A B C D E F G H I J K L M N O P R S T U V W

LYMPHOMA

What is a Lymphoma ?

The lymphomas are cancers of the lymph glands (glands which fight infection). They are divided into different types, depending on the appearance of the abnormal cells under the microscope. Hodgkin’s disease is a particular type of lymphoma. It is commonest between the ages of 15 and 40 years, whereas the other types of lymphoma (non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma or NHL) are more common over the age of 40.

How does a Lymphoma occur ?

Some of the cells in the lymph nodes may become malignant and grow in an uncontrolled way. This may affect one gland or a group of glands, which then enlarge. The glands in the neck are most often affected first. The abnormal cells spread to other glands, for example in the armpit and groins. The spleen may be enlarged and be felt by the doctor as a lump on the left of the abdomen. Other parts of the body can also be affected in the later stages. Symptoms like fever or loss of weight are also common.

Why does a Lymphoma occur ?

Unfortunately, little is known about the causes of lymphoma.

Treatment Involved for a Lymphoma

Treatment is with x-rays (radiotherapy) and anti-cancer drugs (chemotherapy), or a combination of both treatments. The exact type of therapy depends on the type of lymphoma and the extent of the tumour. The first stage is therefore to find out which parts of the body are affected. This involves doing blood tests, x-rays and body scanning (a special type of x-ray called CT). If the lymphoma has not spread beyond the lymph glands, radiotherapy alone will often cure the condition. This involves a series of treatment sessions. High powered rays are directed at the particular area where the glands are affected. If the disease has spread to other parts of the body then chemotherapy is usually used. Again, many patients can be cured even when the disease is widespread. The response of the tumour to treatment depends mainly on the particular type of lymphoma. Chemotherapy usually involves injections of combinations of anti-cancer drugs given for several days at a time over several months. In the kinds of lymphoma which progress only slowly, milder chemotherapy can be given as tablets. Bone marrow transplantation from a donor may be considered. Certain cells called stem cells, from your own marrow may also be transplanted.

During Treatment for a Lymphoma

Chemotherapy will often cause nausea or vomiting, but there are now very effective drugs which prevent this. Hair loss is also common (alopecia), and cannot be prevented. The hair will grow normally again when treatment is finished. Radiotherapy is painless and usually free from side-effects, though treatment of large areas may again cause nausea.

After Treatment for a Lymphoma

The doctor will continue to monitor your situation regularly with check-ups. Many patients with lymphoma are cured, but even if the disease relapses it may still be curable with a second course of treatment.

If a Lymphoma is Left Untreated

The tumour would spread to other parts of the body. Death would eventually occur as the result of widespread disease.

Effects on Family of a Lymphoma

People will see the symptoms improving as the disease responds to treatment. However, the treatment is often quite intensive and may result in nausea or tiredness, so that you may need to take things more slowly than usual. One usually needs to take time off work during treatment and for a while afterwards, but this depends on individual circumstances. Strength will recover after completing treatment. Lymphoma is not inherited and is not infectious, so it cannot be passed on to your family or friends.