Lymphoma
What Is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a malignancy (cancer) of lymphoid tissue found in the lymph nodes, spleen, liver, and bone marrow.
Causes, Incidents, and Risk Factors Associated With Lymphoma
The first sign of lymphoma is often an enlarged lymph node which appears without a known cause. The disease can spread to adjacent lymph nodes and later may spread outside the lymph nodes to the lungs, liver, bones, or bone marrow.
The cause of lymphoma is not known. The incidence is 2 in 10,000 people. Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common among people 15 to 35 and 50 to 70 years old.
Treatment of Lymphoma
A staging evaluation is necessary to determine the treatment plan for lymphoma.
· Stage I indicates one lymph node region is involved (for example, the right neck).
· Stage II indicates involvement of 2 lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm (for example, both sides of the neck).
· Stage III indicates lymph node involvement on both sides of the diaphragm (for example, groin and armpit).
· Stage IV involves spread disease outside the lymph nodes (for example, to bone marrow, lungs, or liver).
Treatment of lymphoma varies with the stage of the disease. Stages I and II (limited disease) can be treated with localized radiation therapy, with chemotherapy or with a combination of both. Stages III and IV (extensive disease) are treated with a combination of radiation therapy and chemotherapy. The best treatment for lymphoma depends on many factors, and should be discussed in detail with a doctor who has experience treating this disease.
Chemotherapy can cause low blood cell counts, which can lead to an increased risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. To minimize bleeding, apply ice and pressure to any external bleeding. A soft toothbrush and electric razor should be used for personal hygiene.
Infection should always be taken seriously during lymphoma treatment, so contact your doctor immediately if fever or other signs of infection develop. Planning daily activities with scheduled rest periods may help prevent fatigue associated with lymphoma.
Learn more about lymphoma at the Comprehensive Cancer Center of Wake Forest University. As a national leader in cancer care & research and ranked among the best treatment facilities in the country, it is one of only 38 cancer centers in the nation designated by the National Cancer Institute (NCI) as a Comprehensive Cancer Center. NCI designation is an assurance of excellent care and comprehensive treatment options, including access to the latest clinical trials.
Lymphoma
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