Lymphoma: an unexpected enemy in the immune system

Sometimes the cells that are supposed to protect our body from infections cause cancer. In this case, we are talking about lymphoma. In this article, we will discuss this disease in detail — its symptoms, treatment, and prognosis.

What is lymphoma and why is it important to know about this disease?

Lymphoma is a malignant neoplasm that develops from cells of the lymphatic system — lymphocytes. Under the influence of mutations, cells begin to multiply uncontrollably and form a tumor. They accumulate in the bone marrow, lymph nodes, and other organs.

The length of time it takes for lymphoma to develop depends on its type: aggressive forms progress within weeks or months, while indolent forms remain stable for years.

Lymphoma is a malignant disease that responds well to treatment when diagnosed in a timely manner. In such cases, the prognosis is mostly favorable.

Types of lymphoma: basic classifications of the disease

The classification of lymphomas is based on the type of cells from which the tumor develops. In this section, we will look at the two most common forms of this disease.

Hodgkin's lymphoma

A characteristic feature is the presence of specific Berezovsky-Sternberg-Reed cells. These are giant abnormal lymphocytes that are detected during microscopic examination of lymph node tissue. The pathology most often develops in young people aged 20-30 years. The symptoms of Hodgkin's disease are quite specific.

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas

Non-Hodgkin's lymphomas are a group of neoplasms that do not contain B-cell lymphoma cells. Some of them develop slowly, without causing serious symptoms for years. Others progress rapidly and require immediate intensive treatment.

Non-Hodgkin lymphomas are divided into B-cell and T-cell forms:

• T-cell — develops from T-lymphocytes. They are responsible for cellular immunity. This category includes peripheral T-cell lymphomas, skin lymphoma (fungal-like mycosis and Sézary syndrome), anaplastic large cell, and other subtypes.

The skin and digestive tract are most often affected. B-cell lymphoma develops from B lymphocytes, which are responsible for producing antibodies. This group includes marginal zone lymphoma, diffuse large B-cell lymphoma, follicular lymphoma, and mantle cell lymphoma.

The difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma

The main difference between Hodgkin's and non-Hodgkin's lymphoma lies in the microscopic structure of the tumor and the development of the disease. Hodgkin's lymphoma starts in one lymph node and gradually spreads to neighboring groups of nodes. The recovery rate is over 80%.

Non-Hodgkin's malignant lymphoma can occur in any part of the lymphatic system. It spreads chaotically, affecting organs outside the lymph nodes. The prognosis depends on the aggressiveness of the neoplasm and timely medical attention.

Stages of lymphatic system cancer

Lymphatic system cancer is classified into the following stages:

1. First — only one group of lymph nodes or one organ is affected.
2. Second — two or more groups of nodes are involved in the pathological process.
3. In stage 3 lymphoma, the spleen is often affected.
4. Fourth — the tumor spreads beyond the lymphatic system, adversely affecting other organs: the liver, lungs, bone marrow, etc.

Lymphomas: causes

In most cases, it is impossible to determine the exact cause of the development of the pathology. However, there are factors that increase the risk of cancer of the lymphatic system:

• the presence of the Epstein-Barr virus
• human immunodeficiency virus (HIV)
• Helicobacter pylori
• the presence of autoimmune diseases
• organ transplant surgery
• congenital immunodeficiencies
• exposure to ionizing radiation
• contact with chemicals (pesticides, herbicides)
• genetic predisposition

The likelihood of developing a neoplasm also increases with age. After the age of 60, regular screening should be performed.

What are the main signs of lymphoma?

People usually do not notice how lymphoma begins. Most often, the first signs are subtle and resemble the symptoms of other diseases.

The first symptom of lymphoma is painless enlargement of the lymph nodes. Common locations are the neck, armpits, and groin. These nodes are dense, elastic in consistency, and not fused with the surrounding tissues. Unlike lymph nodes enlarged due to infection, these nodes do not shrink after taking antibiotics.

How does lymphoma manifest itself when internal organs are affected? If the formation is located in the chest, the person coughs, experiences chest pain, and shortness of breath. A malignant process in the abdominal cavity is accompanied by abdominal pain and indigestion. When the bone marrow is affected, the person is constantly tired, sleepy, and bruises and bleeding appear on the skin.

Symptoms of Hodgkin's lymphoma: specific pain in enlarged lymph nodes after alcohol consumption, itchy skin without rashes.

Signs of lymphoma of the skin: the appearance of reddish, pink, or purple spots, nodules, or plaques that itch and peel.

Ways to diagnose lymphoma: from tests to examinations

If you suspect you have lymphoma, see an oncologist for a detailed examination. Diagnosis of lymphoma begins with determining the patient's complaints and a physical examination. During palpation, the doctor examines the lymph nodes, liver, and spleen.

