lymphoma

What is Lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a type of cancer that affects the immune system, specifically the lymphatic system. It is characterized by the abnormal growth and multiplication of lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell responsible for fighting infection.

• Types of Lymphoma: There are two main types of lymphoma: Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). [3][4]
• Symptoms: Lymphoma symptoms include lumps in the neck, armpits, or groin, high temperature, unexplained weight loss, and night sweats. [2][6]
• Causes: The exact cause of lymphoma is unknown, but it is believed to result from a combination of genetic and environmental factors. [4][9]

Characteristics

Lymphoma is a cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system, which includes the spleen, thymus, lymph nodes, and lymphoid tissues throughout the body. Abnormal lymphocytes become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in lymph nodes over time.

• Incidence: Lymphoma is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK and can affect both adults and children. [5]
• Immune System Impact: Lymphoma affects the immune system's ability to fight infection, making patients more susceptible to illnesses. [1][7]

References

[1] May 23, 2024 — Lymphoma is a cancer of the lymphatic system. [2] Lymphoma symptoms include lumps, a high temperature, unexplained weight loss and night ... [3] “Lymphoma” is a term for a group of blood cancers in your lymphatic system. There are two types of lymphoma — Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma. [4] Jul 2, 2024 — Lymphoma is a type of cancer that begins in infection-fighting cells of the immune system, called lymphocytes. [5] What is lymphoma? Lymphoma is a type of blood cancer. It is the 5th most common type of cancer in the UK. [6] Lymphoma is a cancer that starts in cells that are part of the body's immune system. Knowing which type of lymphoma you have is important. [7] Lymphoma is a broad term for cancer that begins in cells of the lymph system. The two main types are Hodgkin lymphoma and non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL). [8] Abnormal lymphocytes, a type of white blood cell that fights infection, become lymphoma cells, which multiply and collect in your lymph nodes. [9] Result: noun | a neoplasm of lymph tissue that is usually malignant; one of the four major types of cancer

Common Signs and Symptoms of Lymphoma

Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system, can manifest in various ways. The following are some common signs and symptoms associated with lymphoma:

• Painless swelling of lymph nodes: This is one of the most common symptoms of lymphoma, where lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin become swollen and do not go away within a few weeks [1][2].
• Fever: Lymphoma patients often experience recurring fevers that can last for several days or weeks without an underlying infection [3].
• Night sweats: Drenching night sweats are another common symptom of lymphoma, which can be accompanied by fever and fatigue [3].
• Fatigue: Persistent fatigue is a common complaint among lymphoma patients, making it difficult to perform daily activities [4][5].
• Swollen glands: Swollen lymph nodes in the neck, armpits, or groin are a hallmark symptom of lymphoma [6][7].
• Chest pain, coughing, or trouble breathing: Some people with lymphoma may experience chest pain, coughing, or difficulty breathing due to the cancer's spread to the lungs or other areas [5][8].

It is essential to note that these symptoms can also be caused by other conditions. If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is crucial to consult a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and treatment plan.

References: [1] - Context result 2 [2] - Context result 7 [3] - Context result 3 [4] - Context result 6 [5] - Context result 5 [6] - Context result 8 [7] - Context result 1

Diagnostic Tests for Lymphoma

Lymphoma diagnosis involves a combination of physical examination, medical history, and various diagnostic tests to confirm the presence of cancerous cells in the lymphatic system.

• Blood Tests: Blood tests can help detect certain signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL), such as anemia or low levels of red blood cells [6].
• Imaging Tests: Imaging tests like CT, MRI, and PET scans can help doctors diagnose and locate lymphoma in the body [2][5]. These scans can also help identify any potential complications or spread of the disease.
• Biopsy: A biopsy is the only definitive way to confirm a diagnosis of lymphoma. It involves removing a small sample of suspicious tissue for microscopic analysis by a pathologist [4][7].
• Physical Examination: Healthcare providers perform physical examinations to evaluate potential symptoms and signs of lymphoma, such as swollen lymph nodes or fever [5].

Additional Tests

Other tests that may be used to diagnose lymphoma include:

• Ultrasound scan
• X-ray

These tests can help doctors identify the type and stage of lymphoma, which is essential for determining the best course of treatment.

