Each year, lymphomas, or cancers of the lymphatic system, account for around half of all blood cancer cases. This system is made up of lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, groyne, chest, and abdomen. The main function of lymph nodes is to help your body get rid of extra fluid and makes immune cells. Abnormal lymphocytes, which are a type of white blood cell, become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in lymph nodes. Your immune system is weakened over time by these cancerous cells. Read more, to know more about lymphoma, its symptoms, causes, and diagnosis:

Lymphoma Definition

Cancer that appears in the lymphatic system is referred to as lymphoma. Lymphoma is divided into two types known as non-lymphoma Hodgkin’s and Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Researchers have categorized more than 70 different kinds of lymphoma into these two groups. Every part of the lymphatic system is susceptible to lymphomas, including:

• Bone marrow
• Spleen
• Lymph nodes
• Thymus
• Tonsils

Symptoms of Lymphoma

The signs and symptoms of lymphoma resemble those of several viral diseases, like the common cold. However, they often last for a longer time. Some people won’t have any symptoms. Others could observe a lymph node enlargement. Mostly, the swollen areas don’t hurt. In the event that the enlarging glands press against bones, organs, or other structures, they may become uncomfortable.

A common ailment like a cold can cause lymph nodes to enlarge. If the swelling is the result of an infection, pain is also more likely to be present along with it. Misdiagnosis may result from the overlap of symptoms. Anyone who experiences ongoing gland swelling should schedule an appointment with their doctor. In addition, both kinds of lymphoma can cause night sweats, fever, and chills, as well as a continuous fever without an infection.

Other symptoms include:

• Loss of appetite and weight loss.
• Unusual itching.
• Continual exhaustion or lack of energy.

Additional symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are:

• Constant coughing.
• Shortness of breath.
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen.

If a swollen lymph node pushes on the spinal nerves or the spinal cord, it may cause pain, weakness, or altered sensation. The lymphatic system allows lymphoma to spread quickly from lymph nodes to other regions of the body. The immune system’s ability to fight off infections is compromised as cancerous lymphocytes invade other tissues.

Causes of Lymphoma

Lymphoma has unknown causes, according to doctors. But it starts when a lymphocyte, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, develops a genetic mutation. The mutation instructs the cell to increase rapidly, resulting in a large number of sick lymphocytes that keep reproducing. Additionally, the mutation enables the cells to continue to exist when other normal cells would have died. Your lymph nodes, spleen, and liver enlarge as a result of having an excessive number of sick and inefficient cells.

It occurs more frequently in individuals who:

• Have compromised immune systems as a result of illnesses, including hereditary immunological disorders, autoimmune diseases, HIV infection, or AIDS.
• Use immunosuppressive medications after receiving an organ transplant.
• Have the Epstein-Barr virus, which can lead to glandular fever if the immune system is already compromised.
• Have lymphoma in family history
• Who is exposed to some radiation or poisons, such as benzene and some agricultural pesticides
• Light up a cigarette

Even if you have some of these risk factors, it does not mean you have lymphoma, or you will develop lymphoma.

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Diagnosis for Lymphoma

• Medical history assessment and physical exam 

If a patient has lymphoma symptoms, the medical history assessment and physical examination are the first things the doctor would advise. The doctor tries to learn about the patient’s previous and existing medical conditions, operation history, and allergy-related information. Additionally, he or she could conduct a physical examination of the patient. It is to look for symptoms of lymphoma, such as enlarged nodes, anaemia, skin rashes, etc.

• Blood Tests

Blood tests are advised to ascertain the number of different blood cells. Lymphoma may be indicated by low levels of platelets, white blood cells, or red blood cells. However, lymphoma cannot be diagnosed just by blood testing.

• Lymph node biopsy 

During a lymph node biopsy, a lymph node or a portion of it is removed. The sample is inspected under a microscope for lymphoma cells. Additional testing is advised by the doctor if lymphoma cells are discovered.

• Bone marrow aspiration and biopsy

During the bone marrow aspiration and biopsy, a needle is inserted into the patient’s hip bone. It is to harvest the liquid component (aspiration) or solid portion (biopsy) of the bone marrow. These samples are subsequently inspected under a microscope to check for the presence of lymphoma cells.

• Imaging Tests

The doctor may advise undergoing a number of imaging tests to learn more about the condition. A PET/CT scan, an MRI scan, and other imaging procedures are frequently advised.

There are additional tests, namely flow cytometry, immunophenotyping, FISH testing, etc., recommended for lymphoma diagnosis. It is done in order to evaluate the level of cancer biomarkers.   

Why choose India for lymphoma treatment?

In the last two decades, India has been one of the most popular places for lymphoma treatment. The lymphoma treatment in India is highly affordable to patients. The strong healthcare infrastructure in India has greatly influenced India’s ranking as one of the top locations to seek treatment.

Lymphoma treatment facilities are available at several of the best Indian hospitals. These hospitals provide the highest level of care at the lowest cost. The cancer specialists who provide accessible leukaemia treatment are well-known throughout the world for their exceptional skills and knowledge.

Bottom Line  

With proper care, more than 72% of those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma will live for at least five years. 86.6% of those who undergo therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma will live for at least five years. As lymphoma advances, the likelihood of a favourable result declines. For any cold or infection symptoms that persist for a period of time, it is essential to contact a doctor. The likelihood of successful treatment might be increased with early diagnosis.