Understand Lymphoma

Understanding Lymphoma: Disease, Diagnosis and Treatment

Lymphoma- as the term suggests, is a type of cancer, which affects our lymphatic system. Our lymphatic system runs around the circulatory system of our body and carries infection fighting cells, to all parts of the body. If these infection fighting cells called lymphocytes, multiply uncontrollably and live longer than they are supposed to, Lymphoma may develop. It may develop in the lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, blood or other organs and may eventually form a tumor. The tumor grows and invades the space surrounding tissues and organs, depriving them of oxygen and nutrients.

Lymphoma symptoms:

Painless swelling of one or more lymph nodes, swelling, fluid accumulation or pain in the abdomen, shortness of breath, wheezing or coughing, bloody stool or vomit, swelling of the face, neck and arms, blockage of urine, pain in the bones, unexplained weight loss and low grade fever lasting many days.

Diagnosis:

The only way to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma is to carry out a biopsy, which is a minor surgical procedure. There are other tests your doctor may order, to assess the spread and type of lymphoma, including, Blood tests, bone marrow sample, chest x ray, C.T. scan, MRI, PET scan, a lumbar puncture.

Treatment of lymphoma:

The main treatments used for lymphoma are chemotherapy, a targeted treatment called monoclonal antibody therapy and radiotherapy. And remember blood cancer is not a death sentence.