References:

[1] Not provided (no relevant information) [2] May 23, 2024 — Tests may include CT, MRI and positron emission tomography scans, also called PET scans. [3] Feb 15, 2024 — A biopsy is the only way to confirm a person has NHL. But it's not always done right away because many symptoms of NHL can also be caused by other problems. [4] The only way to be absolutely sure of a diagnosis of lymphoma (or any other cancer) is for a doctor to conduct medical tests including performing an excisional ... [5] Healthcare providers diagnose lymphoma by doing physical examinations to evaluate potential lymphoma symptoms and biopsies to obtain tissue for examination by a ... [6] Blood tests can help your doctors detect the presence of some of the telltale signs of non-Hodgkin lymphoma. These may include anemia, or low levels of red ... [7] A definitive diagnosis usually requires a biopsy, which involves removing a small sample of suspicious tissue for microscopic analysis by a pathologist. [8] Jun 30, 2024 — Ultrasound scan and X-ray​​ These can help doctors diagnose and find out about some types of lymphoma. [9] Non-Hodgkin lymphoma (NHL) can be diagnosed or ruled out by tests such as blood tests, CT scan, PET scan and biopsy.

Treatment Options for Lymphoma

Lymphoma, a type of cancer that affects the immune system, can be treated with various

The differential diagnosis of lymphoma refers to the process of distinguishing it from other conditions that may present with similar symptoms or characteristics.

Key Considerations

• Solid tumor malignancies: Metastatic disease to lymph nodes secondary to carcinoma, melanoma, or sarcoma should be considered in the differential diagnosis [3].
• Other malignancy: Lymphatic metastasis from solid organ malignancy can also mimic lymphoma.
• Non-malignant conditions: Reactive lymphadenopathy, infectious mononucleosis, and traumatic injuries can present with similar symptoms to lymphoma.

Specific Conditions

• Infectious Mononucleosis: This condition should be high in the differential diagnosis for teenagers and young adults [2].
• Sarcoidosis: Hodgkin's lymphoma must be differentiated from sarcoidosis, which can also cause lymphadenopathy.
• Lymphocytic Lymphoma: Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) should be considered in the differential diagnosis of lymphoma.

Diagnostic Approaches

• Open lymph node biopsy: This is the gold standard for diagnosing lymphoma, based on morphology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry [4].
• Imaging studies: Imaging studies such as CT scans or PET scans can help identify lymphadenopathy or other abnormalities that may suggest lymphoma.

References

[1] Oct 21, 2024 — Because Hodgkin lymphoma is considered a curable malignancy and the differential diagnosis is broad, medicolegal problems may arise from ... [2] In teenagers and young adults, infectious mononucleosis and Hodgkin's lymphoma should be placed high in the differential diagnosis. Involvement of Waldeyer ring ... [3] May 28, 2024 — Diagnostic Considerations · Solid tumor malignancies: metastatic disease to lymph nodes secondary to carcinoma, melanoma, or sarcoma · Other ... [4] by WD Lewis · 2020 · Cited by 129 — The diagnosis of lymphoma is made using an open lymph node biopsy, based off morphology, immunohistochemistry, and flow cytometry. [5] by AR Sohani · 2023 · Cited by 1 — The differential diagnosis of classic Hodgkin lymphoma (CHL) includes the reactive Epstein-Barr virus (EBV)-driven entities of acute infectious ... [6] by T Takahara · 2022 · Cited by 5 — The most problematic differential diagnosis of MCCHL, which is characterized by frequent EBV infection, is EBV-positive diffuse large B-cell ... [7] Other malignancy, Lymphatic metastasis from solid organ malignancy. Non-malignant, Reactive lymphadenopathy, to a lesion (infectious, traumatic or ... [8] Jul 29, 2020 — Hodgkin's lymphoma must be differentiated from sarcoidosis, lymphocytic lymphoma, miliary tuberculosis, infectious mononucleosis, thoracic ... [9] by NL Harris · 1992 · Cited by 5 — This chapter discusses the problems and solutions to differential diagnosis between Hodgkin's disease (HD) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL).