Lymphoma

From ArticleWorld

Usually, lymphoma refers to Hodgkin's lymphoma. Thomas Hodgkin discovered Hodgkin's lymphoma in 1832, though it was first recorded as early as 1666. There are other types of lymphomas, which are classified as non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Hodgkin's lymphoma is much less prevalent than non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is, because there are 29 types of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas. Hodgkin's lymphoma differs from other lymphomas because of the Reed-Sternberg cells present in Hodgkin's lymphoma. Lymphomas without Reed-Sternberg cells are, therefore, non-Hodgkin's lymphomas.

Causes for both Hodgkin's lymphomas and non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are unknown. It is presently believed that environmental factors may set this cancer off in the bloodstream. Lymphomas tend to occur in conjunction with both the Epstein -Barr virus and the measles. Most of the cases of these lymphomas occur between the ages of 15 and 40, or after age 55. Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are abnormal B and T cells. This type of lymphoma is much more common than is Hodgkin's disease.

Symptoms, diagnosis, and treatment

Symptoms of both Hodgkin's lymphoma and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma are swelling in the lymphnodes, fatigue, weigh loss, fever and severe night sweats. Other symptoms include itching and lower back pain. Lower back pain occurs when the nerve endings of the back are impaired by the lymphoma. Usually, the disease comes as a total surprise and shock after a routine physical examination.

Doctors take a look at a biopsy to determine if the patient as a form of lymphoma. They look for Reed-Sternberg cells to determine whether or not the patient has Hodgkin's lymphoma or not. Biopsies may be performed with a needle or surgically. Other ways to diagnose lymphomas are physical exams, medical histories, and abnormal blood cell counts, erythrocyte sedimentation rates, chest x-rays CT or MRI scans, gallium scans or a bone marrow test.

Treatment includes chemotherapy, radiation and bone marrow transplants, depending on the lymphoma found. Immunotherapy is also used to treat Hodgkin's lymphoma.