cancer treatments such as chemotherapy and
radiation therapy are being utilized to help combat the
malignancy. Bone marrow transplant is done when the malignancy
is at the later stage and as a last resort to combat the
disease. If you suspect that you have lymphoma, contact your
physician so a definite diagnosis and treatment will be given
to manage your condition.
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