Non Hodgkins Lymphoma

April 22, 2020

3 min read

Non- Hodgkin lymphoma, or NHL, is a type of cancer affecting the lymphatic system. NHL is not just one disease but refers to various types of blood cancers originating in the white blood cells known as lymphocytes. These cells are part of the body’s immune system. It is a relatively common cancer, usually occurring in adults. However, there are certain subtypes affecting children.

Under normal circumstances, lymphocytes die off, and the body produces new ones. In NHL, old lymphocytes do not die. Instead, they keep growing. These multiplying, dividing lymphocytes eventually result in swelling of the lymph nodes.

The disease begins in either B-cells or T-cells. The role of B-cells is antibody production to combat infection, and the majority of NHL cases start here. The T-cells are responsible for destroying invaders trying to harm the body.

Some NHLs behave indolently with waxing and waning lymphadenopathy for years. Others are highly aggressive, resulting in death within weeks if left untreated.

Once NHL spreads, it may head to the spleen, bone marrow, adenoids and tonsils, and thymus, all of which are part of the lymphatic system. Less often, NHL spreads to areas outside of the lymphatic system. Advanced NHL may head to the bones, liver or lungs.

NHL Symptoms

Initial symptoms of NHL may include:

Enlarged lymph nodes in the neck, armpits or groin
Pain or swelling in the abdomen
Fever
Fatigue
Coughing or other respiratory issues
Night sweats
Unexplained weight loss

See a doctor as soon as possible if you experience these symptoms.

Risk Factors

NHL most frequently occurs in adults over 60. Those who have been infected with certain viruses, include Epstein-Barr, human immunodeficiency virus(HIV) are at greater risk of developing NHL. The same holds true for people treated with some immunosuppressant medications, such as those used in organ transplants and those with history of radiation

There is a possible link between NHL and the use of particular pesticides, hair dyes and dioxins (eg, agent orange). In contrast, the consumption of vegetables and fruit rich in antioxidants are associated with a reduced likelihood of developing NHL

NHL Diagnosis

Diagnosis consists of a physical examination, the taking of a medical history, and blood and urine tests. Patients may undergo imaging tests, such as MRIs and CT/PET scans, to look for tumors and to assess for staging of this disease.

A lymph node biopsy will reveal whether NHL is present. Bone marrow testing, in which a needle is inserted into the hip to retrieve a sample, is another possible diagnostic procedure.

Patients are given a diagnosis of NHL A or B. The former means the patient is not experiencing any symptoms, while the latter indicates symptoms are significant.

NHL Treatment

Treatment depends on the type of NHL and the stage. NHL may grow quickly or slowly. If growing slowly, the doctor may take a wait-and-see approach. The patient is monitored regularly to see if the disease is picking up.

Those with the more aggressive form of NHL may undergo chemotherapy or Immunotherapy to destroy cancer cells. Chemotherapy usually has side effects, ranging from temporary hair loss to permanent harm to the lungs or heart.

Radiation is another therapy used in treating NHL. How often a patient must undergo radiation, which kills cancer cells, depends on the disease’s stage.

Those with more advanced disease may benefit from a bone marrow transplant. In this procedure, also known as a stem cell transplant, radiation and chemotherapy in high doses are used for bone marrow suppression. The patient then receives an infusion of healthy bone marrow cells to replenish the bone marrow.

Sources

General information, not medical advice

This article can't account for your health history or current treatment. Talk to a qualified clinician before you change anything about your care.

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