Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
See also: Lymphoma
What is it?
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is one of a group of cancers called "lymphomas" that develop in the lymphatic system. Lymph tissue is part of the body's immune system, which sends out white blood cells and antibodies to fight infection. In Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma, cells in the lymphatic system, called lymphocytes, become abnormal and crowd into the lymph nodes, which causes them to swell. Tumors develop and the body has difficulty fighting infection.
Who gets it?
Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is more common among people with inherited immune deficiencies, autoimmune diseases, or HIV/AIDS, and among people taking immunosuppressant drugs after organ transplants. Human T-lymphotropic virus type I (HTLV-1) and Epstein-Barr virus also increase the chance of developing Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. People exposed to certain pesticides and ionizing radiation have also shown a higher than average chance of developing this disease. In general, the risk increases with age, and men are more likely to develop Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma than women. People between the ages of 60 and 69 are at the highest risk.
What causes it?
The exact cause of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is not known.
What are the symptoms?
Early symptoms are painless, swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin area. You may experience appetite and weight loss, nausea, vomiting, stomach pain, and indigestion. Symptoms also include a feeling of fullness caused by enlarged lymph nodes in the abdomen, and pressure or pain in the lower back. In the advanced stages, you may have bone pain, headaches, constant coughing, and abnormal pressure and congestion in the face, neck, and upper chest. Some may have fevers and night sweats.
How is it diagnosed?
There are no screening tests available for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. In most cases, patients go to the doctor because of swollen glands. Your doctor will take a complete medical history and perform a thorough physical examination. He or she will order blood tests to check cell counts and kidney and liver function. The final diagnosis depends on a biopsy. A surgeon will remove a sample of an affected lymph node, which is examined under a microscope for cancer cells. Your doctor may perform a bone marrow biopsy, where a cylindrical piece of bone and marrow fluid is removed for study. He or she will use imaging tests, such as x rays, CT scans, magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), and abdominal sonograms to determine how far the lymphoma has spread. This is called "staging," and helps determine treatment.
What is the treatment?
Treatment for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma depends upon factors such as the stage of the disease, the size of the
enlarged lymph nodes, which symptoms are present, and your age and general health. The two most common treatments are radiation and chemotherapy. A combination of the two is usually most effective. In some cases patients benefit from bone marrow transplants.
Self-care tips
Since the symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are common to many other illnesses, it is important to seek medical attention if any of the symptoms persist for two weeks or more.
This information has been designed as a comprehensive and quick reference
guide written by our health care reviewers. The health information written
by our authors is intended to be a supplement to the care provided by your
physician. It is not intended nor implied to be a substitute for
professional medical advice.
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