Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) is a type of cancer that forms in the lymph nodes, an immune system component that fights germs. It is caused by the abnormal development of white blood cells known as lymphocytes, leading to malignancies in various body parts.

Associated Anatomy

Lymphatic System

Signs or Symptoms of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma signs and symptoms include:

• Breathing difficulties and facial edema
• External biliary tree compression: jaundice
• Ureteral compression: Hydronephrosis
• Obstruction of the bowels: Vomiting and constipation
• Pain or swelling in the abdomen
• Chest discomfort
• Skin irritations or skin bumps
• Itchy skin
• Appetite loss
• Coughing
• Inflamed lymph nodes
• Fatigue
• Fever
• Sweating at night
• Sudden weight loss

Causes of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Genetic mutations - A parent's genetic alterations can raise a person's risk of developing NHL in some cases.
• Changes in the body's immune system - Individuals with immune inadequacies have a greater risk of acquiring lymphoma than those with healthy immune systems.
• Individuals suffering from certain long-term chronic infections are at significantly greater risk.

Possible Treatment For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Treatment options for patients with NHL may include the following, based on the type and staging (percentage) of the lymphoma cancer and other factors:

• Chemotherapy
• Immunotherapy
• Specific Drug Therapy
• Radiation Therapy
• Chemotherapy at a High Dose and Stem Cell Transplantation
• Surgery

Risk Factors

• A person's age - Most patients are over 60 years of age when diagnosed.
• Gender - Males are at a greater risk of developing NHL.
• Ancestral history - An increased chance of acquiring NHL is associated with having a first-degree family with the disease (a parent, child, or sibling).
• Carrying additional weight - Obesity or being overweight may raise your risk.
• Getting breast implants - Certain individuals who have breast implants may develop anaplastic cell lymphoma.
• Excessive radiation exposure-Survivors of nuclear disasters are more likely to acquire NHL.
• Immune system disorders- HIV and certain other autoimmune illnesses increase the risk of specific types of NHL.

Possible Complication

If the lymphoma returns at some point in time, alternative treatments will be determined by the type of lymphoma. Doctors also tend to observe its location, previous treatments, the length of time since the treatment, and the current condition and preferences to diagnose and prescribe the right treatment.

Various Stages of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Has minimal value in NHL treatment
• Targeting therapy for Hodgkin lymphoma is more significant.
• E: extranodal extension
• Only one lymph node group is involved
• On one side of the diaphragm, two or more lymph node groups are involved
• On both sides of the diaphragm, lymph node groups involved
• Disseminated, widespread disease

Typical Test Required For Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

• Biopsy of lymph nodes
• Frequently, bone marrow sampling and biopsy are performed unilaterally
• FDG-PET/CT scans of the chests, abdominal, and pelvis for disease staging

There may be a need for an MRI of the spinal cord and brain if there are signs of neurologic problems.

It is not unusual for Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma to be suspected in people who have Hodgkin lymphoma.

• Lymphadenopathy that is not painful
• Mediastinal adenopathy was discovered on a regular chest x-ray or CT scan.

Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma Prevention

Know all the primary prevention and secondary prevention below:

Primary Prevention

• Using barrier techniques during sexual activity can help reduce your risk of contracting HIV.
• Preventing intravenous drug usage by injecting drugs with clean needles will help reduce your risk of developing HIV or hepatitis C.
• The following steps can aid in the prevention of obesity and may protect against lymphoma:
  • Maintaining a healthy weight.
  • Maintaining physical activity
  • Eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains, while avoiding sugary beverages, red or processing meats, and processed foods.

Secondary Prevention

• Human T-cell Lymphotropic Virus (HTLV-1)- Through the prevention of HTLV-1, Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma can be prevented.

  
  

  • Helicobacter Pylori - This infection causes some stomach lymphomas. Its treatment through antacids and antibiotics can lower the risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma.
  • Treatment of other cancers - Some lymphomas occur due to the treatment of different cancers through chemotherapy and radiation.

Types of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

There are numerous types of NHL categorized according to how the cells appear under a microscope. The majority of NHLs are classified as B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma.

NHL types can also be classified according to their rate of growth and spread:

• Indolent lymphomas- They grow and spread very slowly. Follicular lymphoma is the most common type.
• Aggressive lymphomas- They are rapidly growing and spreading. Diffuse large B cell lymphoma is the most common type (DLBCL).

Epidemiology

• It accounts for around 4 percent of total cancer patients
• Incidences of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma have increased by 165% since 1975
• Survival from Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma has risen by 158%
• Painters or farmworkers have a higher risk of Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma

Expected Prognosis

With disease in stage III/IV, elevated levels of serum LDH are found in the body. More than one extranodal site is also seen. Patients with ages more than 60 years are more likely to get affected.

Natural Progression

Individuals diagnosed with NHL have varying survival rates. The outlook may depend on age, healthy lifestyle habits, NHL type, discovery time of the NHL, and the response of cancer to treatment. Cancers that grow slowly have greater survival chances. NHL is occasionally not discovered until it has progressed to an advanced stage.

Pathophysiology

The majority of lymphomas are nodal. They have a variable involvement of peripheral blood and bone marrow. Leukaemia-like conditions with bone marrow and peripheral lymphocytosis can be found in around 50 percent of children and 20 percent of adults.