Lymphoma
What is lymphoma?
Lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, and is the fifth most common form of cancer in Australia. The lymphatic system is part of the immune system and consists of lymph nodes (sometimes referred to as lymph glands) that are connected by small vessels known as lymphatics. The spleen and bone marrow are also considered to be part of the lymphatic system.
In this type of cancer, cells in the lymphatic system called lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) become abnormal and divide and grow uncontrollably. This uncontrolled growth leads to the development of cancerous tumours in the lymph nodes and other parts of the lymphatic system. It is also possible for lymphoma to involve organs outside of the lymphatic system.
There are 2 main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.
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Hodgkin's lymphoma
Hodgkin's lymphoma (also known as Hodgkin's disease) tends to affect younger people, most commonly those who are in their mid-teens to early 30s. Although Hodgkin's lymphoma is a serious disease, many people are cured with treatment — after 5 years, the survival rate is over 80 per cent.
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Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma
This form of lymphoma is more common than Hodgkin's disease. In fact, over 85 per cent of all people with lymphoma have the non-Hodgkin's form of the disease. The risk of developing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma increases with age, and the disease is most common in people aged over 50 years. While the number of new cases of non-Hodgkin's disease appears to be increasing over time, the survival rate has improved, and is currently about 55 per cent after 5 years.
What are the symptoms?
The symptoms of Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are similar. Usually the first symptom is a swelling or a lump in the lymph nodes. Lymph node swellings are most often noticed in the neck, under the armpits, just above the collarbone, or in the groin area. People with lymphoma may also experience any or all of the following:
- fever;
- sweating, especially at night;
- reduced appetite;
- weight loss;
- generalised itch; and
- persistent tiredness.
What causes lymphoma?
The exact cause of lymphoma is not known. As with other cancers, the combination of genetic and environmental factors may play a role in its development. People whose immune systems are suppressed may have a higher risk of developing lymphoma.
How is lymphoma diagnosed?
To make a diagnosis of lymphoma, your doctor will need to take a biopsy of the lump or swelling of the lymph nodes. A biopsy involves taking a sample of tissue which can then be examined under the microscope.
Other tests that your doctor may order to determine whether the disease has spread include X-rays, CT scans, and blood tests. Sometimes, a bone marrow biopsy may also need to be done.
Can lymphoma be treated?
Lymphoma treatment has improved significantly over the last 30 years. If you have lymphoma, your doctor will determine the most appropriate treatment for you based on several factors. These include your age, the type of lymphoma you have, and how far the disease has spread. Treatment usually involves chemotherapy, radiotherapy or both. These treatments are aimed at destroying as many cancerous cells as possible to achieve cure or remission (long-term control of the disease).
Sometimes, a stem cell or bone marrow transplant may be needed. This type of treatment may be required if the disease does not respond to treatment or recurs after initial treatment.
Immunotherapy, or biological therapy, is also available to treat certain types of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. This treatment involves the use of medications that contain laboratory-produced antibodies (monoclonal antibodies), such as rituximab. These antibodies help the immune system to recognise and kill the lymphoma cells.
Interferon is another form of biological therapy that may be used to treat some types of non-Hodgkin's disease.
Last Reviewed: 25 July 2008
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