Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma – Symptoms, Causes, Treatment and Prevention

Overview

Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma develops in the lymphatic system, which is a component of the body's immune system that fights infection. White blood cells called lymphocytes can develop tumours throughout the body when Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is present.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma has several subtypes. The most prevalent subtypes are follicular lymphoma and diffuse large B-cell lymphoma.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma signs and symptoms include,

Abdominal Pain

Abdominal swelling or pain can result from lymphoma. This may result from expanding lymph nodes or other organs like the spleen or liver.

Chest Pain

When lymphoma develops in the thymus, it may put pressure on the trachea (windpipe), which may result in coughing, breathing difficulties, a sensation of pressure or pain in the chest.

Persistent Cough

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma affects the lungs or lymph nodes in the chest, and one can experience a cough or shortness of breath as a result.

Swollen Lymph Nodes

A painless swelling in a lymph node characterises Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This typically occurs in the neck, armpit or groyne.

Sudden Weight Loss

When you have lymphoma, cancer cells might use up more of your body's energy while it fights them off. This may result in a sudden loss of weight.

Causes of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is generally caused due to excessive amounts of leukocytes or white blood cells. Genetic abnormalities impact the development of white blood cells. Persons who have specific illnesses or immune system issues are more likely to develop Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Risk Factors of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The following are some of the risk factors of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

1. Infection with Viruses and Bacteria

Specific bacterial and viral infections appear to raise the risk of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. The bacteria that causes ulcers, helicobacter pylori, is among those linked to Non- Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Older Age

Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma affects patients above the age of 80, who are more likely to get affected by the disease.

3. Family History

Some people have DNA mutations passed down from a parent, which raises their risk of developing certain cancers. It does appear that having a family history of lymphoma increases the risk of developing Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

4. Overweight

Obesity has been linked to an increased incidence of multiple myeloma and B-cell non-Hodgkin lymphomas. Inflammatory cytokines, hyperinsulinemia and sex hormones may be the underlying processes for obesity-related problems.

5. Radiation Exposure

Increased chance of acquiring Non- Hodgkin's lymphoma is shown in patients who have received radiation therapy for some other malignancies, such as Hodgkin lymphoma. Patients who receive both radiation therapy and chemotherapy are at higher risk.

6. Gender

Men are more likely than women to develop Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The reason is still undiscovered in this case.

Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be diagnosed in the following ways.

Physical Examination

The spleen, liver and lymph nodes in your neck, underarm and groin are all examined by your doctor for swelling.

Blood and Urine Test

An infection or other disease may be ruled out with the use of blood and urine testing.

Imaging Tests

Your doctor may advise imaging tests to look for lymphoma cells elsewhere in your body. CT, MRI and positron emission tomography (PET) are a few possible tests.

Lymph Node Test

In order to remove all or part of a lymph node for laboratory testing, your doctor may advise performing a lymph node biopsy surgery. You might be able to determine if you have non-Hodgkin's lymphoma through this test.

Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

There are numerous Non-lymphoma Hodgkin's treatments available. If the lymphoma is aggressive, your doctor will determine the optimal treatment for early recovery.

Your doctor could suggest the following treatment.

1. Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is used to treat cancer. It can be administered intravenously or orally. Medicines used in chemotherapy can be used alone, in conjunction with other drugs used in chemotherapy, or in combination with other therapies.

The first line of treatment for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is chemotherapy. Chemotherapy is also a component of bone marrow transplants, commonly known as stem cell transplants, for persons with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

2. Radiation Therapy

High-powered energy beams, such as X-rays and protons, are used in radiation therapy to kill cancer cells.

Radiation therapy may be your only option for treating some Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas, especially if they are slow-growing. Radiation is more frequently employed after chemotherapy to eliminate any lymphoma cells that might have persisted for a long time.

3. Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy is used to combat cancer. The cancer-fighting ability of your immune system is enhanced by immunotherapy. Your body's immune system aids in the battle against Non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

If existing treatments have failed to control a particular form of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma, it may be one of the possible treatments.

4. Stem Cell Transplant

Most non-Hodgkin lymphoma types can be treated with stem cell transplantation. It is occasionally used at the beginning of treatment but is more frequently utilised in critical situations.

5. Targeted Drug Therapy

Targeted drug therapy is used in order to locate and eliminate cancer cells. For patients with a specific type of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma, more recent therapies like targeted therapy and immunotherapy are used.

Conclusion

Some individuals are ageing slower. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma symptoms or illness indications may disappear in some persons. Numerous patients with certain types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma finish their treatments and go on to lead a normal life afterwards.

Researchers are still looking into the genetic changes that lead to non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Ask your doctor about clinical trials examining potential treatments if you have non-Hodgkin lymphoma.