Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that originates from the lymphatic system, which is part of the immune system. It is characterized by the abnormal growth of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, in the lymph nodes, spleen, or other lymphoid tissues.

Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are several subtypes of NHL, including:

• Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL)
• Follicular lymphoma (FL)
• Mantle cell lymphoma (MCL)
• Marginal zone lymphoma (MZL)
• Lymphoblastic lymphoma
• Burkitt lymphoma/leukemia
• Cutaneous T-cell lymphoma (CTCL)
• Peripheral T-cell lymphoma (PTCL)

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The symptoms of NHL can vary depending on the location and extent of the disease. Common symptoms include:

• Painless swelling of the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm, or groin
• Fever
• Weight loss
• Fatigue
• Night sweats
• Itching
• Redness or swelling of the skin
• Pain or discomfort in the chest, abdomen, or bones
• Shortness of breath or coughing
• Abdominal pain or swelling

Causes and Risk Factors of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The exact cause of NHL is not known, but several factors can increase the risk of developing the disease. These include:

• Age: NHL is more common in people over 60 years old
• Gender: Men are more likely to develop NHL than women
• Family history: Having a family history of lymphoma or other cancers
• Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems, such as those with HIV/AIDS or taking immunosuppressive medications
• Infections: Certain infections, such as Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) and human T-cell leukemia virus (HTLV-1)
• Exposure to chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and solvents

Diagnosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

NHL is typically diagnosed using a combination of the following tests:

• Physical examination
• Medical history
• Imaging tests: CT scans, MRI scans, or PET scans to evaluate the extent of the disease
• Blood tests: Complete blood count (CBC) and blood chemistry tests to evaluate liver and kidney function
• Lymph node biopsy: A surgical procedure to remove a lymph node for examination under a microscope
• Bone marrow biopsy: A surgical procedure to remove a sample of bone marrow for examination under a microscope

Treatments for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The treatment of NHL depends on the subtype, stage, and extent of the disease. Common treatments include:

• Chemotherapy: Using medications to kill cancer cells
• Radiation therapy: Using high-energy rays to kill cancer cells
• Immunotherapy: Using medications that stimulate the immune system to attack cancer cells
• Targeted therapy: Using medications that target specific molecules involved in cancer cell growth and survival
• Stem cell transplantation: Replacing damaged bone marrow with healthy stem cells
• Surgery: Removing affected lymph nodes or other tissues
• Watchful waiting: Monitoring the disease without active treatment, often used for slow-growing subtypes

Stages of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

NHL is typically staged using the Ann Arbor staging system, which includes:

• Stage I: Cancer is limited to one lymph node group or one extralymphatic site
• Stage II: Cancer is limited to two or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm or one extralymphatic site and one or more lymph node groups on the same side of the diaphragm
• Stage III: Cancer is limited to lymph node groups on both sides of the diaphragm, which may also include the spleen, liver, bone marrow, or other organs
• Stage IV: Cancer has spread to one or more extralymphatic sites, such as the liver, bone marrow, or lungs, with or without lymph node involvement

Prognosis of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

The prognosis of NHL depends on several factors, including the subtype, stage, and extent of the disease. Overall, the 5-year survival rate for people with NHL is around 72%. However, this can vary depending on the specific subtype and stage of the disease.