Lymphoma, A Silent Cancer That Can Be Treated Successfully If Caught In Time

Lymphoma is a type of silent cancer whose treatment can be very effective if caught in time .

Lymphoma develops in the white blood cells of the lymphatic system. This is part of the body’s defense mechanisms.

The lymphatic system is a complex structure made up of small ducts, nodules, bone marrow, and certain organs. They are all made up of lymphocytes.

Patients with this disease have a disorder in the activity of lymphocytes. This is because they start to grow abnormally and disproportionately.

Their main manifestation is the formation of tumor masses located near the lymph nodes. It can be the armpits, neck and abdomen.

There are two types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Thus, c each can be divided into several subtypes, although Hodgkin lymphoma is less common than non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Its behavior, spread and treatment vary with each organism. But it almost always depends on lymphatic and immune functioning.

And as with all cancer, even if its development is aggressive and complex, early detection is essential for effective treatment.

Since this is still an unrecognized disease for many, we want to share with you its characteristics and symptoms.

Main types of lymphoma

According to data from the National Cancer Institute of the United States, there are two basic categories of lymphoma.

The first, Hodgkin’s lymphoma, is characterized by the presence of a cell called Reed Sternberg. Its main symptom is inflammation of the lymph node.

The other, non-Hodgkin lymphoma is made up of a large and diverse group of cancers of the cells of the immune system. This therefore makes it more aggressive and difficult to deal with.

It can easily divide, and then cause the appearance of slowly growing cancers that spread to more organs.

Unfortunately, 75% of lymphomas are non-Hodgkin’s. So, although there are several factors related to its development, experts cannot yet describe what determines its onset.

What are the main symptoms of lymphoma?

Although the symptoms of lymphoma can vary from patient to patient depending on the type and degree of severity, in general they appear as follows:

• Enlargement of the lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin.
• The sudden appearance of lumps.
• The feeling of itching.
• Fragility and chronic fatigue.
• Decrease or loss of appetite.
• Cough or difficulty in breathing.
• The sensation of pain in the abdomen, chest and bones.
• Inflammation in the abdomen.
• The feeling of constant overflow.
• Chills.

What are the risk factors for lymphoma?

While the aggressive lymphoma subtype is the most common, early diagnosis has been shown to dramatically increase the chances of a cure.

This is why in addition to knowing the common symptoms, it is important to be aware of the risk factors.

Here they are :

• Deficiencies in the immune system, including a history of transplantation, HIV, or autoimmune diseases.
• Suffering from infections from human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), Epstein-Barr virus (EBV) or Helicobacter pylori bacteria, among others.
• Be over 60 years old.
• Be white.
• Being or having been exposed to chemicals such as herbicides or insecticides.
• Exposure to radiation.

What is the treatment for lymphoma?

After having carried out the examinations for the detection of lymphomas, the professionals proceed to an immediate and intensive treatment.

The standard treatment for the disease at the most aggressive stage is chemotherapy and biological therapy.

Radiation therapy may be effective in patients with stage 1 or 2 lymphoma, and depending on the activity of the malignant cells.

It is fundamental to know that early detection cannot be achieved with specific tests because even if they exist, they are not recommended.

Thus, the best is to observe the changes in the body, and analyze a possible link with the disease.

In addition, care should be taken in cases of a family history or exposure to the risk factors mentioned above.

To conclude, although in the initial stages this cancer is silent, it can be detected quickly if one pays attention to certain key signs.

Knowing the disease, watching for symptoms and seeking medical examinations are all important factors in reducing the risk of death.