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Lymphoma (Non-Hodgkins Lymphoma / NHL): Frequently Asked Questions

What is lymphoma?

Cancers that originate in the lymphatic system (also called the body's immune system) are called lymphomas. In part, the lymphatic system is composed of lymph nodes, which are small, spherical clusters of lymphocytes, or white blood cells. In a healthy immune system, lymphocytes have a normal cycle of life-they are produced regularly, and they die off regularly. In cases of lymphoma, the lymphatic system becomes abnormal, producing functionless or defective cells at an alarming rate. ...
Lymphoma is one of the complications. It is a cancer of the lymphocytes, which are the same cells that attack gluten and your body, causing the intestinal damage. Those cells are growing and dividing at an accelerated rate to fight off the gluten, and then something triggers one to turn into a lymphoma. It is rare in treated coeliacs, but it does happen. It is like smoking and lung cancer; the longer you've stopped smoking the less chance you have of getting lung cancer. ...
Lymphoma refers generally to a group of cancers in a person’s lymph nodes, which are which are small bean-shaped organs found in clusters throughout the body, including in the underarms, groin, neck, chest and abdomen, and in the stomach, intestines and skin. The lymph nodes work hard to filter bacteria and fight off disease by dividing and continually replacing themselves. However, when these cells divide too rapidly and grow without any order or control, too much tissue is formed and tumors begin to grow. ...
Lymphoma refers generally to a group of cancers in a person’s lymph nodes, which are which are small bean-shaped organs found in clusters throughout the body, including in the underarms, groin, neck, chest and abdomen, and in the stomach, intestines and skin. The lymph nodes work hard to filter bacteria and fight off disease by dividing and continually replacing themselves. However, when these cells divide too rapidly and grow without any order or control, too much tissue is formed and tumors begin to grow. ...

What is non-Hodgkins lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkins lymphoma is cancer of the lymphatic system, the body's immune system. In the immune systems of people with non-Hodgkins lymphoma, abnormal lymphocytes emerge and divide uncontrollably and at an alarming rate, overcrowding the lymph nodes and impairing their functions. This type of cancer accounts for about 5 percent of all cancer cases in the United States and can spread to anywhere in the body, including the bone marrow, liver, spleen, or other organs.

What is Hodgkins lymphoma?

An extremely rare form of cancer, Hodgkin's lymphoma accounts for just 1 percent of all cancer cases in the United States. It is triggered by the random, uncontrollable growth of cells in the lymphatic system. These cells amass, forming unhealthy tumors. Because lymphatic tissue can be found throughout the body, Hodgkin's disease can originate anywhere. It usually begins in one lymph node or a group of lymph nodes and then spreads throughout the body, but its causes are not known.

What are the different types of lymphoma?

The two types of lymphoma are Hodgkin's lymphoma (Hodgkin's disease) and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma.

What is The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society?

The Society, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
LLS, headquartered in White Plains, NY, is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $800 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma.
The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society® (LLS) is the world’s largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research and providing education and patient services. The Society’s mission: Cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin’s disease, and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, the Society has invested more than $550.8 million in research specifically targeting leukemia, lymphoma, and myeloma. ...

What are the causes of lymphoma?

Not much is known about the cause of lymphoma in dogs. Like all cancers, the development of lymphoma involves a mixture of genetic influences and environmental influences. Genetic information partially control how well an individual animal’s system can correct damage to cells and to DNA, which can lead to cancer. Due to genetic factors, certain breeds of dogs, such as Golden Retrievers, are more likely than others to get lymphoma. ...
The cause of lymphoma is not known for certain. However, researchers believe that certain factors, such as exposure to carcinogens, pesticides, herbicides, viruses and bacteria may play a role. Certain individuals may also be at higher risk for getting lymphoma, including those persons who: Have a family history of NHL (though no hereditary pattern has been well established) Have an existing autoimmune disease (particularly celiac disease) Have received an organ transplant Have a congenital immune ...

What are the stages of canine lymphoma?

Stage I: one lymph node affected Stage II: two lymph nodes (on the same side of the diaphragm) affected Stage III: multiple lymph nodes affected Stage IV: the liver and spleen are affected Stage V: the bone marrow is affected (lymphoma and leukemia) Stage I and II are very rare in dogs. Stage III is the most common presentation. Stage IV and V dogs will be a little less likely to go into remission with treatment than Stage III dogs. ...

What is canine lymphoma?

Lymphoma is a common cancer in dogs. It is a cancer of the lymph nodes and vessels, and it can occur in any organ, although it usually starts in the lymph nodes themselves. Because the cancer is within the lymph nodes, it is regarded as a body-wide cancer even though we may find evidence of it only in the lymph node(s).

Can lymphoma be prevented?

Because there is not yet a certain known cause of lymphoma, there is no identifiable way to prevent its occurrence. However, patients who have conditions associated with a higher risk of NHL in general, or T-cell lymphoma in particular, should see their doctor promptly if they develop symptoms suggestive of lymphoma (enlarged lymph nodes, new skin rash or a skin rash that is different from the usual, night sweats, lack of appetite, unexpected weight loss). This will allow early recognition and treatment.

