Lymphoma is one of a kind of cancer that affects an individual’s immune system. Lymphoma weakens a person’s immune system. It mainly attacks white blood cells termed as lymphocytes. Lymphoma mostly affects kids below 15 years and youngsters between the ages of 20 to 24 years. The types are often described as Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Both Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin lymphoma types are named after Dr. Thomas Hodgkin, who was responsible for discovering this rare condition. However, out of the two lymphoma types, the survival rate of Hodgkin lymphoma patients is more compared to that of non-Hodgkin lymphoma patients.

Causes of lymphoma

There is no particular reason for the onset of Lymphoma. In simple words, the disease begins to take form when white blood cells (lymphocytes) develops a genetic mutation. The mutation directs the cells to double up causing infected lymphocytes to keep multiplying. A large number of infected or diseased lymphocytes in lymph nodules enlarge, leading to cancer.

Types of lymphoma

There are two types of Lymphoma cancers Hodgkin and non-Hodgkin. Lymphoma often spreads to the liver, bone marrow, or lungs.

Under Hodgkin lymphoma, the white blood cells (lymphocytes) go erratic. They start functioning abnormally and are out of control. The abnormal cells are called Reed–Sternberg cells and are visible under the microscope. These lymphocytes are further divided into B and T cells. B cells are the main cause of trouble for Hodgkin cancer. This condition is further divided into Classical Hodgkin and Nodular Lymphocyte Predominant Hodgkin lymphomas. Listed below are some of the types of classical Hodgkin lymphoma:

• Lymphocyte-rich classical Hodgkin lymphoma
• Lymphocyte-depleted classical Hodgkin lymphoma
• Nodular sclerosis classical Hodgkin lymphoma
• Mixed cellularity classical Hodgkin lymphoma

Non-Hodgkin lymphoma does not contain any Reed–Sternberg cells. This kind of lymphoma is commonly found in people aged above 80 years. But the number of NHL patients, especially in children is also increasing. Mostly, men are at a higher risk of contracting Non-Hodgkin Lymphoma. Non-Hodgkin lymphoma is further divided into

• High-grade and Low- grade lymphoma
• Transformation lymphoma
• B-cell lymphoma and T-cell lymphoma
• Diffuse Large B-cell Lymphoma
• Follicular Lymphoma
• Burkitt Lymphoma

Symptoms of lymphoma

The most common symptoms of lymphoma include

• A visible bulge in the neck, armpits, or groin
• Tiredness
• High temperature
• Excessive sweating especially at night
• Breathing difficulties/Respiratory problems
• Persistent weight loss

Treating lymphoma

Diagnosis of lymphoma at an early stage is curable using various therapies and medications. The various treatment options for lymphoma include

• Biologic analysis
• Antibody analysis
• Chemotherapy
• Radiation therapy
• Radioimmune analysis
• Steroids
• Surgery
• Stem-cell transplant

Doctors thoroughly examine the neck, groin, armpits, chin, and abdomen in case of bulging. They might also examine for infection or any inflammation in lymph nodes. Usually, blood tests and biopsies could be also suggested to clear the doubts over lymphoma. In the case of early diagnosis, lymphoma is curable. Consult a doctor in case you notice any suspicious symptoms.