Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a blood cancer that affects the lymphatic system. This system is a key part of our immune defense. It happens when lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell, grow too much and gather in lymph nodes, spleen, and other areas.

This cancer can be aggressive, spreading fast, or slow-moving. It’s a common cancer in the U.S., with over 80,000 new cases every year.

It’s important to know about its symptoms, risk factors, diagnosis, and treatment. This article aims to give a detailed look at Non-Hodgkin lymphoma. It’s to help patients and their families understand this complex disease better.

What is Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. This system fights infections and is part of the immune system. It includes lymph nodes, spleen, thymus gland, and bone marrow.

This cancer happens when white blood cells called lymphocytes grow too much. Lymphocytes are key to the immune system. They help fight off viruses, bacteria, and other harmful things.

There are two main types of lymphocytes: B-cells and T-cells. B-cells make antibodies to fight germs. T-cells attack infected or abnormal cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can start from either B-cells or T-cells, leading to different types of the disease.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is different from Hodgkin lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma has specific abnormal cells called Reed-Sternberg cells. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is a group of cancers that vary in how they grow and respond to treatment.

The different types of Non-Hodgkin lymphoma depend on the type of lymphocyte affected and the cancer cells’ characteristics. As these abnormal lymphocytes build up, they can harm the lymphatic system. This makes it harder for the body to fight infections.

It’s important to find and diagnose Non-Hodgkin lymphoma early. This helps doctors choose the best treatment and improve patient outcomes.

Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is split into two main types: B-cell and T-cell lymphomas. B-cell lymphomas are more common, making up about 85% of cases. T-cell lymphomas, on the other hand, account for 15%.

B-cell Lymphomas

B-cell lymphomas start from abnormal B lymphocytes. They include several subtypes. The most common is diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, which grows fast and needs quick treatment. Another common type is follicular lymphoma, which grows slower and is often found later.

Other B-cell lymphomas include:

T-cell Lymphomas

T-cell lymphomas start from abnormal T lymphocytes and are less common than B-cell lymphomas. They are often more aggressive and harder to treat. Types include peripheral T-cell lymphoma, anaplastic large cell lymphoma, and cutaneous T-cell lymphoma, which mainly affects the skin.

It’s very important to accurately diagnose the type of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. This helps doctors choose the best treatment and predict how the disease will progress.

Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma can cause many symptoms, some not clearly linked to cancer. The most common symptom is enlarged lymph nodes. These can be felt as lumps under the skin in the neck, armpits, or groin. These swollen nodes are usually painless.

Other common symptoms include fatigue that doesn’t get better with rest, and night sweats that soak through clothes and bedding. People may also lose weight without trying, losing 10% or more of their body weight over 6 months. Some symptoms include fevers, chills, abdominal pain or swelling, chest pain, coughing, difficulty breathing, or itchy skin.

It’s important to remember that these symptoms can also be signs of less serious conditions. But if they last for weeks or get worse, it’s best to see a doctor. Early diagnosis and treatment of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can greatly improve outcomes.

Risk Factors for Developing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma’s exact causes are not known. Yet, some risk factors have been found. These can up your chances of getting this cancer. But, having a risk factor doesn’t mean you’ll get the disease. Many people with these factors never get Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.

Age and Gender

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can happen at any age. But, the risk grows with age. Most cases are found in people over 60. Also, men are more likely than women to get it.

Weakened Immune System

Those with immune system disorders or on immune-suppressing meds face higher risks. This includes people after organ transplants. Viral infections like HIV and Epstein-Barr virus also weaken the immune system, increasing the risk.

Exposure to Certain Chemicals and Drugs

Being around certain chemicals, like pesticides and solvents, raises the risk. Some chemotherapy drugs and radiation exposure also slightly increase the risk. Yet, the benefits of these treatments usually outweigh the small risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma later.

Diagnosing Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Getting an accurate diagnosis is key to finding the right treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Doctors use a mix of physical checks, biopsies, and imaging tests to diagnose.

Physical Examination

Your doctor will look for swollen lymph nodes and signs of infection during a physical exam. They’ll also ask about your health history and any symptoms you have.

Biopsy

A lymph node biopsy is the best way to confirm Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. It involves taking a small tissue sample from a lymph node for a microscope check. This helps figure out the type and grade of lymphoma.

Imaging Tests

Tests like CT scans and PET scans show how far the lymphoma has spread. They help see if it’s in other parts of the body.