A biopsy of the suspicious lymph node is mandatory. The doctor uses a thin needle to take a piece of tissue for examination

Patients often ask: how to diagnose lymphoma on their own? This is quite difficult to do. But if you notice enlarged lymph nodes that do not hurt, this is a good reason to make an appointment with an oncologist.

With lymphoma, diagnosis requires mandatory sampling for laboratory analysis:

• general and biochemical blood tests
• bone marrow biopsy
• lumbar puncture

To determine the stage of the disease, contrast-enhanced computed tomography, positron emission tomography, and magnetic resonance imaging are used.

You can find out more about the services of the Oncare Medical Center on our website.

Specifics of lymphoma in children

Tumors in children are more often aggressive and develop rapidly. However, they respond better to therapy.

The symptoms of lymphoma in children are quite nonspecific. The child may experience:

• general weakness
• decreased appetite
• increased moodiness
• enlarged lymph nodes

The prognosis with timely treatment is very favorable — more than 80% of children recover.

Possible complications of lymphatic system disease

Oncological diseases of the lymphatic system can lead to the following complications:

• Superior vena cava syndrome — occurs with large mediastinal tumors. The neoplasms compress the large vein that carries blood from the head and arms to the heart. This leads to swelling of the face, neck, and upper limbs, shortness of breath, and is an emergency condition.
• Damage to the central nervous system. The person experiences headaches, nausea, vomiting, visual disturbances, and seizures. Compression of the spinal cord can cause paralysis and pelvic organ dysfunction.
• Tumor lysis syndrome — occurs with massive breakdown of malignant cells. Most often at the beginning of treatment, when a large amount of intracellular substances enters the bloodstream.
• Autoimmune complications — autoimmune hemolytic anemia and thrombocytopenia.

Oncology of the lymph nodes can cause immunosuppression. The person becomes vulnerable to infections.

Lymphoma recurrence can occur years after remission. Therefore, you should visit your oncologist for follow-up examinations for a long time after completing treatment.

What to do if you are diagnosed with lymphoma?

Once you have been diagnosed with lymphoma, it is important not to panic and to take action step by step. Gather all your medical records: test results, biopsies, examination results. Ask your doctor about possible treatments, side effects, and the prognosis.

Enlist the support of loved ones and, if necessary, consult a psychologist. This will help you maintain your mental health while fighting the disease.

The doctors at the Oncare Medical Center care for our patients and support them at every stage of treatment.

How is lymphoma treated?

When choosing a treatment method, the doctor considers the stage of the disease, the patient's age, and their overall health.

For lymphoma, treatment involves the use of one or a combination of several approaches.

Chemotherapy is the basis for treating most types of this cancer. Combinations of several drugs are used, which act on different mechanisms of cell division.

Targeted therapy blocks specific molecular pathways necessary for tumor growth. The drugs target malignant cells without affecting healthy ones.

Radiation therapy is used locally to destroy tumor sites after surgery. Radiation is also effective for Hodgkin's lymphoma.

Bone marrow stem cell transplantation is considered for relapses or refractory forms. Autologous transplantation involves the use of the patient's own stem cells. Allogeneic transplantation from a compatible donor is used less frequently due to the higher risk of complications.

CAR-T cell therapy is a method in which the patient's T lymphocytes are modified in the laboratory to recognize and attack lymphoma cells. After that, the T lymphocytes are returned to the body.

Rehabilitation after treatment

Completion of the main course of treatment is not the end of the road, but the beginning of the recovery period.

Rehabilitation is aimed at returning to normal life and overcoming the effects of therapy. During the first two years, regular examinations are necessary every 3-6 months for early detection of a possible relapse. Then the frequency of examinations decreases.

Physical activity helps restore strength, reduce fatigue, and improve mood. Start gradually: short walks, light exercises, gradually increasing the load.

Diet for lymphoma and after treatment should be balanced, rich in vegetables, fruits, whole grains, and lean protein. Avoid overly processed foods and limit red meat and alcohol in your diet.

Also, drink plenty of fluids. This will help your body eliminate toxins faster after chemotherapy.

If necessary, consult a psychologist. A specialist will help you restore your mental health after treatment and its consequences.

Prevention

There is no specific prevention for this disease. However, some measures can help strengthen the body and reduce the likelihood of cancer:

• vaccination against hepatitis B
• treatment for Helicobacter pylori
• limiting contact with chemicals and using protective equipment when working with them
• a balanced diet
• enough vitamins and minerals
• enough sleep
• an active lifestyle
• quitting smoking, limiting alcohol consumption

Remember to visit your doctor for preventive checkups. If you notice any suspicious symptoms of this disease, make an appointment with your doctor as soon as possible.

Conclusion

Lymphoma is a complex, often aggressive form of cancer that responds well to treatment. With timely referral to an oncologist, the prognosis for patients is quite favorable, and the risk of recurrence is minimal. Take care of your health, and the doctors at the Oncare Medical Center will help you with this.