It is a type of cancer that develops in the lymphatic system.
When we speak of lymphoma, we refer to a type of cancer that occurs in the human lymphatic system. With this disease, the functioning of the immune system of the affected person decreases, in addition, when the marrow is affected, other disorders in the blood such as anemia may appear.
It is considered one of the forms of cancer with the greatest probability of being cured, especially if it is diagnosed and treated early.
Affected system
The lymphatic system is one of the main components of the body's immune system. It is made up of:
Lymph: It is a colorless, watery liquid whose function is to transport lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for producing antibodies and fighting tumor cells.
Lymphatic vessels: They are a network of tubes through which lymph and white blood cells are transported.
Lymph nodes: Structures whose job is to filter lymph and store white blood cells to help the body fight infections and germs. Found in the armpits, groin, neck, pelvis, and abdomen
Spleen: Organ responsible for destroying old blood cells and producing lymphocytes.
Bone marrow: It is a tissue found inside many bones. Produces red blood cells, white blood cells, and platelets
Tonsils: Masses or accumulations of lymphatic tissue that help fight infection.
Thymus: organ in which lymphocytes develop and multiply.
General types
Lymphomas are divided into two general or main types which are: Hodgkin's Lymphoma and Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin lymphoma (HL).
It owes its name to its discoverer, the British physician Thomas Hodgkin.
Non Hodgkin's symptom (NHL).
They are a different group of lymphomas than the one Dr. Hodgkin described. Of this type, there is a very extensive classification.
Currently there is a so called royal system that divides the types of lymphoma into three categories.
Indolent lymphomas that are characterized by slowly growing, in fact, many patients can survive for years without treatment with this type of lymphoma.
Aggressive and highly aggressive lymphoma, which grow rapidly and in all cases require treatment.
Warning signs
Generally, the formation of lymphomas is evidenced by the presence of swollen or enlarged, non-painful nodes that are palpable in places such as the armpits and neck.
In other cases, these nodes appear in less noticeable areas such as the abdomen, and may go unnoticed, it is here that other symptoms, such as fever and significant weight loss, tell the doctor to carry out exhaustive tests that can determine the presence of the illness.
Nonspecific cause
Although it is not known exactly why some people can develop some type of lymphoma, there are certain conditions such as chemical and physical aggressors, to which some workers, such as carpenters and lumberjacks, are subjected, which contribute to the appearance of this sickness.
Also, it is believed that bacteria and some types of viruses can be the cause of this pathology, for example, patients with HIV are more likely to suffer from this disease.
Necessary exams
To make an accurate diagnosis of the presence of lymphomas in the human body, the treating physician must take into account many factors, such as the patient's medical history, symptoms that he presents, physical examination of the lymph node regions, laboratory studies, radiological studies such as radiography. chest and abdominal ultrasound and a biopsy of the lymph nodes and bone marrow, that is, to extract a sample of them to be examined in the laboratory.
Ways to treat it.
The treatment used is based on chemotherapy or radiotherapy, techniques applied individually or together, this depends on the type of lymphoma and the stage of the disease. There are other alternative and therapeutic techniques that have been developed to provide a solution to this pathology. In any case, it is the health professional, the person indicated to determine the appropriate treatment for each patient. If necessary, the treating physician may recommend a bone marrow transplant.
Once the patient has been cured, it is necessary that logical imaging studies are applied to help the doctor determine the existence of long term effects of the treatments, or in the worst case, the reappearance of the disease.
About chemotherapy
When patients undergo chemotherapy cycles, they are at risk of bleeding, infection, and anemia. If they present any symptoms such as fever, they should immediately consult their treating doctor.
Other side effects that arise thanks to chemotherapy are weight loss, loss of appetite, mouth ulcers, tiredness, hair loss, diarrhea and vomiting. For all these reasons, family, psychological and medical support for lymphoma patients who must receive chemotherapy is very important.
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