Lymphomas
The lymphatic system is one that is complex and found throughout the human body. The lymphatic system carries a clear fluid called lymph. It also includes lymphoid tissue. This tissue is found in several organs of the body and in particular the lymph nodes. The lymphatic system also carries cancerous cells between different parts of the body. This process is called metastasis. This is where the lymph nodes play an important part. One of their functions is to trap the cancerous cells. If the entrapment of the cancer cells is unsuccessful, then the lymph node can become a site of tumors.
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphocytes of the immune system. Lymphoma is a ball-like mass inside of the lymph node, therefore enlarging it. There are different types of lymphomas. Some grow aggressively and rapidly and promote intense deterioration of the body. Others are less aggressive and the person afflicted with the disease can lead a generally normal life with treatment.
There are two, main types of lymphoma. They are Hodgkin's and non-Hodkin's lymphoma. Even though both are types of lymphoma, they grow and spread differently. The main difference between the two is the Reed Sternberg Cell which is found only in Hodgkin's lymphoma.
Also called Hodgkin's “Disease,” this type of lymphoma is a cancer of the lymph tissue that is found in the spleen, liver, bone marrow, and the lymph nodes. In contrast, there are approximately 30 different types of Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. An example of Non-Hodgkin's is T-Cell Lymphomas. These include extranodal natural killer T-cell lymphoma of the nasal type, cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, and enteropathy type T-cell lymphoma. The second type of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is B-cell Lymphoma. Types of B-cell include Follicular lymphoma, Mantle cell lymphoma, Burkitt, and Hairy cell lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma tends to increase as we age whereas Hodgkin's lymphoma is most common between the ages of 16-34 and age 55 and over.
Causes & Symptoms of Lymphoma
There are many causes of lymphoma. Carcinogens are one cause. These include exposure to pesticides, herbicides, and even black hair dye. Genetics and other medical factors also play a role. Persons with HIV tend to have a higher rate of lymphoma, as well as hepatitis B, C, and lupus.
Knowing the signs and symptoms of lymphoma can be a matter of life and death. Some signs can be misleading and resemble other less serious illnesses. Often misdiagnosed as the flu or fatigue, lymphoma is best treated if diagnosed early. Symptoms of lymphoma can include fever, chills, fatigue, headache, weight loss that is unexpected, painless swelling in the upper lymph nodes, swollen tonsils, and a persistent cough. Even though the majority of people who have these complaints will not develop lymphoma, it is imperative to be aware of the symptoms.