Lymphoma Cancer

April 16th, 2009 admin Posted in Cancer | 4 Comments »

What is Lymphoma Cancer?

lymphoma cancer pictures
Lymphoma is a blood cancer type that affects the lymphocyte cells which play a role in the immune system, and primarily represents cells involved in the lymphatic body system. Lymphocytes are the blood cells that increase the body’s resistence to illnesses. The lymph nodes are the places where those particular cells collect. Where is lymph nodes can be found? It’s only can be found in few places such as the groin, armpits, neck and the heart. The proper medical term given for this particular cancer type as a lymphoma cancer, when cancer develops in these nodes.

Actually, Lymphoma Cancer are of two types: Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, which develops from abnormal B lymphocyte cells; and Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer, which develops from either abnormal B or T lymphocyte cells, and is distinguished by unique genetic markers.

There are five sub-types of Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer and about 30 sub-types of Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer. The risk factors for this condition are including old age, infections; the immune system, family history and exposure to toxic chemicals.

The actual cause of this disease is relatively unknown, even Lymphoma is a very common type of cancer. Most of the scientists and doctors say that there is no single cause for lymphoma cancer. However, this medical condition has been thought to have as a starting point the weakness of your immune system. It has been thought that people to be more at risk of developing lymphoma, if they are infected with viruses like AIDS.

Lymphoma cancer symptoms

The common symptoms of Lymphoma cancer include enlarged lymph nodes, painless, fever, spleen enlargement, chills, night sweats, unexplained weight loss, tiredness and itching.

Lymphoma Cancer at first is just a lump, that grows in time. The lymphoma cancer patient will feel no pain at first, but as the tumor grows, including some pain, symptoms will appear and discomfort. Weight loss, fever, sweating are also some of the other lymphoma cancer signs. However, due to the fact that the lump is benign, many of the cases that are suspected with lymphoma actually pose no threat.

However, you must go see a doctor which will do a biopsy of your tumor to be diagnosed with lymphoma cancer. Some other tests must also be done to see the extent of your lymphoma cancer case, if you indeed suffer form lymphoma. To see just how serious is your lymphoma case, scans, blood tests and even a biopsy of your bone marrow are the following tests that have to be done for your doctor.

Lymphoma cancer treatment

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy and biological therapy are the standard line of treatment for this condition. The main purpose of these treatments is to kill the cancer completely. Sometimes, more than one type of drug is used to try and eradicate all of the cancer. This can be a very trying and painful process for the patient but it is necessary for their recovery.

To determine how advanced the cancer is, surgery is used only in Hodgkin’s. Hodgkin’s lymphoma cancer doesn’t require a surgery as treatment like other cancers do. The one good news you’ll receive about Hodgkin’s is that 90% of people diagnosed with it are cured. It is known as the most curable cancer but a few thousand people will still die per year from it. Early detection is key, so see your doctor regularly. Although not a very spread type of cancer a few time ago, Lymphoma is starting to gain much ground these days.