Lymphoma is one of 10 types of cancer that affect many Thais. It can occur anywhere as lymph nodes are found all over the body. As such it is a disease very close to us. So, we definitely shouldn’t ignore any symptoms that could be indicative of lymphoma. Here’s what you need to know.
What is the lymphatic system?
The lymphatic system is part of the immune system scattered throughout the body that is primarily responsible for fighting germs or foreign bodies. There are three main components:
1. Lymph is composed of white blood cells and has the appearance of a clear liquid. The most abundant type of white blood cells are lymphocytes which can be divided into two subtypes, type B and type T. They are responsible for destroying organisms such as viruses, bacteria and other foreign elements that enter the body.
2. Lymph ducts are responsible for transporting lymph to different parts of the body.
3. Lymph nodes which are scattered in different parts of the body consist of lymph and various other substances. They are transported through the lymphatic vessels and some areas of the lymph nodes which are grouped together in areas such as the sides of the neck, armpits and groin.
What is lymphoma? What are the causes?
Lymphoma is a disease caused by white blood cells within the lymphatic system with abnormalities that make them grow abnormally fast and non-stop.
Lymphoma has two main types:
· Hodgkin's Lymphoma
Hodgkin’s Lymphoma (HL) is usually caused by type B white blood cells that divide uncontrollably and become cancerous cells in the lymphatic system. HL often occurs in children and young people.
· Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma
· Non-Hodgkin's Lymphoma (NHL) occurs when type B or type T white blood cells become abnormal and divide uncontrollably until they accumulate and become cancerous. NHL is often found in adults or those with HIV.
Both types of lymphoma have different rates of spread and different responses in the body. As such detailed diagnosis is essential for effective treatment.
Risk factors that increase chances of lymphoma
· Age
Although lymphoma can occur in people of all ages, older people are more prone to cancer than younger people, especially those between the ages of 60-70.
· Sex
Lymphoma is more likely to occur in males than females.
· Immune system disease
Those with an immune system disease or who have received immunosuppressant drugs are at higher risk of developing lymphoma than those who have never had such a disease or never received the drug.
· Infection
Certain pathogens when entering the body increase the risk of lymphoma such as Epstein-Barr Virus, Helicobacter Pylori, and others.
· Lifestyle behavior
o Regularly eat certain foods such as chocolate, butter or cheese.
o Regularly drink alcohol.
o Sleep deprivation and inadequate rest.
o Live in an environment that regularly smells of smoking or perfume or very hot weather.
Lymphoma symptoms
· Early symptoms
o Feel and find lumps in different areas of the body such as the neck, armpits, groin or breasts which, when pressed, don’t feel painful. This is different from an infection lump that usually feels painful. Therefore, it should be thoroughly examined by a doctor to accurately diagnose the disease.
o Fever, chills, profuse sweating at night or itching all over the body.
o Loss of appetite, weight loss, exhaustion for unknown reasons.
o Chronic cough, difficulty breathing, enlarged tonsils.
o Headache in the case of lymphoma in the nervous system.
· Progressive symptoms
o Pale body, bleeding easily such as having blood spots all over the body or bruises.
o Severe infection.
o Abdominal lymphoma will cause indigestion, enlarged belly from water, or a lump in the abdomen.
Lymphoma diagnosis
The doctor will first take the patient's history and perform a physical examination before doing the following to find out more.
· Biopsy.
· Bone marrow biopsy to assess whether the cancer has spread into the bone marrow.
· PET scan or CT scan.
· MRI.
· Blood draw and check blood test results.
4 Stages of Lymphoma
Different stages of lymphoma require different treatments. The four stages of lymphoma treatment are as follows:
· Stage 1
Cancer cells only occur in one lymph node. It can be a single gland or a group such as the left side of the neck or the right armpit area and others.
· Stage 2
Cancer cells are found in two or more lymph nodes just above the diaphragm or one area under the diaphragm. In medicine, the body is divided into two parts taking the muscles under the chest or diaphragm as the dividing line. The top part is from the diaphragm up and the bottom part is from the diaphragm down.
· Stage 3
Cancer cells are found in two or more lymph nodes which are distributed throughout the body on the diaphragm and the part under the diaphragm. This includes enlarged lymph nodes in the armpits together with the groin and others.
· Stage 4
Cancer cells have spread to other organs outside the lymphatic system such as the liver, lungs, brain, bones and others.
Lymphoma Treatment
Treatment for lymphoma depends on the type and stage. It may be by one of the methods or a combination as follows.
· Watch & Wait
Used for patients with gradual symptoms or few symptoms. Surveillance will include periodic blood tests and radiological examinations.
· Chemotherapy
This type of treatment uses chemicals to destroy the cancer cells and stop them dividing. The use of chemotherapy depends on the type of lymphoma. Typically, multiple chemotherapy drugs are used in combination or in conjunction with monoclonal antibody therapy.
· Monoclonal Antibody
This synthetic drug binds to proteins on the surface of cancer cells, stimulating the body's immune system to destroy the cancer cells.
· Radiation Therapy
High doses of radiation are used to destroy cancer cells.
· Transplanting Cells or Bone Marrow
This is a way of destroying cancer cells and replacing them with normal cells. There are two types:
o Allogeneic transplant
o Autologous transplant
How to treat lymphoma patients
Patients should adjust their lifestyle and behaviors to promote good health as follows:
· Maintain body weight at a standard level based on BMI (body mass index). A BMI between 18.5 – 22.90 is considered normal.
· Exercise or other strenuous activities such as doing housework but should not overdo it.
· Eat nutritious food such as fruits and vegetables, low-calorie, low-sugar, freshly cooked foods, and all 5 food groups.
· Limit or avoid drinking alcohol.
· Avoid smoking or being in a smoky environment.
· Wash your body with soap especially in the area of damp skin.
· Take care of your mental health. Try to relax and understand the treatment plan as explained by your doctor.
· Get enough sleep.
Lymphoma is a serious, life-threatening disease which can occur in many people. However, if you take good care of your body and notice any abnormal symptoms, it will greatly reduce the risk of it being life threatening. In fact, lymphoma has a greater than 50% chance of being cured, even if it isn’t detected until stage 4. Getting the right diagnosis and early treatment will be most beneficial.
Krungthai-AXA Life Insurance customers in need of treatment for lymphoma can get additional advice from Krungthai-AXA. More details at https://www.krungthai-axa.co.th/th/health-services/care-coordination.
References
· Siriraj Piyamaharajkarun Hospital
https://bit.ly/3SHu9mW
· Bumrungrad Hospital
https://www.bumrungrad.com/th/conditions/lymphoma
· Phyathai Hospital
https://bit.ly/3SIgKLc
· Chulabhorn Hospital
https://www.chulabhornhospital.com/page.php?name=1553
· Princ Hospital Suvarnabhumi
https://www.princsuvarnabhumi.com/content-lymphoma/
· Pobpad website
https://bit.ly/3TiEcin
