Lymphoma they call a malignant disease of a tumor nature that affects the lymphatic system, which is represented by a network of vessels and lymph glands. It is the lymphatic system that circulates the body and cleanses the lymph, as well as the movement of white blood cells-lymphocytes. The main purpose of the lymphatic system is to protect the body from infections.
It is customary to isolate Hodgkin's lymphoma (lymphogranulomatosis) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Most lymphomas are made up of white blood cells called B and T lymphocytes.
Lymphoma - causes
Why does lymphoma occur? The fact is that the functioning of cells in different parts of the body is different, however, the restoration and reproduction of cells occur in the same way. Cell division is usually a controlled and ordered process. However, even when this process gets out of control, cell division does not stop. Lymphoma occurs when a tumor begins in one or more lymph nodes.
To date, there is no accurate data on why some people get lymphoma, while others don’t. However, it is known that some factors may increase the risk of developing the disease. First of all, these include a weak immune system and some diseases that increase the risk of developing lymphoma. However, she herself is not an infectious disease, and it is impossible to catch it from another person.
Lymphoma - Symptoms
First of all, lymphoma is manifested by painless enlarged glands in the neck, abdomen, axillary or inguinal areas. Also, lymphoma can be accompanied by red spots on the skin, nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, coughing or shortness of breath.
There are also so-called B-symptoms that occur in some people with lymphoma. These include:
- night sweat;
- sudden causeless weight loss;
- fever, especially in the evening and night;
- skin itching, which is usually not accompanied by a rash;
- great fatigue.
Of course, the presence of one or even several of these symptoms is not a reason to suspect lymphoma in oneself. however, if they last more than two to three weeks, then you should consult a doctor.
Lymphoma - diagnosis
If the lymph nodes are enlarged or other symptoms appear that indicate the development of lymphoma, an examination is carried out, which begins with a doctor examining the lymph nodes of the neck and groin, as well as the spleen and liver for an increase.
Then laboratory tests are prescribed in the form of a detailed blood test to determine blood cells and other indicators.
A chest x-ray is also performed to determine the enlargement of the lymph nodes and the presence of other signs of the disease in the chest.
And yet, the most reliable way to diagnose lymphoma is a biopsy.
Lymphoma - treatment and prevention
The choice of treatment is determined by the type of lymphoma and the patient's condition.
Lymphomas that do not progress, in some cases, can go without treatment, provided that the patient is observed by a doctor, hematologist or oncologist. However, the first signs of the development of the disease, such as an increase in lymph nodes, increased weakness, fever, etc., are the reason to immediately begin treatment. If the lymphoma is local in nature, radiotherapy is used - irradiation of the lymph nodes that are affected by the tumor. Generalized stages require chemotherapy.
The choice of treatment method must necessarily take into account the individual characteristics of the patient, and when approving the general treatment program, the doctor must necessarily discuss it with the patient and, at his request, with his relatives.
