What is the Lymphatic System?
The lymphatic system is a vital part of the body that helps keep you healthy. It works closely with your immune system, which defends your body against infections and diseases. It is a complex network of organs, lymph nodes, ducts, and vessels that move lymph from tissues to the bloodstream. Lymph is a clear or white fluid that contains different types of white blood cells, especially lymphocytes. These special cells are responsible for attacking harmful bacteria in the blood and body tissues.
Lymph nodes are soft, small structures that are usually not visible or easily felt. They are found in clusters in different body parts, such as the neck, armpits, groin, and inside the chest and abdomen. Lymph nodes serve multiple functions. They store immune cells that help the body fight infections, and they can also produce these cells when needed. Additionally, lymph nodes filter the lymph fluid, removing foreign substances like bacteria and cancer cells. When there is an infection, the lymph nodes can swell as they produce more infection-fighting white blood cells. This swelling is sometimes noticeable in the neck, underarms, and groin.
The lymphatic system includes other organs, such as the spleen, thymus, tonsils, and adenoids.
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system, a part of your body’s immune system. The lymphatic system includes various organs, such as the lymph nodes (in your neck, armpits, groin, chest, and abdomen), spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow. Lymphoma can affect all those areas. In lymphoma, certain white blood cells called lymphocytes, which normally help fight infections, become cancerous and grow out of control. These cancerous cells can form tumours in the lymph nodes or other parts of the body, such as the spleen or bone marrow. There are two main types of lymphocytes. B lymphocytes (B-cell) and T lymphocytes (T-cells) and each has a significantly different function in the immune system.
What are the types of Lymphoma?
There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin’s lymphoma and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
- Non-Hodgkin lymphoma: The most prevalent type of lymphoma usually arises from
B and T lymphocytes (cells) in the lymph nodes or tissues throughout the body. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can occur in lymph nodes and other lymphatic tissues, such as the spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. It can affect people in late adulthood (age 60 to 80). - Hodgkin lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma is a type of cancer that can be diagnosed by the presence of abnormal, large B lymphocytes called Reed-Sternberg cells. It typically starts in a single lymph node or a group of lymph nodes and can spread to nearby lymph nodes or other organs. It is often diagnosed in young adults (age 20 to 39) and the elderly (age 65 and older).
What are common Lymphoma symptoms?
The symptoms of lymphoma can vary depending on the type of lymphoma and the location of the cancer cells. Some common lymphoma symptoms include:
- Swollen lymph nodes can be painless or painful to the touch and occur in the neck, armpits, groin, or other areas of the body.
- Unexplained weight loss, fatigue, or night sweats.
- Fever or chills.
- Itchy skin or rash.
- Difficulty breathing, chest pain, or coughing (if lymphoma affects the thymus or lymph nodes in the chest).
- Abdominal pain or swelling, nausea, vomiting, or diarrhoea (if lymphoma affects the digestive system).
- Headache, confusion, or seizures (if lymphoma is affecting the brain or central nervous system).
What causes Lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is not fully understood, but certain factors have been associated with an increased risk of developing the disease. It is important to note that having one or more risk factors does not necessarily mean that a person will develop lymphoma, and many individuals with lymphoma have no identifiable risk factors. Here are some factors that have been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma:
- Abnormal immune function: Individuals with weakened immune systems, such as those who have undergone organ transplantation, are at an increased risk of developing lymphoma. People with certain immune-related conditions, such as autoimmune diseases or HIV/AIDS, are also at higher risk.
- Infections: Certain viral and bacterial infections have been linked to an increased risk of lymphoma. For example, infection with the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which causes infectious mononucleosis, is associated with an increased risk of developing Hodgkin lymphoma and some non-Hodgkin lymphomas. In some cases, bacterial infections like Helicobacter pylori have been associated with an increased risk of certain types of lymphoma.
- Family history of lymphoma
- Age and gender: Lymphoma can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. Certain types of lymphoma are more common in young adults, while others are mostly diagnosed in people over age 55. Some types of lymphoma also have a slightly higher incidence in males than females.
How is Lymphoma diagnosed?
