What Are the Types of Lymphoma?

What Are the Types of Lymphoma?

Lymphomas fall into one of two major categories: Hodgkin's lymphoma (HL, previously called Hodgkin's disease) and all other lymphomas (non-Hodgkin's lymphomas or NHLs).

• These two types occur in the same places, may be associated with the same symptoms, and often have similar appearance on physical examination (for example, swollen lymph nodes). However, they are readily distinhttp://lymphomacancers.blogspot.com.tr/guishable via microscopic examination of a tissue biopsy sample because of their distinct appearance under the microscope and their cell surface markers.
• Hodgkin's disease develops from a specific abnormal B lymphocyte lineage. NHL may derive from either abnormal B or T cells and are distinguished by unique genetic markers.
• There are five subtypes of Hodgkin's disease and about 30 subtypes of non-Hodgkin's lymphoma (not all experts agree on the numbers and names of these NHL subtypes).
• Because there are so many different subtypes of lymphoma, the classification of lymphomas is complicated (it includes both the microscopic appearance as well as genetic and molecular markers).
• Many of the NHL subtypes look similar, but they are functionally quite different and respond to different therapies with different probabilities of cure. For example, the subtype plasmablastic lymphoma is an aggressive cancer that arises in the oral cavity of HIV-infected patients, the follicular subtype is composed of abnormal B lymphocytes, while anaplastic subtype is comprised of abnormal T cells and cutaneous lymphomas localize abnormal T cells in the skin. As previously mentioned, there are over 30 subtypes of NHL with unusual names such as Mantle cell lymphoma, mucosa associated lymphoid tissue (MALT) lymphoma, hepatosplenic lymphoma and hereditary lymphomas. However, the World Health Organization (WHO) suggests there at least 61 types of NHL; subtyping is still a work in progress. However, no matter how many subtypes experts suggest exist, there are too many to discuss in detail in this article. HL subtypes are microscopically distinct, and typing is based upon the microscopic differences as well as extent of disease.

Lymphoma is the most common type of blood cancer in the United States. It is the seventh most common cancer in adults and the third most common in children. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is far more common than Hodgkin's lymphoma.

• In the United States, about 72,580 new cases of NHL and 8,500 new cases of HL were expected to be diagnosed in 2016, and the overall incidence is increasing each year.
• About 20,150 deaths due to NHL were expected in 2016as well as 1,120 deaths due to HL, with the survival rate of all but the most advanced cases of HL greater than that of other lymphomas.
• Lymphoma can occur at any age, including childhood. Hodgkin's disease is most common in two age groups: young adults 16-34 years of age and in older people 55 years of age and older. Non-Hodgkin's lymphoma is more likely to occur in older people. Continue Reading
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Lymphoma Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Lymphoma Cancer Signs & Symptoms

Symptoms of lymphoma are similar to those of other diseases and afflictions. The most common symptom is a painless swelling in a lymph node (called lymphadenopathy). People often first go to the doctor because they think they have a cold or respiratory infection that will not go away. The neck or armpits are common places noticed first, but the swelling can occur in other parts of the body including the groin (that may cause swelling in the legs or ankles) or the abdomen (that can cause cramping and bloating). Some lymphoma patients notice no swelling at all while others may complain of night sweats, weight loss, chills, a lack of energy or itching. There is usually no pain involved, especially when the lymphoma is in the early stage of development.

Most people who have nonspecific complaints such as these will not have lymphoma. However, it is important that any person who has symptoms that persist see a doctor to confirm that no lymphoma or serious illness are present. The doctor will perform a complete physical examination and look for swollen lymph nodes under the chin, in the neck and tonsil area, on the shoulders and elbows, armpits, and in the groin. The doctor will also examine other parts of the body to see whether there is swelling or fluid in your chest or abdomen that could be caused by swollen lymph nodes.

