Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment & Symptom

Lymphoma is a cancer of a part of the immune system called the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is a part of the body's immune system and helps filter out bacteria, viruses, and other unwanted substances. Most people don't notice the workings of their lymphatic systems in fact, the only time you may be aware of your lymphatic system is when the lymph nodes swell up. This often happens when a person is sick a sign that the lymphatic system is working hard to filter harmful substances out of the body. There are more than 30 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more than seven times as common as the other general type of lymphoma Hodgkin's disease. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma has been one of the most rapidly increasing types of cancer in the United States, having more than doubled in incidence since the 1970s. The good news is that although the incidence has increased, so has the survival rate. As with other cancers, the earlier you receive a diagnosis, the greater your chance for a successful treatment of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. The American Cancer Society estimates that there will be 58,870 new cases of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma in 2006. About 15 percent of childhood cancers are lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma causes the cells in the lymphatic system to abnormally reproduce, eventually causing tumors to grow. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma cells can also spread to other organs.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma describes a group of cancers arising from lymphocytes , a type of white blood cell . Lymphocytes are part of the immune system that protects the body from infection and disease. Like other cancers, lymphomas, occur when cells divide too much and too fast. Growth control is lost, and the lymphatic cells may overcrowd, invade, and destroy lymphoid tissues and metastasize to other organs. There are several different types of lymphomas. Some lymphomas involve a particular type of cell; these are grouped under the heading Hodgkin's disease . All other forms of lymphoma fall into the non-Hodgkin's grouping. The different forms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depend on such things as what the cells look like under a microscope. No one really knows what causes non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Doctors have identified some risk factors (things that may increase a person's chances of developing a particular condition) for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. These include conditions that weaken the immune system, such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome ( AIDS ), taking immune-suppressing medications following organ transplants, and exposure to certain viruses, such as Epstein-Barr virus. People who have a brother or sister who has had the disease are also more likely to get non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. Of course, just because you've had mono or an organ transplant doesn't mean you'll get the disease: Most people with non-Hodgkin's lymphoma don't have any of these risk factors.

Causes of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Common Causes of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma :

• The cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown.
• Infections involving the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and Epstein-Barr virus.
• Obesity .
• Celiac disease (gluten enteropathy or gluten intolerance).
• Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma can occur at any age, but the risk increases with age. It's most common in people in their 60s.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

Some common Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma :

• Fever.
• Severe itchiness.
• Unintentional weight loss.
• Itchy skin.
• Constant fatigue.
• Weight loss.
• Fatigue.
• Abdominal pain or swelling.
• Soaking night sweats.
• Tiredness.

Treatment of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma

• High-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplant.
• Chemotherapy.
• Biologic (immune) therapy.
• Radiation therapy.
• Surgery .
• Antibiotics (to prevent or treat infections).
• Bone marrow examinations.
• Long-term follow up care (to determine response to treatment, detect recurrent disease and manage late effects of treatment).
• Watchful waiting (surveillance).