What is lymphoma?
This is cancer of lymphocytes, which are infection-fighting cells in the body's lymphatic system. The lymphatic system consists of organs located throughout the body that produce and store infection-fighting cells. In lymphoma patients, lymphocytes become abnormal and multiply uncontrollably. These cells can spread to different parts of the body. Often, the abnormal cells collect in small, bean-shaped organs called lymph nodes. This causes the lymph nodes to swell. There are different types of lymphoma. Some grow very slowly, while others grow much faster. Sometimes, patients start with a slow-growing type of lymphoma, but then this type develops into a fast-growing type.
What are the symptoms of lymphoma?
The first sign is usually one or more large, swollen lymph nodes. These can be felt under the skin, but are generally not painful. They are commonly located in the neck, groin, armpits, or stomach.
Lymph nodes located deeper in the body can also swell and cause symptoms. For example, swollen lymph nodes around the lungs can cause coughing or difficulty breathing.
Other symptoms of lymphoma include:
Fire
Weight loss
Night sweats that soak your clothes
All of these symptoms can also be caused by conditions other than lymphoma. However, if you have these symptoms, tell your doctor.
Is there a test for lymphoma?
Yes. Your doctor will examine you and ask about your symptoms. They may also order other tests, including the following:
Lymph node biopsy – The doctor removes one of the swollen lymph nodes. It is examined under a microscope to see if there are any lymphoma cells.
Bone marrow biopsy – Using a needle, the doctor takes a small sample of bone marrow, the spongy tissue found in the center of some bones. The sample is then examined under a microscope to determine if there is lymphoma.
Other biopsy – In some cases, a small sample of other abnormal tissue is taken to check for lymphoma.
CT scans, PET scans, or other imaging tests – these create images of the inside of the body and can show abnormal growths.
What is lymphoma staging?
This is how doctors determine how much lymphoma has spread in the lymphatic system or throughout the body.
The right treatment for you depends, in part, on the stage of your lymphoma. Your treatment will also depend on the type of lymphoma you have, your age, and other health problems.
How is lymphoma treated?
Doctors can treat it in different ways. Some types are treated immediately. However, people with lymphoma that grows slowly and doesn't cause symptoms usually don't need treatment initially.
Lymphoma patients typically receive one or more of the following treatments:
Chemotherapy – These are drugs that kill cancer cells or stop their growth.
Immunotherapy involves medications that kill cancer cells by attacking lymphoma cells.
Radiation therapy – This treatment kills cancer cells.
Bone marrow transplant (also known as “stem cell transplant”) – This treatment regenerates cells in the bone marrow that have been killed by chemotherapy or radiation.
What happens after treatment?
You will be checked at regular intervals to see if the lymphoma has recurred. Regular follow-up includes things like seeing your doctor and having checkups. Sometimes your doctor may also order blood tests or imaging tests.
Pay attention to the symptoms listed above. The appearance of these symptoms may mean that the cancer has recurred. Tell your doctor if you have any symptoms.
What happens if lymphoma recurs?
Further chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation, or bone marrow transplantation may be performed.
What else should I do?
Follow all of your doctor's instructions regarding examinations and tests. It is also important to talk to your doctor about any side effects or problems you experience during treatment.
Prof. Dr. Eylem ELİAÇIK
KSÜ Faculty of Medicine, Department of Internal Medicine, Hematology Division