You will be asked about pain and examined for any weakness or paralysis that could be an enlarged lymph node pressing against nerves or the spinal cord. Your abdomen will be examined to see whether any internal organs are enlarged, especially the spleen. If the doctor suspects lymphoma, he or she will likely order further tests including a biopsy, blood tests, x-rays and perhaps a bone marrow evaluation.

Symptom Alert Checklist

The symptoms of lymphoma are commonly seen in other, less serious illnesses, such as influenza or other viral infection. These symptoms are often overlooked, but in cases of less serious illnesses they would not last very long. With lymphoma, these symptoms persist over time and cannot be explained by an infection or another disease. The checklist below lists the most common symptoms of lymphoma.

Because of the common nature of these symptoms and because lymphoma symptoms do not appear in all cases, diagnosis is often problematic.

If you suspect that you, a family member, friend or loved one may have lymphoma, see your doctor or qualified medical professional as soon as possible. Early diagnosis makes an impact on treatment and outcome.

Initial Symptoms of Lymphoma

Painless swelling in the upper body lymph nodes, i.e., the neck, collarbone region, armpits or groin. (A swollen lymph node is normally NOT as painful as an infected lymph node, which is common and can be painful.) This checklist lists the most common symptoms of lymphoma:

Chills/temperature swings

Fevers (especially at night)

Unexplained weight loss

Loss of appetite

Unusual tiredness/lack of energy

Persistent coughing

Breathlessness

Persistent itch all over the body without an apparent cause or rash

General fatigue

Enlarged tonsils

Headache.

Symptoms of Advanced Lymphoma

More advanced lymphoma may present with the following symptoms:

In certain instances, people feel pain in the lymph nodes after drinking alcohol.

If the lymphoma involves lymphatic tissue within the abdomen, bowel or stomach, fluid may build up causing swelling near the intestines, potentially leading to sensations of abdominal pressure, pain, diarrhea and/or indigestion.

The enlarged lymph node sometimes causes other symptoms by pressing against a vein (causing swelling of an arm or leg), or against a nerve (causing pain, numbness, or tingling in an arm or leg).

Some people experience lower back pain that is unexplained. It is thought that this may be caused by expanding lymph nodes pressing on nerves.

As lymphomas progress and cancerous lymphocytes spread beyond the lymphatic system, the body loses its ability to fight infection. The generalized symptoms that develop may be confused with signs of influenza, tuberculosis, other infections such as infectious mononucleosis or other cancers.

Hodgkin's Lymphoma Treatment

There are two main forms of Hodgkin lymphoma which are referred to as classic Hodgkin disease and nodular lymphocyte predominance Hodgkin disease. Within classic Hodgkin disease, there are four different subtypes: nodular sclerosis, mixed cellularity, lymphocyte-rich and lymphocyte-depleted Hodgkin disease.

Hodgkin lymphoma, also called Hodgkin disease, is a particular type of cancer of the lymphatic system, which is a part of the body’s immune system that works to fight off infections. The presence of a cell called the Reed-Sternberg cell is what differentiates Hodgkin lymphoma from other forms of lymphoma. This form of cancer is relatively rare, with approximately 8,400 new cases expected to be diagnosed this year.

Chemotherapy

Given intravenously or by mouth, a combination of one or more chemotherapy regimens called AVBD, Stanford V or BEACOPP are usually given to treat Hodgkin lymphoma. At times, chemotherapy also is given in combination with radiation therapy.

Radiation Therapy

The use of high-energy rays to kill the cancerous cells is a common treatment for Hodgkin lymphoma when the tumor is located in one main area of the body, rather than spread throughout.

Stem Cell Transplantation

If the Hodgkin lymphoma recurs or does not respond to initial treatment, a stem cell transplant may be performed. Following a regimen of high doses of chemotherapy or radiation, which are given to destroy bone marrow cells (where white blood cells develop), healthy blood-forming stem cells previously removed from the patient or a donor are given to rebuild the bone marrow that was destroyed during the chemotherapy/radiation treatment