Lymphomas
Overview
Lymphoma is the name of a group of blood cancers that arise in the lymphatic system, which is one part of the immune system, the body’s natural defense against infection. This cancer involves cells of the immune system called lymphocytes, which are certain types of white blood cells. The lymphatic system is made up of a network of vessels that carry a fluid called lymph throughout the body. Lymph contains lymphocytes that attack infectious agents and many cells in the precancerous stages of development. Lymphocytes circulate throughout the body through the bloodstream and lymphatic system.
Lymphoma occurs when normal lymphocytes are transformed into abnormal, cancerous lymphocytes that reproduce uncontrollably. As they multiply, they collect in one or more lymph nodes or other parts of the lymphatic system, including bone marrow, the spleen, tonsils, adenoids and other organs, where they can form tumors. The cells begin to outnumber normal cells, resulting in enlargement of the lymph nodes, spleen and other organs.
Lymphoma is the most common blood cancer in the United States. It represents 67 different cancer subtypes that involve lymphocytes. The body has two main types of lymphocytes that can develop into lymphomas: B-lymphocytes (B-cells) and T-lymphocytes (T-cells). The two main forms of lymphoma are Hodgkin lymphoma and non- Hodgkin lymphoma. B-cells produce antibodies, which are proteins that attach to infectious organisms, such as bacteria and viruses. T-cells attack infectious agents directly and play a part in controlling the immune system.
Lymphoma can occur in adults and children of any age. Hodgkin lymphoma occurs most frequently in adolescents and young adults aged 15 to 35 years old and people 55 years of age and older. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma more often occurs in older adults.
Risk Factors
No one knows exactly what causes lymphoma. Mutations in DNA, the hereditary genetic material found in cells, are believed to cause lymphoma to develop, but what triggers these mutations is largely unknown. However, a growing body of research suggests that certain risk factors may be responsible for triggering the DNA mutations that lead to lymphoma.
Environmental exposure to a number of chemicals and to radiation has been linked to the development of lymphoma, including highly toxic chemical solvents such as benzene, toluene, turpentine and xylene. Chemical herbicides and pesticides used for pest control and defoliation are also associated with lymphoma, including Agent Orange, which was used as a defoliant in the Vietnam war, and hair dyes, particularly dyes manufactured before 1980.
Inherited immune disorders, such as rheumatoid arthritis, lupus, Sjögren’s syndrome and celiac disease, have also been linked to an increased risk of developing lymphoma. People with immune system disorders, such as HIV (human immunodeficiency virus) infection and AIDS, are at substantially higher risk of developing a certain lymphoma, called AIDS- related lymphoma, than people in the general population.
Infection with the Epstein-Barr virus, a member of the herpes virus family, is another possible risk factor for lymphoma. And, Helicobacter pylori infection, a bacterial infection that can cause ulcers and lead to stomach cancer, has been linked to a B- cell type of lymphoma known as MALT (mucosa-associated lymphoid tissue) lymphoma.
Symptoms and Early Diagnosis
Getting a diagnosis and treatment of lymphoma early in the disease process is important because symptoms of lymphoma, especially non-Hodgkin lymphoma, are often nonexistent or minor in the early stages of disease. Also, the symptoms may not be specific to lymphoma but can indicate other conditions as well.
Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, chest, abdomen or skin are among the major symptoms of lymphoma, but swollen nodes in the neck may also indicate the flu or a sinus infection. Swollen lymph nodes in the chest can cause difficulty breathing. Tumors in skin may appear as itchy red or purple lumps. In people with sinus infections, swollen nodes are generally tender and often painful to some degree; however, in people with lymphoma, swollen lymph nodes might be firm and painless.
People with lymphoma may also have chest pain when the lymphoma spreads to the upper chest just behind the breastbone. Unexplained weight loss of 10% or more of body weight is another possible symptom of lymphoma, as are recurring fevers and night sweats that develop for no apparent reason, especially with other symptoms.
Additional symptoms include rashes, itchy skin and lesions, which might be a signs of cutaneous (skin) lymphoma, and lower back pain in the presence of other symptoms. Lymph nodes may also be painful after consuming alcohol because alcohol consumption puts stress on the lymphatic system.
If you have any of these symptoms, see your physician and explain your concerns about lymphoma.
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