NON-HODGKINS LYMPHOMA

Overview and Facts

The human body has numerous organ systems including the lymphatic system which is responsible for draining the lymph fluid from all the other parts of the body to promote the elimination of the unnecessary waste products away from the body. 

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma (NHL) is a type of malignancy that affects the lymphatic system. While the lymphatics are spread all over the body, it is safe to say that NHL can occur on any part of our body too. It is cancer that develops within the lymphocytes, a type of white blood cells that works to combat viral infections. 

NHL is caused by exposure to infectious agents such as Epstein Barr virus (the organism responsible for infectious mononucleosis or “kissing disease”), Human Immunodeficiency Virus (Causative agent for AIDS), exposure to some chemicals and radiation.

Types and Symptoms

TYPES

Diffuse large B cell lymphoma- A most typical type of Non-Hodgkins lymphoma. Commonly found among individuals in the middle age group and more common in males.

Follicular lymphoma- This type of malignancy is thought to be caused by exposure to radiation and other chemicals which causes cancer. This type of malignancy has no known cure, yet the survival rate is high because of the nature of the malignancy, which is slow-growing.

SYMPTOMS

Non- Hodgkins Lymphoma can present as either of the following: 

  • Swollen and knuckle hard lymph nodes which may be readily palpated on examination
  • On and off low-grade fever that is particularly noted during the evening
  • Pain and stiffness of the joints
  • Itchiness all over the body without visible rashes 
  • Reddish to purple discoloration on the skin 
  • Lymphomas that invade the blood-brain barrier presents with CNS symptoms such as body malaise (general feeling of fatigue)
  • Inability to think clearly, poor judgment and clouding of decision-making ability

Diagnosis & Medications

DIAGNOSIS

A visit to the medical practitioner can involve either of the following to arrive at a diagnosis: 

  • History and Physical examination- This includes family history of malignancy 
  • Complete blood count and examination of body fluids to rule out any focus of the fever
  • Imaging studies
  • Biopsy of the enlarged lymph node, which is an essential confirmatory test since this can identify what type of malignancy a patient has.

TREATMENT

The choice of treatment depends on the character of the lymphoma if it is aggressive (actively multiplying) or dormant (slow-growing). The following options are available for treatment: 

  • Chemotherapy– Use of drugs which are injected intravenously or taken orally to prevent the spread or kill the cancer cells
  • Radiotherapy- Use of high dose targeted therapy x-ray beams – same principle as chemotherapy except that it uses radiation instead of medications
  • Stem Cell transplantation
  • Surgery- Removal or excision of the affected nodes with the removal of the adjacent nodes and sent for histopathologic examination to correctly identify the type of lymphoma.
  • Plasmapheresis- a procedure that entails the removal of blood, cleansing them, so they are devoid of antibodies and then returning them to the circulation.

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