Lymphoma is a cancer that affects the immune system. It can be cancer of the cells, the t cells, or the plasma cells. These cells are housed in lymphatic system structures like lymph nodes, spleen, bone marrow, thymus, and so on. Like any other cancer, in lymphoma too there is an uncontrolled proliferation of cells, and eventually, the cancer may spread to other parts of the body. Early detection and treatment are associated with a better prognosis.

Symptoms of Lymphoma:

Some warning signs of cancer can be present in lymphoma. They are as follows:

1. Swollen lymph nodes 
2. Fever 
3. Night sweats 
4. Weight loss 
5. Swelling in the abdomen
6. Stunting of growth in children
7. Rash or itching
8. Fatigue 
9. Loss of appetite
10. Shortness of breath

Any of these symptoms require immediate medical attention and a consultation with a general physician and a medical oncologist.

How is lymphoma diagnosed? 

The diagnosis of lymphoma is made through clinical examination, some laboratory examinations, and radiological diagnosis. First, the doctor elicits the important signs and symptoms in the history, confirms them with a physical examination, and then orders certain investigations, which may include the following:

1. X-ray of the chest to look for any mass in the chest.

2. Blood tests to check the cell counts of immune cells and a peripheral smear examination to look for immature          or blast cells

3. A bone marrow biopsy is also carried out to check if the source of lymphoma is the bone marrow and, therefore, to classify and stage it.

4. A lymph node biopsy shows the spread of cancer and the type of cancer.

5. PET scans and CT are radio diagnostic tools for assessing the location and spread of cancer.

Some other tests may also be prescribed in the course of diagnosis as well as treatment to monitor progress. The diagnostic examination helps in staging and giving treatment that is specific to each case.

What causes lymphomas?

There is no specific cause of lymphoma. However certain factors can increase the risk of lymphoma. They are listed as follows:

Age: Lymphomas usually occur in adults but are more common above the age of 55-60 years.

Male Genders: Lymphomas are more likely to occur in males than in females.

Poor or Impaired Immune System: There is a higher rate of incidence of lymphoma in people taking immune suppressants and with immune deficient disorders like chediak higashi and other disorders.

Infections: Ebstein barr virus and helicobacter pylori infections are associated with increased chances of lymphomas.

Types of lymphoma:

There are two main types of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL) and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) Lymphoma can be divided into these types based on the cells, their characteristics, and the nature of their origin and spread.

1. Hodgkin lymphoma (HL): It is a more common variant and is characterized by Reed-Sternberg cells. Hodgkin lymphoma has two more types: classical Hodgkin lymphoma and nodular lymphocyte-predominant Hodgkin lymphoma.
2. Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL): This group of lymphomas does not have Reed-Sternberg cells. There are many types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma based on cell types and other factors.

Some of the most common types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma include:

• Mantle cell lymphoma 
• diffuse large B-cell lymphoma  
• follicular lymphoma 
• Burkitt lymphoma-cell lymphoma
• Marginal zone lymphoma

Different types of lymphomas have special characteristics and also different sensitivity to treatment. It helps in staging and grading the cancers.

Treatment:

Lympho, The treatment for lymphoma can be a multi-pronged approach specific to the particular case. The following methods may be tried to achieve remission and cure:

1. Chemotherapy: Drugs are used to kill cancer cells. The drugs are used in combinations and cycles every few weeks.
2. Immunotherapy: The body’s immune system is stimulated to attack the cancer cells. 
3. Targeted Therapy: special drugs that kill cancer cells specifically are used.
4. Radiation Therapy: high-energy radiation is used to burn off or kill cancer cells.
5. Stem cell Therapy: it is rarely used to introduce healthy blood cells into the bone marrow.
6. Bone Marrow Transplantation: in cases of bone marrow disease, bone marrow transplantation can be used to improve the immune capacity of the person and also as a form of treatment.
7. Palliative Care: It is done for lymphoma patients for whom further treatment is impossible and only symptomatic relief can be given.
8. Surgery: It can be done to excise metastasis or excessive growth.

These treatments are a way to control the cancer, put it into remission, or even sometimes cure it. There is a wide range of side effects, and they need to be managed as well. Emotional support and counseling are also necessary.

Is Lymphoma Curable?

Lymphoma especially Hodgkin lymphoma has very good cure rates. There are excellent treatment options available that have been shown to cause remission in 90% of affected individuals. The treatment depends on the stage of cancer, type of cancer, as well as the spread of the cancer.

It also depends on the general health of the patient, their immune status, response to therapy, and so on. The outcome of treatment varies on a case-to-case basis, and therefore a multidisciplinary approach can help tackle the disease better.