Lymphoma is a type of cancer that occurs in our lymphatic system. Lymphatic system is a network of small vessels and tissues spaces that circulates fluid called lymph throughout the body. Our lymphatic system consists of organs, ducts, bone marrow, spleen, tonsils and lymph nodes.
Lymphoma usually originates in the lymph nodes located all around the body, but they can also develop around lymph tissue that does not form distinct nodes. When lymph cancer develops in lymph nodes or lymph tissues, cells in the lymphatic system replicates abnormally.
Lymphomas are grouped into two major categories: Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).Hodgkin's disease tends to origin from lymph nodes and is found most commonly in younger adults while non-Hodgkin's disease can spread beyond the lymphatic system and occurs mostly in middle aged or elderly people.. These two major types of lymphoma are further divided into several subtypes. Diagnosis of lymphoma is usually done by biopsy of lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes affected by lymphoma appear prominently enlarged and disfigured. They may be stiff and have appearance similar to that of fish flesh. In extremely rare cases they are rock hard and they may show areas of cellular deaths (necrosis). Patients with lymphoma may have painless swellings of lymph nodes in the neck, underarm and/or groin. Some patients, especially those with Hodgkin's disease shows symptoms such as fever, night sweats, malaise fatigue, weight loss and itchy skin.
The treatment of lymphoma depends on the type of lymphoma diagnosed and also on the stage of the cancer, its location, the extent of symptoms and the physical condition and health of the patients. Radiotherapy is a preferred treatment for patients with both types of lymphoma. The other treatment options include chemotherapy, bone marrow or stem cell transplants, radio immunotherapy or biologic therapy.
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