Lymphoma

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Lymphoma

Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system which helps the body fight infection. The lymphatic system includes your lymph nodes, spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. In lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) multiply uncontrollably, affecting the immune system’s ability to fight infections.

Although there are many different types of lymphomas, they are categorised into 2 main groups;

  • Hodgkin Lymphoma (HL): Typically seen in adolescents and young adults, or those above the age of 55 years
  • Non-Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (NHL): Various subtypes exist, with differing presentations and prognoses
Click to view Cleveland Clinic video on Lymphoma

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma include;

  • Swollen Lymph Nodes is the most common early sign (most often in the neck, armpits or groin)
  • Persistent Fatigue because the body is fighting itself (the good lymphocytes fighting the abnormal lymphocytes)
  • Fever and Soaking Night Sweats especially those that come and go without infection
  • Unexplained Weight Loss without changes to diet or exercise may indicate lymphoma
  • Shortness of Breath or Coughing due to enlarged lymph nodes in the chest or when compressing the lung
  • Itchiness all over their body without any clear cause or rash
  • Abdominal Pain or Bloatedness due to lymph node swellings in the abdomen
Click to view Macmillan Cancer video on Diagnosing Lymphoma

Investigations to Diagnosis Lymphoma

  • Blood tests to look at the number and morphology of red and white blood cells
  • Blood Markers & Chromosome Analysis
  • Gene Expression Profiling 
  • Lymph node biopsy to look at the cell type to determine the type of lymphoma
  • Imaging tests like a CT / MRI scan or PET scan (to determine the stage of the lymphoma)
Lymphoma cells (image SpringerLink)

Staging of Lymphoma

Staging of the disease is important because it allows your doctor to know the extent of the disease and plan your treatment as well as understanding your prognosis and outcome of treatment.  Each stage can be sub-divided into A (where you have NO symptoms) or B (where you have symptoms of fever, night sweats or weight loss greater than 10%)

Lymphoma Staging (Image SUPPORT)

Treatment of Lymphoma

Treatment Options of Lymphoma depends on the type and stage of the lymphoma. Chemotherapy and Immunotherapy are most commonly used while Radiotherapy may be used in certain circumstances. Your haematologist or cancer specialist will be able to discuss the treatment options with you.


Disclaimer. TELEME blog posts contains general information about health conditions and treatments. It is not intended to be a substitute for professional medical advice, diagnosis or treatment. The information is not advice and should not be treated as such. 

If you think you may be suffering from any medical condition, you should seek immediate medical attention from your doctor or other professional healthcare providers. You should never delay seeking medical advice, disregard medical advice, or discontinue medical treatment because of information on this website.

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