DescriptionLymphoma cancer or lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system (lymph nodes, thymusgland, spleen and bone marrow). American Cancer Society says there are two types oflymphoma, namely Hodgkin’s lymphoma (Hodgkin’s disease) and non-Hodgkin’slymphoma.Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma begins in the lymphatic system in which the tumor developsfrom a type of white blood cells called lymphocytes (either T cells or B-cells).Non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma is much more common that Hodgkin’s disease.While Hodgkin’s lymphoma is a cancer of the immune system characterized by the presence of a type of cell called the Reed-Sternberg cells (giant cells are usually derivedfrom B lymphocytes).CauseScientists do not know exactly what causes lymphoma, but has identified severalpotential risk factors, namely genetics (inherited from family members) and are oftenexposed to carcinogens such as certain pesticides, herbicides and solvents such asbenzene, some hair dye and free radicals.SymptomsPatients with Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkin’s lymphoma have swollen lymph nodes, weight loss, abdominal pain or swelling, night sweats, fever and chronic fatigue. Someindividuals also experience chest pain, difficulty breathing, extremely itchy skin, loss of appetite.TreatmentIf the lymphoma is likely to grow slowly, your doctor may suggest to wait and seeapproach before deciding on a treatment plan development. In this case, cancer therapycan sometimes be delayed for at least one year.In most cases of Hodgkin’s and non-Hodgkins, treatment options are chemotherapy,radiation and a stem cell transplant requires (stem cell).
