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Definition:
Lymphomas are cancers of the lymphatic system. The lymphatic
system drains excess fluid from the tissues and helps protect
against infection. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is a general name given
to many types of cancer found in the lymphatic system. These
cancers are different from Hodgkin's lymphoma, a related type of
cancer.
Cancer occurs when
cells in the body (in this case lymph cells, or lymphocytes)
divide without control or order. Normally, cells divide in a
regulated manner. If cells keep dividing uncontrollably when new
cells are not needed, a mass of tissue forms, called a growth or
tumor. The term cancer refers to malignant tumors, which can
invade nearby tissues and can spread to other parts of the body. A
benign tumor does not invade or spread.
Causes:
The cause of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is unknown.
Risk
Factors: A risk factor is something that increases your
chance of getting a disease or condition.
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Sex: Male
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Frequent and
accumulating exposure to certain types of chemicals
(herbicides, pesticides, benzene)
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Infections
involving the immune system, such as HIV/AIDS and Epstein-Barr
virus
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History of
chemotherapy or radiation therapy
Symptoms:
Symptoms include:
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Painless
swelling of the neck, underarm, groin, or any other lymph node
bearing regions of the body
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Unexplained
fever
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Night
sweats
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Constant
fatigue
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Unexplained
weight loss
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Itchy skin,
especially on the legs and feet
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Reddened
patches on the skin
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Chest pain or
shortness of breath
Diagnosis:
The doctor will ask about your symptoms and medical history, and
perform a physical exam. In particular, the doctor will carefully
examine your lymph nodes. Most enlarged or swollen lymph nodes
result from infection, not lymphomas. If infection is suspected,
you may be given medication and told to return for re-examination.
If swelling
persists, your doctor may order a lymph node biopsy. The biopsy
results will show whether there is cancer, and if so, the type of
cancer that is present.
Treatment:
Treatments for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma depend on the stage of the
cancer.
Treatments include:
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Chemotherapy -
the use of drugs to kill cancer cells. Chemotherapy may be
given in many forms including: pill, injection, and via a
catheter. The drugs enter the bloodstream and travel through
the body killing mostly cancer cells, but also some healthy
cells.
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External
Radiation Therapy - radiation directed at the tumor from a
source outside the body to kill the cancer cells.
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Bone Marrow
Transplantation - bone marrow is removed, treated, and frozen.
Large doses of chemotherapy and/or radiation therapy are then
applied to kill the cancer cells. After treatment, the bone
marrow is replaced via a vein. Transplanted bone marrow may be
marrow of the patient's that was treated to remove cancer
cells or marrow from a healthy donor.
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Peripheral Stem
Cell Transplantation (PSCT) - stem cells (very immature cells
that produce blood cells) are removed from circulating blood
before chemotherapy or radiation treatment, and then replaced
after treatment.
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Biological
Therapy - medications or substances made by the body to
increase or restore the body's natural defenses against
cancer. Also called biological response modifier (BRM)
therapy.
Prevention:
There are no guidelines for preventing non-Hodgkin's lymphoma. To
reduce your risk, avoid exposure to chemicals such as herbicides,
pesticides and benzene.
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