- Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
- Causes of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
- Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a type of lymphatic cancer characterized by the enlargement of some lymph nodes and the most common type is that which affects type B defense cells. Its symptoms can include night sweat, fever and itchy skin and its treatment is done with chemotherapy, radiotherapy and immunotherapy.
The choice of treatment depends on the size of the tumor, its location and whether there are metastases or not. Although severe, non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be cured through treatment.
Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
The symptoms of this type of cancer can appear at any stage of life, are more common in men and are usually:
- Increased lymph nodes; There may be fever; There may be weight loss; There may be night sweats of great intensity; There may be itchy skin.
No specific cause for the development of this lymphoma has yet been identified but there is a suspicion that the compromised immune system and the appearance of various infections are related to the disease. Learn more about Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma.
Types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma
There are more than 40 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma and they are further classified according to the cells they affect: B or T, and the tumor size, shape and presentation under the microscope are also considered, but generally non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are subdivided into: indolent or aggressive because knowing this is extremely important for the treatment to be really well directed.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can be classified as:
- type I: only one lymph node is affected; type II: more than one lymph node is affected, but all are located on the same side of the diaphragm; type III: affected abdominal lymph nodes; type IV: several lymph nodes affected throughout the body.
Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma must still be classified as indolent when its development is slow, without symptoms, or aggressive when its development is rapid and presents symptoms.
The doctor can identify the type of lymphoma that the person has and what is its stage when ordering tests such as complete blood count, kidney and liver function, calcium, uric acid, computed tomography of the chest, abdomen and pelvis, and bone marrow biopsy.
Causes of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Some of the possible causes of the development of this disease include weakness of the immune system, exposure to pollutants, high doses of radiation, immunosuppressive drugs and viral or bacterial infections. People with the Epstein-Barr virus as well as those with the H.Pylori bacteria in the stomach are at increased risk of developing some type of lymphoma.
The environment in which the individual lives and their lifestyle also interfere in the way the body reacts to the harmful effects caused by exposure to chemical agents, increasing the risk of developing this cancer.
Treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
Treatment can be done through associated chemotherapy and radiotherapy, but the use of monoclonal antibodies has also been shown to be effective. However, the choice of treatment depends on the stage of the lymphoma and should be indicated by the oncologist. Learn the remedies, diet and tips to fight this tumor here.
The prognosis of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma varies depending on the extent of the disease and the organs affected. When it is discovered early there is a greater chance of cure, but when the lymphoma is at a more advanced stage and there is metastasis the cure can be more difficult, but normally aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphoma, although more severe, is more likely to cure. Find out what are the chances of cure of this tumor here.
