Lymphoma

Some white blood cells get sick.

These sick cells grow in small lumps. These lumps are in the lymph nodes.

You might feel very tired. You might also have a fever. Some people get itchy skin. Others may sweat a lot at night.

Doctors can find these lumps. They may take a tiny piece of a node to look at it.

Doctors use many ways to help. They may use special tools to fight the sick cells. Some people can get better with this help.

It is good to learn how our bodies work.

Lymphoma is a group of tumors in the blood. These tumors grow from lymphocytes. Lymphocytes are a type of white blood cell.

There are two main kinds of lymphoma. The first is Hodgkin lymphoma. The second is non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is much more common. It makes up 90% of all cases.

People with lymphoma might feel very tired. They may have a fever or night sweats. Some people also lose weight without trying. You might notice swollen lymph nodes. These lumps are usually not painful.

Doctors use a biopsy to find lymphoma. A biopsy is when a doctor takes a tiny piece of tissue. They look at it under a microscope. They may also use medical imaging to see the body. This helps them see if the cancer has spread. It can spread to the lungs, liver, or brain.

Doctors have many ways to treat it. They might use chemotherapy. This is a way to use medicine to fight sick cells. They may also use surgery or radiation. Many people can get better with help.

Lymphoma is a group of tumors found in the blood and lymph systems. These tumors grow from lymphocytes, which are a special type of white blood cell.

While people use the word to mean cancer, it can also refer to other types of tumors. Lymphoma is part of a larger group of tumors that affect blood and lymphoid tissues. It is a serious condition, but doctors have many ways to help people manage it. Understanding how it works helps us learn about our own bodies.

When lymphoma occurs, it often causes the lymph nodes to swell. These swollen nodes are usually not painful to the touch.

People might also experience fever, itching, or feeling very tired. Some people have drenching sweats, especially at night. They might also lose weight without trying. To find the cause, a doctor might perform a biopsy. This means they take a small piece of tissue to look at under a microscope.

They may also use medical imaging to see if the cancer has spread to the lungs, liver, or brain.

Scientists divide lymphomas into two main categories. The first is Hodgkin lymphoma, which makes up about 10% of cases. It is marked by a specific cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. The second group is non-Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL. This group is much more common and accounts for 90% of cases. Many different subtypes exist within the non-Hodgkin group. Some types grow slowly, while others are more aggressive and grow quickly.

Researchers use many tools to study these cells. One way is through DNA-microarray analysis.

This helps scientists see which genes are active in the cells. In 2012, lymphomas developed in 566,000 people worldwide. This caused about 305,000 deaths that same year. In the United States, the five-year survival rate is 89% for Hodgkin lymphoma. For non-Hodgkin lymphoma, the five-year survival rate is 74%. These numbers show how much medical progress has been made.

Treating lymphoma depends on the specific type a person has. Doctors might use chemotherapy, which uses medicine to fight cells. They may also use radiation therapy or surgery. Some people might even use proton therapy or targeted therapy. In some cases, doctors use a process called plasmapheresis to remove extra protein from the blood. For certain types, doctors may choose watchful waiting. This means they monitor the person closely to see if treatment is needed right away.

Lymphoma is a group of tumors that develop within the blood and the lymphatic system. These tumors arise from lymphocytes, which are a specific type of white blood cell used by the body to fight infection. While the term is often used to describe cancerous growths, it can refer to various types of tumors in the hematopoietic and lymphoid tissues. Lymphoma is a significant medical condition that affects how the body's immune cells function.

When lymphoma develops, it often presents through specific physical signs. The most common sign is lymphadenopathy, which is the swelling of the lymph nodes. This swelling is typically painless. Patients may also experience what are called B symptoms. These systemic symptoms include fever, drenching night sweats, and unintended weight loss. Other possible symptoms include itching, fatigue, anemia, and respiratory distress, known as dyspnea.

To diagnose lymphoma, doctors must examine the tissue closely. An initial step might involve a "touch prep." In this process, a glass slide is pressed against excised lymphoid tissue. The tissue is then stained, usually with H&E stain, to be viewed under a light microscope.

A definitive diagnosis requires a lymph node biopsy. This involves removing a partial or total section of a lymph node for histopathological examination. Doctors may also use blood, urine, or bone marrow tests. Medical imaging helps determine if the cancer has spread to organs like the lungs, liver, or brain.

Scientists classify lymphomas into two main categories based on their biological characteristics. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) accounts for about 10% to 15% of cases. It is specifically identified by the presence of Reed-Sternberg cells. The other category is non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), which makes up the remaining 85% to 90% of cases. NHL is a very diverse group. It includes many subtypes that vary in their causes, the specific cells involved, and how they progress.

Subtypes of lymphoma are further organized by the World Health Organization (WHO). This classification system groups lymphomas by the specific cell type that the tumor most resembles. Some lymphomas are described as indolent, meaning they grow slowly and may allow for a long life even without immediate treatment. Others are aggressive, meaning they cause rapid deterioration. However, many aggressive forms respond well to medical treatment and can be cured. Researchers use advanced tools like DNA-microarray analysis to study these differences.

This method allows scientists to see which genes are overexpressed or underexpressed in the cells.

Risk factors vary depending on the specific type of lymphoma. For Hodgkin lymphoma, risks include infection with the Epstein-Barr virus and family history. For many non-Hodgkin lymphomas, risks include autoimmune diseases, HIV/AIDS, or certain pesticides. Some studies suggest that smoking and eating large amounts of red meat may also increase risk. In certain non-Hodgkin cases, the lymphoma produces too much protein. This makes the blood thick, requiring a procedure called plasmapheresis to remove the excess protein.

The impact of lymphoma is measured through survival rates and global statistics. In the United States, the five-year survival rate for all Hodgkin lymphoma subtypes is 89%. For non-Hodgkin lymphomas, the rate is 74%. In 2012, lymphomas developed in 566,000 people worldwide and caused 305,000 deaths. Lymphomas make up 3% to 4% of all cancers, ranking as the seventh-most-common form. In children, lymphoma is the third-most-common cancer.

Treatment options are tailored to the specific subtype and stage of the disease. Doctors may use chemotherapy, radiation therapy, or proton therapy to target the cells. Surgery is another option for certain cases. Some doctors may also use targeted therapy. For some specific types, a strategy called watchful waiting is used. This means doctors monitor the patient closely instead of starting treatment immediately. The ultimate outcome for a patient depends heavily on the correct classification of their specific lymphoma subtype.