There are several tests that healthcare providers use to diagnose lymphoma and determine the appropriate treatment. These tests include:
- Complete blood count (CBC): This measures the number of different types of blood cells, which can provide important information about a person’s overall health.
- Computed tomography (CT) scan: This imaging test uses X-rays and computer technology to create detailed pictures of the soft tissues and bones.
- Positron emissions tomography (PET) scan: This imaging test uses a radioactive tracer to identify areas of the body with increased metabolic activity, which can indicate the presence of cancer.
- Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI): This imaging test uses a strong magnetic field and radio waves to create detailed images of the body’s organs and structures within your body.
- Biopsy: This involves the removal of a small sample of tissue or cells for examination under a microscope. Lymph node biopsies and biopsies of other organs can help diagnose lymphoma.
- Lumbar puncture (spinal tap): This is a procedure where a healthcare provider will use a needle to collect a sample of cerebrospinal fluid from your lower back. Cerebrospinal fluid is a clear liquid that surrounds and protects your spine and brain. It can help identify cancer cells that may have spread to the brain or spinal cord.
- Bone marrow biopsy: Your healthcare provider will use a needle to extract a small sample of your bone marrow from either your pelvic bone or breastbone which can help identify the presence of cancer cells. Bone marrow is the soft, spongy tissue found inside your bones.
What are treatment options for Lymphoma?
Several medications and treatments are used to treat lymphoma, and the specific approach may depend on the type and stage of the disease. Here are some common treatments for lymphoma:
- Chemotherapy: Several medications are used to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy can be given orally or intravenously and may be given alone or in combination with other treatments.
- Radiation therapy: This involves the use of high-energy beams to target and kill cancer cells. Radiation therapy is often used in combination with chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: This treatment works by helping the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells.
- Bone marrow transplant: This procedure replaces damaged or diseased bone marrow with healthy stem cells to help the body produce new blood cells.
- Targeted therapy: This treatment targets specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells to help slow or stop their growth.
- CAR T-cell therapy: This treatment uses your white blood cells to kill cancer cells.
- Surgery: Surgery is not commonly used to treat lymphoma, but in some cases, it may be used to remove a tumour or a lymph node for diagnostic purposes.
How can you reduce the potential risk of Lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is not yet fully understood, so it is impossible to completely eliminate the risk of developing it. However, there are some general steps you can take to potentially reduce your risk:
- Maintain a healthy lifestyle: Eating a balanced diet, engaging in regular exercise, avoiding tobacco and excessive alcohol consumption, and maintaining a healthy weight helps in maintaining a healthy immune system. A strong immune system can protect against infections and potentially reduce the risk of lymphoma.
- Protect yourself from infections: Certain infections, such as HIV and the Epstein-Barr virus, are linked to an increased risk of developing lymphoma. Protecting yourself from these infections can lower your risk.
- Regular check-ups: Attend regular check-ups with your healthcare provider, especially if you have a family history of lymphoma or other risk factors. Routine screenings and early detection can play a vital role in identifying any potential issues and addressing them promptly.
While these steps may potentially reduce the risk of developing lymphoma, they do not guarantee complete prevention.
How can I take care of myself if I have Lymphoma?
Creating a plan for living with lymphoma can be beneficial for those who have been diagnosed with the condition. The plan can provide support during initial and follow-up treatment. To develop a plan, there are some important considerations to take into account:
- Understanding how lymphoma treatment can affect your daily life is essential to determine if you require assistance at home or while undergoing treatment.
- Cancer can cause immense stress, and you may find meditation, relaxation exercises, or deep breathing exercises helpful in alleviating the stress.
- Engaging in regular physical activity or exercise can significantly improve outcomes for people with cancer.
- Living with cancer can be isolating, and you may feel uncomfortable discussing your illness with family and friends. Healthcare providers can suggest helpful services and programs to assist with this issue.
In summary, lymphomas are complex diseases, and each case’s specific subtype and individual characteristics can vary. The treatment and prognosis for lymphoma depend on various factors, such as the specific type and subtype of lymphoma, its stage, age, and overall health of the individual. A healthcare provider can provide a more detailed and personalized understanding of lymphoma’s specific type and subtype and the appropriate treatment options.