What are the signs and symptoms of lymphoma?

The signs and symptoms of lymphoma vary, however, they may include the following: skin rashes enlarged lymph nodes or spleen fatigue night sweats weight loss anemia bleeding and an increased rate of infections

Who is the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society?

The Leukemia & Lymphoma Society (LLS) is the world's largest voluntary health organization dedicated to funding blood cancer research, education and patient services. The mission of LLS is to cure leukemia, lymphoma, Hodgkin's disease and myeloma, and improve the quality of life of patients and their families. Since its founding in 1949, LLS has invested more than $600 million for research specifically targeting blood cancers.

How common is Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma is the sixth most common cancer in the USA. Although people of any age can develop NHL, the risk increases with age. More than half the cases are in people age 60 years and older. It is estimated that 56,000 new cases of NHL were diagnosed in the USA in 2003.

What causes Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

There is no known cause of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma. It has been linked to pesticides, hair dyes, AIDS and immune suppressing therapies, although these have never been proven.

What are the treatment options for Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

The treatment of NHL will depend on the type and stage. Some types of NHL are curable (disappearance of all evidence of disease) with existing therapies which include chemotherapy, radiation and monoclonal antibodies (antibody is made from a single clone of cells). However some types of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma are not curable with existing therapies and are eventually fatal. For these types of NHL, enrollment in a clinical trial studying new agents is an option many physicians and patients consider.

What are the typical symptoms of Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma?

The first and most common sign is often a painless swelling of the lymph nodes either in the neck, arm pit or groin. However lymph nodes can be enlarged for reasons other than cancer. Other symptoms include night sweats, weight loss, unexplained high temperatures and fatigue. If the disease has spread from the lymph nodes to other organs, other symptoms will appear. For example if the cancer has spread to the stomach, the patient will experience nausea, vomiting or stomach pain. ...

How is non-Hodgkins lymphoma treated?

Currently, there is no cure for non-Hodgkin's lymphoma , but there are several types of treatment available to help bring about remission. These include radiation therapy, chemotherapy, observation, biological therapy, high-dose chemotherapy with bone marrow transplantation, and high-dose chemotherapy with peripheral blood stem cell transplantation. The type of treatment is selected on a case-by-case basis, is different for adults and children, and may be combined with other methods for optimal results.

What are the symptoms of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma?

The most common symptom of non-Hodgkin's lymphomas is a painless swelling in the lymph nodes in the neck, underarm or groin. Other symptoms may include: Unexplained fevers Drenching night sweats Fatigue Unexplained weight loss Itching Reddened patches on the skin Nausea, vomiting or abdominal pain (sometimes) As lymphomas progress, the body is less able to fight infection. However, these symptoms are not sure signs of cancer. They may also be caused by many common illnesses, such as the flu or other infections. ...

What is the prognosis (chance of recovery) for lymphoma?

The prognosis depends on the following factors: The stage of the cancer The type of T-cell lymphoma The person’s age and general health Whether the lymphoma has just been diagnosed or has recurred (come back) Speak with your doctor about your specific diagnosis and the stage of disease the lymphoma is in.

What types of treatments exist for lymphoma?

The type of treatment you receive will depend on your diagnosis and the stage. Talk with your physician about this. Generally, individuals with lymphoma will receive any of the following types of treatment: Chemotherapy, which involves treatment with drugs that are used to kill cancer cells or prevent them from growing Radiation therapy, which involves radiating and thus injuring or destroying cells in the area being treated ...

Are leukemia/lymphoma/MDS contagious? Are they hereditary?

Blood cancers are not contagious, nor are they hereditary. Often times people become concerned for their family and loved ones thinking they might pass the disease on to someone close to them. This will not happen. It cannot be passed on through contact nor through genes. There has been no evidence showing any hereditary connections.

What is Primary non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma of Bone ?

Primary non-Hodgkin's lymphoma of bone (PLB) is a rare type of cancer starting in bone, it accounts for about 7% of all primary bone tumours. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (NHL) usually starts in the lymph nodes and lymph glands (part of the immune system). PLB, however, starts in the bone. This is distinct from NHL which started in the lymph notes and then spread to the bones (bone metastases). The peak age of people diagnosed with PLB is in the 50-60 yr age group, the disease is slightly more common in men than in women. ...

What type of doctor specializes in lymphoma?

Physicians who specialize in the treatment of lymphoma are called hematologists. They are trained in the management of blood-related disorders and specialize in oncology or cancer treatment. They will coordinate all of the care for a patient with lymphoma including ordering the treatments such as chemotherapy. If a stem cell transplant becomes necessary in treating the disease then the hematologist usually works directly with the transplant team.

What if I have leukemia/lymphoma?

Please call 1-800-955-4576 and the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society can help you locate a new doctor and treatment facility.

What is the standard treatment of Hodgkin lymphoma?

Normally, Hodgkin lymphoma is treated with a combined chemo- and radiotherapy. The intensity of therapy depends on the stage of disease at the time of diagnosis. In most cases, treatment can be conducted on an outpatient basis. (more…)
Source: www.ghsg.org
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