- Recommended remedies
- Food against cancer
- Healthy lifestyle
- Signs of improvement and worsening
- Possible complications
Treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is done with a combination of chemotherapy, radiation therapy and immunotherapy. Its goal is to increase the production of the body's defense cells, eliminate the tumor and stop the production of cancer cells.
Chemotherapy sessions last an average of 4 hours where the individual receives oral and injectable medications, it can cause side effects such as nausea and hair loss. Learn about other side effects of chemotherapy and how to relieve each one.
In the most severe cases, chemotherapy alone is not enough, and radiotherapy, which consists of emitting electromagnetic waves at the tumor site, in order to destroy it, is then indicated. Immunotherapy consists of the administration of serums and vaccines that strengthen the immune system so that it can overcome the tumor. Unfortunately, this therapy is not yet available in the treatments offered by SUS.
Find out what are the chances of curing this lymphoma.
Recommended remedies
For high-grade tumors, located in only one region, the oncologist may prescribe a combination of drugs and exposure to electromagnetic waves because this appears to be more efficient in eliminating the tumor. One of the options is taking medications such as cyclophosphamide, doxorubicin, vincristine and prednisone, followed by radiation therapy.
The monoclonal antibody rituximab has also been shown to have a good effect against this tumor, even in cases of aggressive non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, however the treatment must be individualized because it must take into account age, general health and type of tumor.
Food against cancer
The most suitable foods to fight cancer are organic, which do not have pesticides and therefore have more antioxidants and vitamins that help to improve the entire functioning of the body. Processed foods such as ham, ham, salami and bacon should be avoided, in addition to soft drinks and industrialized juices, eating wholemeal bread, lean meats, vegetables, fruits and good fat sources such as tuna, salmon, sardines and almonds daily, for example. example. See more examples of how to adapt food to fight cancer.
Healthy lifestyle
It is also important to drink plenty of water, sleep well and stay active, if only for a 10 or 15 minute walk because it stimulates blood circulation and contributes to the feeling of well-being. Reading books with pleasing themes and movies in good company also helps you feel better.
Signs of improvement and worsening
The signs of improvement may take months to notice but include improvement in symptoms and normalization of tests that indicate that the cancer is regressing. After finishing the treatment indicated by the oncologist, the person must perform several tests that indicate his health status.
Tests such as tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis may be performed even if these areas have not been affected by the disease and also bone marrow biopsy and positron emission tomography that also assess the marrow because these tests can show whether the tumor is present or disappeared.
Possible complications
Complications of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can include the accumulation of fluid around the lungs, which causes breathing difficulties, pressure on the intestine, which causes loss of appetite, and blockage of the lymphatic vessels, which causes fluid retention. These are more frequent in people who discover the tumor at an advanced stage and the treatment is not effective.
