Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that begins in the lymphatic system, which is part of the body’s immune system. Lymphoma is a cancer of the white blood cells, which are responsible for fighting infections and diseases. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is the most common type of lymphoma, accounting for about 90% of all cases.
CAUSES
causes of non-Hodgkin lymphoma are not well understood, but some factors that may increase the risk of developing the condition include:
- Weakened immune system: People with weakened immune systems due to certain medical conditions or treatments, such as HIV/AIDS or organ transplants, are at higher risk of developing NHL.
- Age: NHL is more common in older adults, though it can occur in people of any age.
- Gender: Men are slightly more likely to develop NHL than women.
- Exposure to certain chemicals: Exposure to certain chemicals, such as pesticides and herbicides, may increase the risk of NHL.
SIGN AND SYMPTOMS
signs and symptoms of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can vary depending on the location and stage of the cancer, and some people may not experience any symptoms at all. However, common signs and symptoms of NHL may include:
- Swollen lymph nodes: The most common sign of NHL is painless swelling of the lymph nodes, which can occur in the neck, armpits, groin, or other parts of the body.
- Fatigue: Unexplained fatigue or weakness can be a symptom of NHL.
- Unexplained weight loss: Losing weight without trying or a loss of appetite can be a sign of NHL.
- Night sweats: Excessive sweating during the night, which may soak through clothing or bedding, can be a sign of NHL.
- Fever: A persistent fever that is not caused by an infection can be a symptom of NHL.
- Itchy skin: Some people with NHL may experience itchiness of the skin.
- Shortness of breath: NHL can cause shortness of breath or difficulty breathing.
- Abdominal pain or swelling: Swelling or pain in the abdomen can be a sign of NHL that has spread to the abdominal organs.
- Chest pain or cough: NHL can cause chest pain or a persistent cough.
NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA STAGE
Stage I: NHL is present in only one lymph node or a single organ outside of the lymphatic system.
Stage II: NHL is present in two or more lymph nodes on the same side of the diaphragm, or in a localized area of a single organ outside of the lymphatic system.
Stage III: NHL is present in lymph nodes on both sides of the diaphragm, or in one or more areas adjacent to lymph nodes, such as the spleen or thymus.
Stage IV: NHL has spread to one or more organs outside of the lymphatic system, such as the bone marrow, liver, or lungs.
NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA IS CURABLE OR NOT
In general, NHL can be treated and often cured, especially if it is caught early and has not spread extensively. Treatment may involve chemotherapy, radiation therapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapy, or stem cell transplantation, and the specific treatment plan will depend on several factors. Many people with NHL go into remission after treatment and remain cancer-free for many years or even for life.
However, not all cases of NHL can be cured, and some types of NHL are more difficult to treat than others. In some cases, the cancer may be resistant to treatment or may recur after a period of remission. It is important for individuals with NHL to work closely with their healthcare team to develop an appropriate treatment plan and to monitor the cancer closely over time.
NON HODGKIN LYMPHOMA TREATMENT
- Chemotherapy: Chemotherapy uses drugs to kill cancer cells and may be given intravenously or taken orally. It is often the first line of treatment for NHL.
- Radiation therapy: Radiation therapy uses high-energy radiation to kill cancer cells and may be used alone or in combination with chemotherapy.
- Immunotherapy: Immunotherapy uses drugs to help the body’s immune system recognize and attack cancer cells. Examples of immunotherapy drugs used to treat NHL include rituximab and brentuximab vedotin.
- Targeted therapy: Targeted therapy uses drugs that target specific proteins on the surface of cancer cells, causing them to die. Examples of targeted therapy drugs used to treat NHL include ibrutinib and idelalisib.
- Stem cell transplantation: Stem cell transplantation involves replacing a patient’s damaged bone marrow or blood cells with healthy cells from a donor.