Non-Hodgkings Lymphoma

Volume 2 - Issue 1

Effiong Edet Bassey*

Received: September 10, 2018;   Published: September 19, 2018

DOI: 10.32474/IPDOAJ.2018.02.000130

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Abstract

Lymphoma is the general term for cancers that develop in the lymphatic system. Lymphoma originates in developing lymphocytes (B-cells and T-cells), which have undergone a malignant change. They multiply without any proper order, forming tumors, which are collections of cancer cells. These tumors cause swelling in the lymph nodes and other parts of the body. Over time, malignant lymphocytes (called lymphoma cells) crowd out normal lymphocytes and eventually the immune system becomes weakened and can no longer function properly. This lymphoma affects the lymph nodes first and could also affect other lymphoid organs like spleen and bone marrow. The Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be classified into 2, depending on how fast or slow these tumors grow within the body namely; Aggressive non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma and Indolent non-¬ Hodgkin’s lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can also be classified based on the type of cells they emanate from namely; B-cells lymphoma and T-cells lymphoma. B-cell lymphoma are lymphomas that arise from developing B-cells, while T-cell lymphoma are lymphomas that arise from T -cells [1].

The causes of non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma include infection like the Epstein-Barr virus infection in patients from specific geographic regions, exposure to certain chemicals ingredients in herbicides and pesticides such as organochlorine and phenoxy acid can lead to lymphoma and also immunosuppression. The extent to which the lymphoma has spread in body is called the stage of the disease. In stages 1 and 2, lymphoma is limited to one or two areas of the body (early stage). In stages 3 and 4, the disease is more widespread in the body (advanced stage). It’s signs and symptoms include; enlarged lymph node in the neck, fever, excessive sweating, unexplained fatigue, loss of appetite or weight loss. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is usually diagnosed by examining a lymph node biopsy specimen under a microscope using either core biopsy or surgical biopsy [2,3]. Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma can be treated using chemotherapy and radiation therapy as the two principal forms of treatment for NHL’. Stem cell transplantation can also be used for treating NonHodgkin’s lymphoma. A healthy and nutritious diet is important to help your body cope with your disease and treatment.

Abstract| Introduction| The Cells That Form Lymphoma| The Lymphatic System| Causes and Risk Factors of Lymphoma| Infection | Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma | Diagnosis of Lymphoma | Treatment of Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma | Factors that Influence the Treatment of NonHodgkins Lymphoma | Conclusion and Recommendation | References|