Lymphoma
What is Lymphoma?
Lymphoma is a type of cancer that starts in the lymphatic system. The lymphatic system is part of your immune system and includes lymph nodes, the spleen, thymus, and bone marrow. These organs work together to fight infections and filter waste from your body.
When you have lymphoma, white blood cells called lymphocytes grow abnormally and multiply out of control. These cancerous cells can build up in lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. Over time, they can spread to other organs in your body.
There are two main types of lymphoma. Hodgkin lymphoma involves a specific type of abnormal cell called a Reed-Sternberg cell. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes all other types of lymphomas. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is more common and includes many different subtypes. Each type behaves differently and requires specific treatment approaches.
Symptoms
- Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin that don't hurt
- Unexplained weight loss of more than 10 pounds in 6 months
- Persistent fatigue and low energy levels
- Fever that comes and goes without an obvious cause
- Drenching night sweats that soak your clothes and sheets
- Persistent itching all over the body
- Chest pain or difficulty breathing
- Loss of appetite and feeling full quickly
- Abdominal pain or swelling
- Frequent infections due to weakened immunity
Some people with early-stage lymphoma have no symptoms at all. The disease is sometimes discovered during routine blood work or imaging tests for other reasons. As lymphoma progresses, symptoms typically become more noticeable and persistent.
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Causes and risk factors
Lymphoma develops when lymphocytes develop genetic mutations that cause them to grow uncontrollably. Scientists don't fully understand what triggers these mutations in most cases. Risk factors include a weakened immune system from HIV, organ transplant medications, or autoimmune diseases. Certain viral infections like Epstein-Barr virus and human T-cell lymphotropic virus can increase risk. Age plays a role, with some types more common in people over 60 and others affecting younger adults. Exposure to certain chemicals like pesticides and herbicides may contribute to risk.
Family history can play a small role in lymphoma risk. Having a first-degree relative with lymphoma slightly increases your chances. However, most people with lymphoma have no family history of the disease. Being overweight or obese has been linked to certain types of lymphoma. Previous treatment with radiation therapy or chemotherapy for another cancer can increase lymphoma risk years later.
How it's diagnosed
Diagnosis typically starts with a physical exam where your doctor checks for swollen lymph nodes in your neck, armpits, and groin. Blood tests can provide important clues about lymphoma and help monitor disease progression. Rite Aid offers specialized blood tests including Beta-2 Microglobulin, which can indicate more aggressive disease when elevated. Immunofixation helps identify abnormal proteins produced by cancerous cells. Lambda Light Chain and Fibrinogen Clauss tests also provide valuable information about lymphoma activity.
A lymph node biopsy is the definitive way to diagnose lymphoma. Your doctor removes all or part of a swollen lymph node for examination under a microscope. Imaging tests like CT scans, PET scans, or MRIs show where lymphoma has spread in your body. A bone marrow biopsy checks if lymphoma cells have reached your bone marrow. These tests together help determine the exact type and stage of lymphoma you have.
Treatment options
- Active surveillance for slow-growing lymphomas with no symptoms
- Chemotherapy to kill cancer cells throughout the body
- Radiation therapy to target cancer in specific areas
- Immunotherapy drugs that help your immune system fight cancer
- Targeted therapy medications that attack specific proteins in cancer cells
- CAR T-cell therapy, which modifies your own immune cells to fight lymphoma
- Stem cell transplant for aggressive or relapsed lymphoma
- Eating a nutrient-dense diet to support your immune system during treatment
- Staying physically active as much as possible to maintain strength
- Managing stress through meditation, counseling, or support groups
- Getting adequate sleep to help your body heal and recover
- Avoiding infections by practicing good hygiene and limiting exposure to sick people
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- Simple blood draw at your nearest lab
- Results in days, not weeks
- Share results with your doctor
Frequently asked questions
The main difference is the type of abnormal cell present. Hodgkin lymphoma contains Reed-Sternberg cells, which are large abnormal lymphocytes visible under a microscope. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma includes all other types of lymphomas without these specific cells. Hodgkin lymphoma tends to spread in a more predictable pattern and often has a better prognosis with treatment.
Blood tests cannot definitively diagnose lymphoma, but they provide important clues and monitoring tools. Tests like Beta-2 Microglobulin can indicate disease severity. Immunofixation identifies abnormal proteins produced by lymphoma cells. Lambda Light Chain and Fibrinogen levels help track disease activity. A lymph node biopsy is still needed for definitive diagnosis.
Many types of lymphoma are highly treatable, and some are curable. Hodgkin lymphoma has cure rates above 80 percent when caught early. Some types of non-Hodgkin lymphoma can be cured with treatment. Other types are chronic and managed long-term with treatment when symptoms appear. Outcomes depend on the specific type, stage, and how well you respond to treatment.
Swollen lymph nodes occur when cancerous lymphocytes accumulate inside them. These abnormal cells multiply rapidly and don't die when they should. As they build up, the lymph nodes enlarge and become firm. Unlike swollen nodes from infections, lymphoma-related swelling is usually painless and doesn't go away on its own.
The speed of progression varies greatly by lymphoma type. Aggressive lymphomas like diffuse large B-cell lymphoma can progress rapidly over weeks to months. Indolent lymphomas like follicular lymphoma grow slowly over months to years. Some slow-growing types may not require immediate treatment. Your oncologist will monitor your specific type to determine the right treatment timing.
While lifestyle changes cannot cure lymphoma, they support your body during treatment and recovery. Eating anti-inflammatory foods rich in vegetables, fruits, and lean proteins helps maintain strength. Regular gentle exercise can reduce fatigue and improve mood. Managing stress through relaxation techniques supports immune function. These habits work alongside medical treatment to support your overall health.
Night sweats in lymphoma are drenching sweats that soak your clothing and bedding. They typically occur without an obvious cause like a warm room. These sweats are part of what doctors call B symptoms, which also include fever and weight loss. They result from the body's response to cancer cells and indicate more active disease.
Testing frequency depends on your treatment phase and lymphoma type. During active treatment, you may need blood tests weekly or monthly to monitor your response and side effects. After treatment, testing typically occurs every 3 to 6 months for several years. Your oncologist will create a personalized monitoring schedule based on your specific situation and risk factors.
Yes, lymphoma can return after successful treatment. This is called relapse or recurrence. Some types of lymphoma are more likely to relapse than others. Regular follow-up appointments and blood tests help detect recurrence early. If lymphoma returns, different treatments like stem cell transplant or newer targeted therapies may be options.
Focus on food safety rather than specific restrictions. Avoid raw or undercooked meats, eggs, and seafood to prevent infections. Wash fruits and vegetables thoroughly. Limit processed foods, excess sugar, and alcohol. Eat plenty of nutrient-rich whole foods including colorful vegetables, lean proteins, and healthy fats. Talk to a registered dietitian who specializes in cancer care for personalized guidance.