Lymphoma: Silent Tumor Cured Thanks To Early Diagnosis
Lymphoma is a cancer that affects lymphocytes, which are cells of the lymphatic system that are part of the body’s defense mechanisms. The lymphatic system is a complex structure made up of small vessels, lymph nodes, bone marrow and other organs. All of them are composed of lymphocytes.
Patients with this disease have abnormalities in lymphocyte activity. In fact, they grow abnormally and generally out of control. Its main manifestation is the formation of tumor masses near the lymph nodes. For example, in the armpits, on the neck and abdomen.
Two main variants of the disease can be distinguished: Hodgkin (HL) and non-Hodgkin (NHL). Each of them is divided into various subtypes, although the Hodgkin variant is less known than the non-Hodgkin one.
The behavior, propagation and treatment of lymphoma varies from person to person, almost always depending on the patient’s lymphatic and immune functioning.
Although the development of the disease is aggressive and complex, early diagnosis is important for successful treatment. Given that for many it continues to be an unknown disease, below we want to share in detail what it is and what symptoms allow us to diagnose it.
Main types of lymphoma
According to data published by the National Cancer Institute of the United States, there are basically two types of lymphoma. The first, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is characterized by the presence of a cell called Reed Sternberg and among the main symptoms it presents inflammation of the lymph nodes.
The second, the non-Hodgkin one, includes a large and diverse group of immune system cell cancers. This makes it more aggressive and difficult to treat. It can easily expand and cause slow-moving tumors that span multiple organs.
Unfortunately 75% of lymphomas are of the non-Hodgkin type, and although there are various factors that may be associated with its development, experts have not yet been able to establish what exactly determines this variety.
What are the main symptoms of lymphoma?
Although the symptoms of lymphoma can vary for each patient, depending on the type and degree of severity, they generally manifest themselves with:
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits and groin.
- Sudden appearance of nodules.
- Excessive and unexplained weight loss.
- Continued episodes of fever.
- Excessive night sweats.
- Itch.
- Weakness and chronic fatigue.
- Decrease or loss of appetite.
- Cough and difficulty in breathing.
- Sensation of pain in the abdomen, chest and bones.
- Inflammation in the abdomen.
- Constant feeling of heaviness.
- Chills
What are the risk factors for lymphoma?
Although the aggressive lymphoma subtype is the most common, it has been shown that its proper diagnosis considerably increases the chances of recovery.
Indeed, the indolent subtype allows patients to live up to 15 years with the disease. For this reason, in addition to recognizing the most common symptoms, it is also convenient to have a clear understanding of the factors that increase the risk.
They include:
- Deficits in the immune system, including a history of transplantation, patients with HIV or autoimmune diseases.
- Suffering from infections due to human immunodeficiency virus, Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Helicobacter pylori bacterium.
- Being over 60 years old.
- Being of white race.
- Being or having been exposed to chemicals such as herbicides or insecticides.
- Radiation exposure.
What is the treatment of lymphomas?
After carrying out the tests useful for the diagnosis of lymphomas, the professionals proceed to an immediate and intensive treatment. The standard treatment of the disease in its most aggressive stage consists of courses of chemotherapy and biological therapy.
Radiation therapy is effective for patients with stage I and II lymphoma, depending on the activity of the malignant cells. It is essential to take into account that the appropriate diagnosis cannot be obtained through a specific examination. Even if there are, in fact, they are not entirely advisable.
For this reason, the best thing to do is to treat the symptoms and observe the changes in the body to see if they have any relation to the disease. It is also necessary to undergo periodic checks in case of family history or particular exposure to the aforementioned risk factors.
To conclude, even if in its initial stages it is a disease to be considered silent, lymphoma can be adequately treated by paying attention to some key signs. Knowing the disease, verifying the origin of symptoms and requesting medical tests are crucial to reducing the risk of death.
