Lymphoma Cancer
Lymphoma Cancer - Overview
Lymphoma can be broadly divided into two categories based on pattern of cells noticed in the biopsy (small chunk of tissue obtained via a needle or a minor surgical procedure) of the affected lymph node or tissue as follows:
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Hodgkin’s lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin’s disease): Patients diagnosed with Hodgkin’s lymphoma often have large abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells in their lymph nodes. This disease is highly curable and accounts for about 10 per cent of all lymphoma cases. Hodgkin’s lymphoma is most prevalent in:
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People between 15 and 40 years of age
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People aged 55 years and above
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Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is more common and can be divided into two types:
1. Aggressive (high grade) non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which tends to grow and spread quickly and cause severe symptoms. If left untreated, it can be fatal within a few months or sooner.
2. Slow-growing (low-grade) non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma which tends to grow and spread slowly and cause few symptoms. It is harder to treat and carries a higher risk of relapse.
Lymphoma Cancer - Symptoms
Some of the symptoms of lymphoma include:
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Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin. This is the most common symptom.
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Persistent fever
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Drenching night sweats
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Unexplained weight loss
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Patchy red skin and itching
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Shortness of breath
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Persistent fatigue, lack of energy or tiredness
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Lymphoma Cancer -
Health Screenings
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A common symptom of lymphoma is painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin. Benign conditions can also cause swelling, so tests and procedures are needed to diagnose lymphoma and develop an effective treatment plan.
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These may include:
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Physical exam: Your doctor will check for swollen lymph nodes in your neck, underarm and groin as well as an enlarged spleen or liver.
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Blood tests: To test blood cell, kidney and liver performance. Blood tests can also detect lactase dehydrogenase (LDH), a chemical associated with the aggressive form of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma.
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Bone marrow biopsy: Bone marrow samples are usually taken by inserting a needle into the hip bone to extract samples. These are then examined in the lab for the presence of cancer cells.
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Imaging tests: Imaging tests including CT scan, MRI scans and PET scans may be used to look for signs of lymphoma in the body.