Lymphoma
- mrsaepts
- Feb 8, 2024
- 4 min read
BY Intat Damrongkulkumjon, Adiruj Poomee
EDITED BY Pich Paholpak
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that originates in the part of the body’s immune system also known as the lymphatic system, which includes the lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. Amongst everything, Lymphoma can be classified into 2 different categories either: Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL) and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL).
Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL)
Hodgkin Lymphoma also known as Hodgkin’s disease, is characterized by the presence of
Reed-Sternberg cells (hallmark tumor cells of Hodgkin Lymphoma). In Hodgkin Lymphoma the lymphocytes (white blood cells) grow out of control, resulting in swollen lymph nodes and growths throughout the body. In addition, Hodgkin Lymphoma is relatively rare compared to Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma constituting only 10%.
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL)
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) is a diverse group of lymphatic system cancers, comprising about 90% of all Lymphomas. It involves the abnormal growth of lymphocytes and lacks Reed-Sternberg cells. NHL is diagnosed through biopsy and staging, and prognosis varies among its different subtypes. Personalized care and regular monitoring are crucial for individuals with NHL.
What are the differences between Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?
In Hodgkin Lymphoma, the cancerous cells are influenced by the being of Reed-Sternberg cells, which are abnormally large cells that can contain more than one nucleus. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma on the other hand constitutes a diverse group of cancers that includes a wide variety and various subtypes with unique characteristics.
Lymphocytes: Causes
The causes of Lymphomas are not fully understood. However, it typically develops when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that is part of the immune system, undergo abnormal changes. These sudden abnormal changes can contribute to cancerous cells being multiplied uncontrollably leading to the formation of tumors in the lymph nodes or other organs in the lymphatic system. The major risk of developing Lymphoma can be increased due to the weakening of the immune system among conditions of autoimmune disease or immune disorders caused by genetics.
Symptoms:
Symptoms
The symptoms of Lymphoma can vary from being subtle to being intense-- which includes swollen lymph nodes, fatigue, unexplained weight loss, fever, and night sweats. Some people may also experience itchy skin, abdominal symptoms such as an enlargement of the spleen, and even respiratory symptoms such as coughing, etc.
Diagnosis
The diagnostic test confirming Lymphoma is the "Lymph Node Biopsy." During this procedure, specialists remove a portion or the entire lymph node for testing. Subsequently, a pathologist with expertise in blood cancers examines the tissue under a microscope. Lastly, the results will determine whether you possess Lymphoma and, if so, it will identify the specific type.
Lymph Node Biopsy:
Risk Factors
Several factors are to be noted to increase the risk of developing Lymphomas. While some have more than one factor, this does not mean that the individual has a flourished Lymphoma. Conversely, some individuals with Lymphomas may also not possess these factors. Risk factors that are commonly found include the following.
Age: Each type of Lymphoma is attracted to different age groups. Hodgkin Lymphoma often affects young adults, while non-Hodgkin Lymphoma tends to affect a higher age.
Gender: Same as age, Lymphomas tend to have a gender predilection. For instance, Hodgkin Lymphoma is slightly more common in males, while some certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma have a higher risk of happening in females.
Family History: An individual may have a higher risk of getting Lymphoma if the individual is from a family with a history of Lymphoma or other form of cancers. Specific genetic factors also play a role.
Infections: Viral infections such as the Epstein-Barr virus (EBV), which is linked to Hodgkin Lymphoma and some certain subtypes of non-Hodgkin Lymphoma, are a key factor to an increased risk of Lymphoma.
Autoimmune Diseases: When the immune system destroys its own body, this may elevate the risk of Lymphomas.
Previous Cancer Treatment: Individuals who have gone through cancer treatments that involve radiation such as radiation therapy or chemotherapy are set to have an increased risk of developing Lymphoma later on.
Exposures to Chemical: Exposure to chemicals such as industrial chemicals has been seen as a potential risk factor for Lymphoma. However, there is not much evidence to back this up other than words.
It is important to understand that these factors are not the key factors to determine whether someone has Lymphoma or not and it is essential to also understand that risk factors are not the direct causes of Lymphoma. Regular medical check-ups are always recommended as well as bringing up the awareness of the key factors that could potentially indirectly lead to Lymphoma.
Cause and Risk factors:
Treatment
The treatment of Lymphomas varies based on the type of Lymphoma, the individual’s overall health, and many other factors. Treatments that are commonly used in individuals with Lymphomas include the following.
Chemotherapy: This treatment involves the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. It is a standard treatment that is commonly used for many types of Lymphomas.
Radiation Therapy: This treatment involves the use of high-dose-X-rays or other high-energy particles to destroy the target cancer cells. It is often used to shrink tumors before other treatments.
Immunotherapy: Monoclonal antibodies, immune checkpoint inhibitors and CAR T-cell therapy are examples of immunotherapy, or the act of boosting one’s immune system to fight off cancer.
Stem Cell Transplantation: This treatment involves replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells. This is mainly used for very rapid Lymphomas or aggressive Lymphomas or when other treatments have not been successful.
Surgery: While this treatment is not commonly used, this method is used to remove a lymph node for biopsy or to alleviate specific symptoms.
References
LLS Editors. “Leukemia & Lymphoma Treatment.” Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, (n.d), https://www.lls.org/Lymphoma/hodgkin-Lymphoma/treatment#..
Aggarwal, Payal. “Reed Sternberg Cells.” National Library of Medicine, (2022, July 25), https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK542333/#:~:text.
Cancer Council Editors. “Types of Cancer Lymphoma.” Cancer Council, (n.d), https://www.cancer.org.au/cancer-information/types-of-cancer/Lymphoma.
Lymphoma action Editors. “Causes and risk factors for Lymphoma.” Lymphoma action, (n.d), https://Lymphoma-action.org.uk/about-Lymphoma-what-Lymphoma.
Mayo Clinic Editors. “Lymphoma.” Mayo Clinic, (n,d), https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/Lymphoma/symptoms-causes/.
National Cancer Institute Editors. “Lymphoma - Patient Version.” National Cancer Institute, (n,d), https://www.cancer.gov/types/Lymphoma#:~:text=. Abramson Cancer Center. “Lymphoma Diagnosis.” Penn Medicine, (n,d),
Wikipedia. “Lymphocyte.” Wikipedia, (2023, October 9),
Aradhana Ghosh, M.D. “Lymphoma: Everything You Need to Know.” HealthCentral, (2023, August 23),
ACTC Editors. “All You Need to Know About Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.” (n.d), https://actchealth.com/blogs/all-you-need-to-know-about-non-hodgkin-Lymphoma
Wood, Debra. “Sentinel Lymph Node Biopsy.” (n.d), https://www.wnyurology.com/content.aspx?chunkiid=28176
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