How Bad Is Lymphoma Cancer?
How Bad Is Lymphoma Cancer?
Introduction
Cancer that afflicts the lymphatic system carries with it the risk of spreading throughout the lymph nodes, the spleen, tonsils, and bone marrow. Lymph nodes are present in the abdomen, the groin, the pelvis, neck, chest and underarms. This gives rise to the question – how bad is Lymphoma cancer? Following sections offer a detailed look at the condition for an understanding of the extent of risk and treatment options.
What Is Lymphoma Cancer?
Let us take a quick look at the Lymphona cancer before we look at answers to the question – how bad is Lymphoma cancer? This refers to a type of cancer that is known to start in the lymphatic system. This symptom, is a part of the immune system, assisting the body in warding off infections. This system comprises the lymph nodes, that are small glands in the shape of beans. There are present in the spleen, the thymus, and bone marrow.
Lymphoma occurs when a type of white blood cells (known as Lymphocytes), begin to increase abnormally and uncontrollably. These are cancerous cells that have the ability to form tumors and spread throughout the lymphatic system. This will, over time affect other parts of the body.
Lymphoma is divided into two types:
- Hodgkin Lymphoma – When a specific type of abnormal cell is present. This condition is known to be relatively rare and is known to have a high success rate with treatment.
- Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma – Is more common and has many subtypes varying in severity and the approach to treatment. This condition affects different types of lymphocytes and the growth can be either slow or rapid.
Symptoms of lymphoma include the following:
- Swollen lymph nodes – belly, neck, armpits or groin.
- Abnormal and unexplained pain in chest, abdomen or bones of the body.
- Fever.
- Breaking out into night sweats.
- Sudden and unexplained weight loss.
- Overall tiredness.
- Itching sensation.
What Is Hodgkin Lymphoma?
It is now time to learn more about this type of lymphoma, as part of looking for answers to how bad is Lymphoma Cancer? As outlined above, this refers to a type of cancer that affects the lymphatic system ad begins when healthy cells in the lymphatic system change and grow uncontrollably. While the lymph nodes are present throughout the body, most lymph nodes are present in the abdomen, groin, pelvis, chest, underarms and neck. Hodgkin lymphoma is known to affect all these areas, apart from and other organs in the body.
There are significant advances in diagnosis and treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma, and this has helped ensure that patients have the chance to achieve a full recovery. The five year survival rate for the condition in India is above 83%. Stem cell transplants are also part of the treatment when the condition has relapsed or when the first line of treatment does not work.
- Symptoms of Hodgkin lymphoma – This will vary and depends on the stage and location of the cancer. Common indications of the condition include the following:
- Swollen Lymph nodes – Painless swelling is one of the most common symptoms, and could occur in the lymph nodes, typically in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Fever – Could be either persistent or intermittent, and is not attributed to an infection.
- Night sweats – Sweating in the nights in a manner that is heavy and drenching sweats is another common symptom.
- Sudden loss of weight – This could be 10% or more of body weight, without any reason or effort.
- Overall tiredness – That does not seem to resolve with rest is another symptom.
- Itching – This could be persistent in nature and would be experienced without any visible rash.
- Poor appetite – May be experienced suddenly, without any other condition, and this aggravates weight loss.
- Pain after consumption of alcohol – Pain may be experienced in the lymph nodes after consuming alcohol.
- Difficulty breathing – When lymph nodes press either on the chest or lungs, this causes respiratory issues such as difficulty breathing or coughing.
What Is Non Hodgkin Lymphoma?
It is now time to look at the other category of the condition as part of answering the question – how bad is Lymphoma cancer? Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system, and the lymphocytes, the white blood cells begin to grow abnormally. This causes formation of tumors throughout the body.
This category of lymphoma is regarded as a general category with multiple subtypes. The most common sub-types are diffuse large B-cell lymphoma and follicular lymphoma. As a result of advances in diagnosis and treatment the outcomes have increased in this disease.
The typical symptoms of this condition vary, and depend on the area where the condition begins, and the growth.
- Swelling int e lymph nodes without any pain. This is in the neck, armpits, or groin.
- Recurring fever unrelated to any infections.
- Heavy sweat in the nights.
- Sudden loss of weight – More than 10% of body weight over a short period, regardless of diet or exercise.
- Overall tiredness.
- Sudden loss of appetite.
- Pain in the abdomen, discomfort, bloating, or a full feeling.
- Pain in the chest or cough.
- Infections – Due to weakened immune system, frequent infections.
- Outbreak of rashes on the skin or itching.
Which Is The Best Lymphoma Treatment?
Here is a look at the various treatment options to conclude the answers to the question – how bad is Lymphoma Cancer? Treatment depends on the type, subtype, stage of the disease, and the patient. For instance, the age, overall health and existing conditions. Treatment includes one or more of the following approaches:
- Chemotherapy.
- Radiation therapy.
- Immunotherapy.
- Targeted therapy.
- Stem cell transplant, also known as bone marrow transplant.
- Surgery.
- Monitoring for slow-growing non-Hodgkin lymphomas.
The right way to choose the best treatment is determined by the oncologist. This may typically involve a combination of chemotherapy with radiation therapy, as this is known to be highly effective, with possible cure in early stages. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the treatment is based on the subtype and the speed of growth. Options include chemotherapy and targeted therapies, while complex cases are handled with CAR T-cell therapy and stem cell transplants.
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Shetty B s a cardiologist in Chennai, with extensive experience in the field. He completed his MBBS from Madurai Kamaraj University, followed by an MD in General Medicine and a DM in Cardiology from The Tamil Nadu Dr. M.G.R. Medical University (TNMGRMU).