• CT scans use X-rays to create detailed cross-sectional images of the body
• PET scans use a small amount of radioactive material to highlight areas of active cancer growth

Your doctor might suggest more tests, like blood tests or a bone marrow biopsy. These help get more info and guide treatment choices.

Staging of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

After getting a non-Hodgkin lymphoma diagnosis, the next step is staging the disease. Staging shows how far the cancer has spread in the body. It helps decide the best treatment. Doctors use physical exams, imaging tests, and biopsies for staging.

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma stages vary from localized (stage I) to advanced stage (stage IV). Here’s a table that explains each stage:

Several prognostic factors also play a role in treatment choices and outcomes. These include the patient’s age, overall health, lymphoma subtype, tumor size, and biomarkers. Doctors use these factors, along with the stage, to create a treatment plan for each patient.

Accurate staging and understanding prognostic factors are key. They help decide the best treatment and predict the disease’s course. This way, healthcare providers can tailor care and improve outcomes for those with non-Hodgkin lymphoma.

Treatment Options for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are many lymphoma treatment options for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. The choice depends on the type and stage of the cancer. The main goal is to kill cancer cells and get into remission. A team of doctors, including oncologists and hematologists, creates a treatment plan for each patient.

Chemotherapy

Chemotherapy is a common treatment for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. It uses drugs to kill fast-growing cancer cells. The drugs can be taken by mouth or given through an IV. Treatment often includes breaks in between to rest.

For aggressive lymphomas, doctors often use a mix of drugs. This approach is called combination chemotherapy.

Radiation Therapy

Radiation therapy uses beams to kill cancer cells in a specific area. It can be used alone or with chemotherapy. This is often the case for early-stage or localized lymphomas.

New technology in radiation therapy helps target tumor cells better. It also tries to protect healthy tissue.

Immunotherapy

Immunotherapy uses the body’s immune system to fight cancer. Monoclonal antibodies, a type of targeted therapy, are proteins made in a lab. They bind to cancer cells, marking them for destruction by the immune system. Rituximab is a common monoclonal antibody for B-cell lymphomas.

CAR T-cell therapy is a newer immunotherapy. It changes a patient’s T-cells to recognize and attack cancer cells. It has shown promise in treating aggressive or relapsed lymphomas.

Stem Cell Transplant

For aggressive or relapsed lymphomas, a stem cell transplant might be suggested. High-dose chemotherapy or radiation kills cancer cells but also harms the bone marrow. Healthy stem cells, from the patient or a donor, are then given to rebuild the bone marrow and immune system.

Prognosis and Survival Rates

The outlook for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma (NHL) depends on several things. These include the cancer’s stage at diagnosis, the type of lymphoma, and how well treatment works. Generally, cancers caught early have better survival rates than those found later.

The American Cancer Society reports that about 73% of NHL patients live 5 years after diagnosis. This means 73 out of 100 people with NHL are alive 5 years later. But, survival rates can change a lot based on the NHL type and stage.

Remember, these survival rates are averages. They don’t tell you exactly what to expect. Many NHL patients go into remission, meaning no signs of cancer after treatment. Their long-term outlook is usually good, but they need regular check-ups to watch for cancer coming back.

New treatments like targeted and immunotherapies have boosted survival and remission rates for NHL patients. Talking to your healthcare team about your specific situation can help you understand your prognosis better. This way, you can make informed choices about your care.

Living with Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Getting a Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma diagnosis changes your life. But, with the right approach, you can keep a good quality of life. It’s key to take care of yourself, manage treatment side effects, eat well, exercise, and get emotional support.

Coping with Side Effects of Treatment

Treatments like chemotherapy and radiation can make life tough. You might feel tired, sick to your stomach, lose your hair, or get infections easily. Working with your healthcare team can help. They can suggest ways to handle these issues.

It’s important to talk about any problems you’re facing. This way, you get the help you need quickly.

Maintaining a Healthy Lifestyle

Living healthy can make you feel better, even when you’re going through treatment. Eating well is a big part of it. Focus on fruits, veggies, lean proteins, and whole grains.

Exercise is also key. Even small activities like walking or yoga can help. Always check with your doctor before starting any new exercise routine.

Feeling emotionally well is just as important. Joining cancer support groups can be a big help. They offer a place to connect with others who get what you’re going through. Family and friends are also a big support. If you need more help, talking to a counselor can be beneficial.