A Deeper Dive Into Lymphoma
- Evergreen Chapter
- Aug 10, 2023
- 4 min read
Ha Le
Cancer is the overarching term for a number of diseases dealing with cells that grow out of control in our bodies. Like other illnesses, all cancers can eventually affect a person’s overall health. However, the difference between these cancers is where it takes place in our body. For example, one important type of cancer that takes place in our lymphatic system is called lymphoma .
A Brief Introduction to the Lymphatic System
The lymphatic system (or lymph system) is one of the systems in our body that deals with fighting off harmful things, such as viruses and unwanted bacterias. This system is made up of multiple complex parts such as our lymph vessels and lymph nodes.
Lymph nodes are bean-like structures located in our neck, armpit, chest, abdomen, and belly. They contain special cells that can filter out foreign bodies running through the lymph vessels.
Lymph vessels, similar to blood vessels, are like waterslides in our body. However, instead of carrying blood, they carry lymph fluid, a watery substance with white blood cells (otherwise known as lymphocytes). There are two types of white blood cells (T cells and B cells) that help our body fight off infections.
How Lymphoma Forms
Lymphoma can begin outside the lymphatic system when cancer cells from other parts of the body enter blood or lymph vessels. In most cases, cancer cells die when they enter the lymphatic system; however, small percentages of them can be left to multiply and form new tumors in lymph nodes, causing them to swell.
On the contrary, if T cells and B cells are the cells that are multiplying (and not cells from other systems) then it indicates that lymphoma is beginning from within the system. In other words, there are mutations in the DNA of the T or B cells which instruct the cells to replicate.
The Two Types of Lymphoma
Lymphoma can be categorized into two types: Hodgkin Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
Hodgkin Lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large cells that form as a result of DNA changes in B or T cells. They spread in an orderly fashion from one lymph node to another, which makes it predictable and easier to treat than Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
On the other hand, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma does not deal with Reed-Sternberg cells. They can form from cancer cells from outside the system.
Risk Factors and Symptoms
Like other types of cancers, doctors are still unsure about what causes lymphoma. However, some risk factors include: adulthood, sex (specifically males), pre-existing problems in the immune system, and pre-existing infections. Furthermore, symptoms include: swelling of lymph nodes, constant fatigue, fever, night sweats, shortness of breath, unexplained weight loss, and itchy skin.
Diagnosis & Treatments
In order to fully diagnose a patient with lymphoma, a doctor may do some of the following: they may perform a physical exam for any swollen lymph nodes, remove a lymph node or bone marrow for testing, extract blood, or do image tests. If examinations show that lymphoma cells are present in the body then treatment is advised. Some treatment options may include chemotherapy, radiation therapy, and bone marrow transplant.
How To Mentally Cope With Lymphoma
Outside of physical stress, being diagnosed with lymphoma can also cause mental strain to its patients. According to a study on the mental health of patients with Non-Hodgkin lymphoma in Germany, a majority of patients with this disease experience depression and anxiety due to constant pain and uncertainties related to new cancer diagnosis. Eventually, most patients die without overcoming this disease along with the mental stress that comes along with it. Other than receiving treatment, it is always important for lymphoma patients to have someone by their side. Whether it is a friend, family member, or therapist; having someone to talk to can help patients through their care.
The Importance of Learning About Lymphoma
It is important to note that the existence of a disease, such as lymphoma, in a community does not depend on its classification of rare or common. Like other ailments, lymphoma can lead to ongoing physical stresses, such as fatigue and fevers, and can also take a toll on a person’s mental health. To spread awareness about this issue is an opportunity to educate others and help those with lymphoma in our community.
References
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