Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lymphatic system of the human body. The lymphatic system participates in forming the body’s immunity, protecting the body from diseases, infections, and foreign bodies. The process accelerates with the abnormal growth of white blood cells or lymphocytes. This results in the formation of tumors throughout the body. New treatments are being researched and treated every now and then to let people with this condition heal and live longer.
Which parts of the body are targeted in this condition?
Any part of the body’s lymph system can be attacked by this type of blood cancer. Since the body fluid travels through the lymphatic system, the tumor can develop wherever the lymph tissue is found.
The following are the major lymphatic sites that can be targeted by cancerous cells:
- Lymphatic fluid: This is the colorless liquid that carries white blood cells via the lymphatic vessels. The cells that make up the lymphatic system and travel across the body include: B lymphocytes, commonly called B cells, which produce antibodies that assist in combating infections. Most non-Hodgkin lymphoma cases originate in these B lymphocytes. T lymphocytes, or T cells, play a crucial role in supporting B lymphocytes in producing antibodies necessary for fighting infections. Additionally, natural killer cells, known as NK cells, are specialized in targeting and destroying cancer cells and viruses.
- Lymph nodes: These are small structures that connect the lymph vessels, filter the lymph fluid, and fight infections. These are bean-shaped and are found in areas of the neck, underarms, chest, abdomen, pelvis, and groin.
- Lymph vessels: A system of slender vessels that gather lymph from various regions of the body and channel it back into the bloodstream.
- Spleen: The spleen is an organ responsible for storing healthy blood cells and filtering the blood of damaged and infected cells. It is placed on the lower left of the abdomen.
- Thymus: The thymus is an organ located behind the upper section of the breastbone and in front of the heart. It plays a crucial role in the development and proliferation of T lymphocytes.
- Bone marrow: The delicate, spongy tissue that forms new blood cells such as red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets.
- Tonsils and adenoids: These structures consist of lymphatic tissue located at the rear of the throat. Their primary function is to produce antibodies, which are proteins that combat germs that may be inhaled or ingested.
- Digestive tract: The lymphatic tissue is present in the stomach, intestines, and various other organs of the digestive pathway as well.
Causes and symptoms
During the regular life cycle of lymphocytes, old lymphocytes are destroyed and replaced with fresher ones. However, during non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma, the older cells also remain, and the body keeps multiplying new ones as well, causing abnormal growth. This overproduction of lymphatic cells results in swollen lymph nodes and tumor formation. There is still room for research on the causes and triggers of this abnormal cell growth. Some possible risk factors include exposure to chemicals, DNA mutation, medicines that weaken the immune system, being male, and old age.
These are some prominent symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma:
- Swollen lymph nodes around the abdomen, neck, underarm, or pelvis.
- Unexplained pain in bones, chest, or belly.
- Sudden, drastic, or continuous weight loss.
- Fever with no other obvious cause.
- Abnormal sweating during the nights.
- Coughing and irregulated breathing.
- Persistent weakness and drowsiness
- Rash and itchiness on the skin
- Loss of appetite
The main types of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma
Non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas are broadly classified into two categories: Indolent (slow-growing) and Aggressive (rapidly growing). These are then further branched into the following types:
Indolent
- Follicular lymphoma
Very slow-paced, targets bone marrow and spleen
- Lymphoplasmacytic lymphoma
Inhibits IgM antibody production, thickens blood plasma
- Marginal zone lymphoma
Affects lymph tissue in different of the body
Aggressive
- Diffuse large B-cell lymphoma
The most common type of aggressive lymphoma. It affects B-cells in lymph nodes across the spleen, bone marrow, and liver.
- T-cell lymphoma
It encompasses a varied array of cancers that arise from T-lymphocytes. This condition has the potential to impact multiple areas of the body, such as the lymph nodes, skin, and various organs.
- Burkitt lymphoma
A very rapidly growing type of B-cell lymphoma that affects the jaw, facial bones, intestines, kidneys, ovaries, and other organs.
- Lymphoblastic lymphoma
This type of lymphoma possesses many immature white blood cells in the thymus gland and other lymph nodes.
- Mantle cell lymphoma
A gene mutation triggers excess production of the cyclin-D1 protein. The process initiates in the lymph nodes and subsequently extends to the spleen, bone marrow, and bloodstream, and occasionally affects the esophagus, stomach, and intestines.
Diagnosis, prevention, and treatment
Certain blood tests such as complete blood count, blood chemistry study, LDH levels, hepatitis B, C, and HIV tests can be used to detect non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Moreover, imaging tests like CT, MRI, ultrasound, PET, bone marrow exam, and biopsy can also be used to diagnose the presence of abnormal cell count.
Preventive measures include the adoption of a healthy lifestyle that facilitates a good diet, regular activity, and refraining from tobacco. Regular imaging and medical check-ups are necessary for early diagnosis and timely intervention. Apart from this, to prevent non-Hodgkin’s lymphomas, one must maintain distance from harmful chemicals and pesticides.
Once you get diagnosed with this condition, there are certain treatment options available. Intravenous and stem cell transplant chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, and radiation therapy are some effective treatment options for cancer patients. When the blood thickens due to an excess of antibody proteins, which can impair circulation, plasmapheresis is performed to eliminate the surplus plasma and antibody proteins from the bloodstream.
Conclusion
Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma is a type of cancer that forms in the lymphatic system of the human body. The lymphatic system participates in creating the body’s immunity, protecting the body from diseases, infections, and foreign bodies. The process accelerates with the abnormal growth of white blood cells or lymphocytes. This results in the formation of tumors throughout the body. New treatments are being researched to increase the life expectancy of patients. To cope with the condition better and get acquainted with modern therapies, consider enrolling in paid research studies near you in Nebraska.