Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma
Almost three in every 100 people will develop non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) at some point in their life. It is a cancer of the lymphatic system, a network of lymph nodes and organs that form the body’s immune system. The lymph nodes are important for filtering lymph fluid, which helps protect the body from infections. When abnormal white blood cells multiply in the lymph nodes, they can block the lymph nodes’ ability to function. The white blood cells then start to form tumors. Depending on the type of lymphoma, treatment can vary. However, non-Hodgkin lymphoma can usually be cured.
The most common type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma (DLBCL). This is cancer that begins in the lymph nodes, but can also start in other parts of the body. A person with this type of lymphoma will typically be in remission after receiving intensive chemotherapy.
Another type of lymphoma is cutaneous T-cell lymphoma. This type of lymphoma affects the skin and makes the body more susceptible to infections. It is often treated with targeted therapy, which includes chemotherapy and monoclonal antibody therapy.
The treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma depends on several factors, including the type of lymphoma, the patient’s age, and their overall health. The goal of treatment is to reduce symptoms and improve the patient’s quality of life. A doctor may also suggest chemotherapy and steroid therapy to treat non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Chemotherapy has several benefits, including killing cancer cells and easing symptoms. However, it may also cause hair loss and other side effects.
People who have non-Hodgkin lymphoma are sometimes concerned about how they will manage the condition. The symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma may include swollen lymph nodes, abdominal pain, difficulty breathing, and loss of strength. In addition, a person’s mental state may be affected. A person may feel depressed, worry about their life, and feel that their health is in jeopardy. However, many people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma live with the condition for a long time and are cured.
A person can be diagnosed with non-Hodgkin lymphoma at any age. However, the disease is more common in people 60 and older. The disease is also more common in people who are white, have a family history of the disease, and are male. There are different types of non-Hodgkin lymphomas, including Peripheral T-cell Lymphoma, Waldenstrom macroglobulinemia, and follicular lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma usually affects people who have a family history of cancer, have been exposed to the Epstein-Barr virus, and have a weakened immune system.
Other symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include painless swelling in the lymph nodes. In addition, people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma often experience loss of control and disbelief. They may feel confused about the changes in their life, including work and school. Managing stress is helpful for people with non-Hodgkin lymphoma. Getting plenty of rest is also important to help the body recover from treatment.
Non-Hodgkin lymphomas can be cured with targeted therapies, immunotherapy, or radiation therapy. However, chemotherapy is the most common treatment for aggressive non-Hodgkin lymphomas. These treatments work by killing cancer cells throughout the body. They are usually given in cycles over three to four months. If chemotherapy is not successful, the patient may be referred to a radiation oncologist for further treatment.
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